Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed inaugurated Nesma Training Center on Tuesday as the first nonprofit center for training in the Kingdom.
The center comes within the framework of the training policy pursued by Nesma Holding in its corporate social responsibility scheme. In line with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah's vision to support the Saudi youth, the center aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills to empower them to enter the work force.
“Sheikh Saleh Al-Turki is one of the influential businessmen who plays a vital role in supporting the government’s plans to develop the country. I hope all businessmen think like Sheikh Saleh. Our love for this country requires us all to contribute positively toward society,” said Prince Mishaal.
Al-Turki, CEO of Nesma Holding, said: “Restructuring social and volunteering work is one of the main areas that Prince Mishaal has developed to achieve sustainable development. Nesma Training Center is part of an integrated system for the establishment of nonprofit training centers for Saudis, in which several centers will be established across the Kingdom.
“Our goal of launching this center is to develop the skills of Saudis and enable them to improve their efficiency and productivity.
“The traditional way of submitting CVs in order to get a job has become redundant because resumes are not sufficient in conveying the skills of a job seeker. Modern age technology has encouraged us in Nesma Holding to create a special body where people can ask for job opportunities.”
Al-Turki cited Aramco as a successful example of an enterprise offering training courses for Saudi nationals.
“It is very important to create job opportunities and hire Saudis in different job positions because if we hire expats in these jobs, we won't be able to effectively nationalize our economy. We have provided training for many Saudi employees at Nesma and now they occupy leading positions in the company,” he said.
Asked about small and medium enterprises (SMEs), he told Arab News that supporting SMEs is important and there are several training courses that Nesma Training Center is running to boost the skills of entrepreneurs.
“We work on developing soft skills and offer work ethics courses. Unfortunately, some people don’t attend the work ethics course, which is why we stop them from attending the rest of the classes,” he said.
According to Al-Turki, Nesma Training Center is striving to reduce the gap between Saudi youth and the private sector, especially given the facts revealed in a new study which states that 80 percent of managers in private companies believe there is a shortage in the efficiency, expertise and work ethics of Saudi graduates.
“During the Haj season, Saudis reject more than 20,000 job opportunities at a staggering cost of SR 120 million annually because they refuse to work as drivers. The study also indicated that 70 percent of Saudi family members are unemployed and lack working skills.”
Nesma to develop skills of Saudi youngsters
Nesma to develop skills of Saudi youngsters
Standing alongside passionate, innovative teachers from around the world humbling and inspiring: Saudi teacher
- Saeed Salem Abdullah Al-Zahrani, a primary teacher from Jubail, named in the top 50 shortlist for $1 million GEMS Global Teacher Prize 2026
RIYADH: Saeed Salem Abdullah Al-Zahrani, a primary school teacher at Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School in Jubail Industrial City, has been shortlisted for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026.
Al-Zahrani has been named on the top 50 shortlist for the prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organized in collaboration with UNESCO.
He was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries.
Now in its 10th year, the $1 million prize is the largest of its kind. It was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.
By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes who have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of teachers all over the world.
Reacting to his shortlisting, Al-Zahrani told Arab News: “I am extremely honored to be among the top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. Standing alongside so many passionate and innovative teachers from around the world is both humbling and inspiring.
“I extend my sincere thanks to the Varkey Foundation, GEMS Education, and UNESCO for recognizing the vital work that teachers carry out every day. Teachers everywhere help ignite curiosity and give young people the confidence to pursue their ambitions, and I am proud to be part of this mission,” he added.
“This prize has provided us a global platform to amplify the voice of teachers and has entrusted us with a deeper responsibility to continue working toward more impactful and humane education — one that believes the mission of education transcends borders and makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities,” he said.
Al-Zahrani is a distinguished Saudi educator, renowned for his innovative programs and commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. Teaching at Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School. He has developed initiatives such as “The Challenge,” “Maher,” and “Steps,” improving reading, writing, and learning outcomes for students of all abilities.
These programs have been adopted in Royal Commission kindergartens and praised by the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
Holding a doctorate in linguistics and a masters in counseling psychology, Al-Zahrani integrates storytelling, interactive digital tools, and personalized learning to ensure every student reaches their potential.
He has published research in peer-reviewed journals, presented internationally, and trained teachers across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation, Sunny Varkey, said: “Congratulations, Saeed. The Global Teacher Prize was created with a simple mission: to shine a light on teachers like you — educators whose dedication, creativity, and compassion deserve to be celebrated and shared with the world. Your work extends far beyond the classroom — it touches lives and shapes the world.”
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini, said: “Congratulations to this year’s top 50 finalists. UNESCO is honored to stand alongside the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating the extraordinary commitment of teachers everywhere. Our world is navigating profound challenges — from teacher shortages and rapid technological shifts to the urgent demands of climate action. If we are to build a just, inclusive and sustainable future, we must recognize a simple truth: we cannot rise to this moment unless we invest in teachers.”
GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading private K-12 education providers, educating more than 200,000 students of more than 175 nationalities across its global network of owned and managed schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built a legacy of impact that spans generations and continents. Established in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-founded and family-led organization.
The prize is open to working teachers who teach children in compulsory schooling or who are between the ages of 5-18. Teachers who educate children age 4 and over in a government-recognized curriculum are also eligible, as are teachers working on a part-time basis, and teachers of online courses. It is open to teachers in every kind of school and, subject to local laws, in every country in the world.
Teachers applying for the Global Teacher Prize are assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, impact the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens, improve the teaching profession, and gain recognition from external bodies.
The prize will now be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists, and the winner will be chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, made up of prominent individuals, and announced at the World Governments Summit, taking place in Dubai Feb. 3-5, 2026.
