Red Sea National Academy to Support Saudi Tourism Sector

The academy's objective is to train 10,000 participants by 2030, preparing young Saudis for diverse roles within the tourism sector. SPA
The academy's objective is to train 10,000 participants by 2030, preparing young Saudis for diverse roles within the tourism sector. SPA
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Red Sea National Academy to Support Saudi Tourism Sector

The academy's objective is to train 10,000 participants by 2030, preparing young Saudis for diverse roles within the tourism sector. SPA
The academy's objective is to train 10,000 participants by 2030, preparing young Saudis for diverse roles within the tourism sector. SPA

The establishment of "the Red Sea National Academy" (TRSNA) was announced during the Human Capability Initiative held in Riyadh to implement joint programs between the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Colleges of Excellence and Red Sea Global, to qualify trainees with technical specializations that align with the demands of the labor market in the region.

The announcement of the establishment was made under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom.

TRSNA will be established and operated in Al-Wajh and develop joint training programs that are aligned with the needs of the labor market.

The academy's objective is to train 10,000 participants by 2030, preparing young Saudis for diverse roles within the tourism sector. The signing of the agreement was sponsored by Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.

The agreement involved the Vice Governor of Planning & Business Development at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Reem Al-Muqbel, CEO of Colleges of Excellence, Eng. Ayman Al-Abdullah, and Group CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano.

Al-Muqbel underscored the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation's commitment to developing national human resources through various training programs and building strategic partnerships with the private sector to address the labor market's needs for qualified human resources.

Al-Abdullah expressed confidence in TRSNA's ability to supply the tourism sector with qualified Saudis. He emphasized that TRSNA will create a stimulating training environment to enhance creative and innovative skills among trainees, becoming a leading center for education and training in the field of tourism, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global tourist destination.

Highlighting TRSNA as part of the Strategic Partnership Institutes in the Kingdom emphasizes its commitment to providing high-quality training programs tailored to the evolving demands of the labor market.

Pagano commented that, as one of the core projects in making Vision 2030 a reality, RSG is at the forefront of the Kingdom's growing tourism industry.

It has two hotels open, with an additional four resorts scheduled to open by the end of this year and 19 hotels across The Red Sea and Amaala opening next year.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.