Technology revolution to transform 70% of global business practices, minister says

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan.
Short Url
Updated 28 February 2024
Follow

Technology revolution to transform 70% of global business practices, minister says

RIYADH: Global estimates suggest that technology adoptions and expansion are set to transform 70 percent of business practices globally, according to a top official.

Speaking during the opening of the Human Capability Initiative held in Riyadh, Saudi Education Minister Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan highlighted that global estimates indicate a potential disruption of 40 percent of workers’ skills within the next four to five years due to these changes. 

“During the next two days, over 250 global leaders and experts will join us to share their knowledge and insight on how to unleash the potential for human capability and catalyze international corporations to maximize resilience in times of uncertainty,” Al-Benyan said. 

He added: “Technology adoptions and expansion are set to transform 70 percent of business practices globally. As economists continue to navigate this dynamic labor market landscape, it is more critical than ever to work inclusively to promote positive human capability outcomes.” 

Al-Benyan emphasized the importance of harnessing human potential in a world that is constantly changing. Additionally, he highlighted the need to address evolving labor market dynamics both locally and globally. 

“Today, we convene to navigate the currents of changes shaping both local and international labor markets. Human Capability Initiative is a part of the Kingdom Vision 2030 and supports the goal of advancing skills,” the minister said. 

He also noted that over the next two days, over 40 announcements will be made, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to working collaboratively with all partners. 

Additionally, Al-Benyan mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program, which encompasses strategies covering all stages of learning, from early childhood to lifelong learning, aims to unleash individuals’ full potential.  

Furthermore, he emphasized collaboration between the government, private sector, and non-profit organizations to ensure success and prosperity for all. 

“To make these efforts a reality, Saudi Arabia will come working with all partners to explore opportunities and promote innovative policy design and solutions advancing human capability,” Al-Benyan continued. 

He added: “It is within this context that human capability initiatives emerge as a beacon of hope and progress — a global, collaborative platform dedicated to advancing the human capability agenda. HCI aims to empower individuals and foster resilient economics for the future.”  

Touted as the first-ever global cooperative platform designed to unify international efforts and enrich the global dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for developing human capabilities, HCI is being held under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

According to the HCI website, the event will explore opportunities in various areas including skill development, the future of work, education, talent, and technology. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes higher at 10,596 

Updated 23 December 2025
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes higher at 10,596 

RIYADH: Saudi equities closed higher on Tuesday, with the Tadawul All Share Index rising 43.59 points, or 0.41 percent, to finish at 10,595.85, supported by broad-based buying and strength in select mid-cap stocks. 

Market breadth was firmly positive, with 170 stocks advancing against 90 decliners, while trading activity saw 161.96 million shares change hands, generating a total value of SR3.39 billion. 

Meanwhile, the MT30 Index closed higher, gaining 6.52 points, or 0.47 percent, to 1,399.11, while the Nomu Parallel Market Index edged marginally lower, slipping 3.33 points, or 0.01 percent, to 23,267.77. 

Among the session’s top gainers, Al Masar Al Shamil Education Co. surged 9.99 percent to close at SR26.20, while Saudi Cable Co. jumped 9.98 percent to SR147.70.  
Cherry Trading Co. rose 4.18 percent to SR25.44, and United Carton Industries Co. advanced 4.09 percent to SR26.46. 

Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co. also posted solid gains, climbing 4.07 percent to end at SR32.70.  

On the downside, Emaar The Economic City led losses, slipping 3.55 percent to SR10.32, followed by Derayah REIT Fund, which fell 2.92 percent to SR5.31. 

Derayah Financial Co. declined 2.13 percent to SR26.62, while United International Holding Co. retreated 1.96 percent to SR155.20, and Gulf Union Alahlia Cooperative Insurance Co. eased 1.92 percent to SR10.70.  

On the announcements front, Red Sea International Co. said it signed a SR202.8 million contract with Webuild S.P.A. to provide integrated facilities management services for the Trojena project at Neom. 

The agreement covers operations and maintenance for the project’s Main Camp and Spike Camp, including accommodation and housekeeping, catering, security, IT and communications, utilities, waste management, fire safety and emergency response, as well as other supporting services.  

The contract runs for two years, with the financial impact expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Shares of Red Sea International closed up 0.99 percent at SR34.74. 

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. disclosed that it received an award notification from Humain to design and build a data center dedicated to artificial intelligence technologies, with a total value exceeding 155 percent of the company’s 2024 revenue, inclusive of VAT. 

The contract is expected to be formally signed in February 2026, underscoring the scale of the project and its potential impact on the company’s future revenues.  

MIS shares ended the session 2.82 percent higher at SR156.70, reflecting positive investor sentiment following the announcement.