New Riyadh ‘innovation lab’ to focus on developing Saudi women’s ICT skills 

Short Url
Updated 07 December 2021
Follow

New Riyadh ‘innovation lab’ to focus on developing Saudi women’s ICT skills 

DUBAI: As more women join Saudi Arabia’s workforce, a multinational company is setting up an “innovation lab” to support digital skills development. 

The new platform, created by India’s Tata Consultancy Services, will work with startups and universities to provide participants, particularly women, a chance to “explore and innovate with new technologies.”

Women’s participation in the Kingdom’s workforce has increased from 20 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2020 — a 64 percent rise in just two years. 

Although the all-women center will focus on developing IT and digital-related skills, Tata said it will also support participants to pursue long-term careers in finance, accounting, human resource operations, and supply chain management. 

Several representatives from different Saudi bodies were present at the inauguration, including Ahmed Altheneyan, the deputy minister for future jobs and digital entrepreneurship.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

Updated 19 February 2026
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 208.20 points, or 1.87 percent, to close at 10,947.25. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.80 billion ($1.28 billion), as 14 of the listed stocks advanced, while 253 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 25.35 points, or 1.69 percent, to close at 1,477.71. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 217.90 points, or 0.92 percent, to close at 23,404.75. This came as 24 of the listed stocks advanced, while 43 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Musharaka REIT Fund, with its share price up 2.12 percent to SR4.34. 

Other top performers included Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., which saw its share price rise by 1.18 percent to SR17.20, and Saudi Industrial Export Co., which saw a 0.8 percent increase to SR2.51. 

On the downside, Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. was among the day’s biggest decliners, with its share price falling 9.3 percent to SR39. 

National Medical Care Co. fell 8.98 percent to SR128.80, while National Co. for Learning and Education declined 6.35 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcements front, Red Sea International said its subsidiary, the Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Co., has entered into a framework agreement with King Salman International Airport Development Co. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company noted that the agreement establishes the general terms and conditions for the execution of enabling works at the King Salman International Airport project in Riyadh.  

Under the 48-month contract, the scope of work includes the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.  

Utilizing a re-measurement model, specific work orders will be issued on a call-off basis, with the final contract value to be determined upon the completion and measurement of actual quantities executed.  

The financial impact of this collaboration is expected to begin reflecting on the company’s statements starting in the first quarter of 2026, the statement said. 

The company’s share price reached SR23.05, marking a 2.45 percent decrease on the main market.