AJYAL is a high-impact initiative supported by the Citi Foundation, in collaboration with Education For Employment – EFE Global and Education For Employment in Saudi Arabia – EFE Saudi, aimed at empowering young Saudi men and women and strengthening their readiness for the evolving demands of the labor market.

The first round of the program successfully supported the graduation of 20 young men and women from Saudi Arabia through an integrated training experience focused on building practical skills that support their professional readiness. The program covered life skills and employability, digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, as well as green skills.

Throughout the program, participants developed essential competencies including effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and workplace readiness. They also explored the use of digital tools and AI applications in the workplace, while gaining a better understanding of sustainability and green skills and their growing importance in future careers.

“The most powerful outcome of programmes like this is not simply the skills young people gain, but the confidence and opportunity those skills create. At Citi, we believe investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities and economies. Through our longstanding partnership with Education for Employment, the Citi Foundation is proud to help equip young people across the MENA region with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world of work. As Saudi Arabia enters an exciting new era of growth and transformation, we are proud to support a generation that will help shape its future,” said Fahad Aldeweesh, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head of Saudi Arabia.

Abdulmohsen AlAjaji, Board Member of Education For Employment – Saudi Arabia, said that the “Ajyal” program represents a distinctive and engaging experience for Saudi youth, bringing together the development of future-oriented personal and professional skills with the evolving needs of the Saudi labor market. The program enables participants to build their career paths with confidence and make the most of available opportunities, while supporting the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

AlAjaji also emphasized that investing in youth skills development, particularly in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, is a key pillar in preparing a generation equipped to adapt to changes in the labor market, contribute effectively to the Saudi economy, and capitalize on the opportunities created by economic and technological transformation.

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Through AJYAL, the Citi Foundation, together with EFE Global and EFE Saudi, continues to invest in the capabilities of young people and support their transition into the workforce with greater confidence, skills, and readiness for the opportunities and challenges of the future

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