This informal CPD article, ‘Training in the GCC: A Long Road with Opportunities Ahead’, was provided by Agile Leaders Project Management Services, a training centre based in the Unted Arab Emirates who have many years of experience in the various types of vocational training and development.
For the GCC (Gulf Corporation Council) countries, investment in human capital is strategic, forming a core part of their national vision plans—such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. These plans emphasize the development of a competitive, skilled workforce capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.
Training programs, both governmental and corporate, are being significantly enhanced to prepare nationals for the private sector, reducing dependency on expatriate labor and addressing unemployment among local populations. These are only few of many reasons why training in GCC is very strategic, some of the other reasons are related to the trends happening not only in GCC, but also in the globe.
Trends in Training and Development
1. Digital Transformation: As the world rapidly embraces digitalization, GCC countries are investing in digital skills training. This includes cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technologies. Programs are often developed in partnership with global tech giants and local educational institutions to tailor the curriculum to the specific needs of the region.
2. Leadership and Management Training: With a young demographic, the GCC sees a pressing need for effective leadership and management training. Programs focus on developing soft skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management—essential for the next generation of leaders in a culturally diverse and dynamic business environment.
3. Sector-Specific Skills: Each GCC country is focusing on sector-specific training programs. For instance, Oman’s significant investment in tourism has spurred the development of hospitality management courses. Similarly, the UAE’s push towards becoming a health tourism hub has led to an increase in healthcare training programs.
4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Public-private partnerships are crucial in aligning training programs with market needs. These partnerships help in designing courses that are directly relevant to industry requirements, ensuring that training translates into employment.
These are some of many other major trends happening in the GCC region and shaping the demand in training. This huge demand creates many opportunities in industry but it comes with many challenges and well.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, the GCC faces several challenges in training and development. The quality of education and training varies significantly across the region, and there is often a mismatch between the skills taught and those demanded by employers. Moreover, cultural norms and resistance to change can impede the adoption of new training methods and technologies.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. For instance, the integration of international best practices and educational standards can raise the quality of training. Additionally, increasing female participation in the workforce remains a significant area for growth, especially in Saudi Arabia and Oman. So overall, the future carries a lot for those who work in training industry in the GCC region.
The Future of Training in the GCC
Looking ahead, the GCC’s focus on training and development is set to intensify as these nations continue to position themselves as competitive players on the global stage. Continued investments in educational technologies, teacher training, and international collaborations will be key to building a resilient and skilled workforce.
In conclusion, as GCC countries transition from oil-dependent economies, the role of training and development in shaping a competent, agile, and future-ready workforce cannot be overstated. This is a transformative era for the region, with human capital at the heart of its growth and diversification strategies.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Agile Leaders Project Management Services, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to t the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
