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Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh Explores Increasing Employment Rate in New Industries

Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking to the audience at the HCI conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking to the audience at the HCI conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh Explores Increasing Employment Rate in New Industries

Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking to the audience at the HCI conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking to the audience at the HCI conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference was launched in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

On the sidelines of the conference, Energy Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, inaugurated the Kingdom's first specialized educational institution for higher studies in public policy.

- Women's Empowerment

During his speech, the Energy Minister stated that the government is committed to a localization program with 75%, highlighting the global disparity in female participation across sectors.

He pointed out that while most sectors have 39-49% female participation, the energy sector lags with only about 15% globally.

"With our current leadership, we went to self-discovery of what truly drives our economy, and you will find it in no more than the two factors that I'm going to mention: youth and women empowerment," added Prince Abdulaziz.

He added that developing human resources is the most critical measure for determining the development of any society, stressing that there is a need to fill the gaps in education and training.

- Attracting talent

He pointed out that the energy sector can't be isolated from other entities and institutions, adding that there must be cooperation with all concerned parties to develop the human resources.

The Energy Minister asserted the need for cooperation with the Ministries of Education and Labor.

He noted the attempt to involve training institutions to ensure the achievement of the strategic goal of covering the workforce, organizing its affairs, building capabilities, attracting and retaining talented people, and empowering women.

The energy minister announced the launch of the Saudi Technical Institute for Petroleum Services, rebranded as the Energy Tech Institute.

Saudi Arabia is set to create 150,000 new jobs in chemical plants and renewable energy facilities with a commitment to achieving 75% localization, said the Minister.

"We see somewhere around 150,000 jobs being created, including not only working in chemical plants and with heavy wind or renewable facilities, but also we see many jobs are coming through the localization programs," announced Prince Abdulaziz.

"We also are committed to a localization program which is 75%."

- Enhance strategies

For his part, Saudi Education Minister Yousef al-Benyan stressed during his opening speech at the conference that the Human Capability Initiative demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to enriching the global dialogue and promoting implementable strategies and solutions.

He stated that more than 200 global leaders and experts will join the conference to share their views on unleashing the potential of human capabilities and stimulate international cooperation to achieve maximum flexibility in times of uncertainty.

Benyan highlighted that global estimates indicate a potential disruption of 40% of workers' skills within the next four to five years due to these changes, and technology adoption is set to transform approximately 75% of business practices globally.

Highlighting the critical role of human capital in navigating a dynamic labor market, he emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to enhance human capabilities.

"The success of industrial developments in green technology, healthcare, generative technology, and artificial intelligence hinges on a future-proof workforce equipped with the necessary skills," Benyan said, stressing that HCI aligns with Vision 2030.

- Shift in the employment landscape

He added that such a global platform aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving job market, ultimately fostering empowered individuals and resilient economies for the future.

The Kingdom's Human Capability Development Program has created a dynamic strategy that extends across the stages of learning.

He described the program as a comprehensive strategy designed to empower individuals to unleash their full potential, prioritizing collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations to ensure collective success and prosperity.

"The Kingdom welcomes collaboration with all stakeholders to explore opportunities and design innovative policies and solutions that enhance human capabilities," he said.

More than 45 agreements that reflect the Kingdom's commitment to cooperating with all partners will be announced during the conference.

The agreements were reached with representatives of over 70 countries with the shared mission of unlocking human potential.

- Innovation and development

Furthermore, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef launched the Strategy for Developing Human Capability in the Industrial and Mining Sectors and the National Academy for Industry during the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference, in partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Khorayef revealed that more than 50,000 employees had been trained during the past year in coordination with the private sector, with a 40% increase in the workforce.

Saudi Arabia should become an innovative country in research, development, and innovation, and those priorities lead to achieving sustainability in many sectors.

Khorayef highlighted efforts in the industry and mining sectors to incorporate new business models and technologies to shape the future of jobs for citizens.

- Attracting talent

The Minister unveiled the Human Capital Development Strategy for mining and industries with four key objectives.

"The first is to cultivate, grow, and attract the right talent; second is to empower the talent and leadership, create and complement the culture and environment for competitive human capital; third, boost innovation, productivity, and future readiness of the human capital," Khorayef said.

It also aims to drive a collaborative ecosystem where the ministry will orchestrate and build the regulatory foundation, and the private sector will lead.

A dialogue session within the "Human Capabilities Initiative Conference" shed light on advanced industries by empowering human capabilities and the importance of technology in creating more jobs.

- Stimulate human potential

The conference included a "Going Far, Going Together – The Critical Role of Collaboration" session with the participation of Saudi Permanent Representative to the EU Haifa al-Jedea, Dean of Said Business School at Oxford University Professor Soumitra Dutta, Udacity CEO Kai Roemmelt, Regional Director – Human Development for MENA at the World Bank Fadia Saadah, and Managing Director World Economic Forum Saadia Zahidi.

Participants pointed out to the importance of the Kingdom's Human Capacity Initiative Conference sponsorship, which is closely linked to Vision 2030.

They indicated that the conference is a testimony to Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to enhancing cooperation to stimulate human potential and innovation and evidence of its dedication to building a prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens and the world.

Jedea discussed providing everyone with good job opportunities, adding that policies must include all concerned parties.

She stressed the importance of government investments and multinational companies in human resources, investment in peace and work efforts, and cooperation with various sectors in empowering human capabilities.

For her part, the World Bank official touched on the influential role of human capabilities and that they are an essential factor in development, as they contribute to achieving 80% of the wealth of any developed country.

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Business

UK Inflation Slows to 2.8% in April

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves arrives at Downing Street in London , Britain, 13 May 2026. EPA/NEIL HALL
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves arrives at Downing Street in London , Britain, 13 May 2026. EPA/NEIL HALL
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UK Inflation Slows to 2.8% in April

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves arrives at Downing Street in London , Britain, 13 May 2026. EPA/NEIL HALL
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves arrives at Downing Street in London , Britain, 13 May 2026. EPA/NEIL HALL

British consumer price inflation slowed to 2.8% in April from 3.3% in March, according to official figures published on Wednesday.

Economists polled by Reuters had mostly expected inflation to soften to 3.0%, in large part due to the big increases in utility and other regulated prices in April last year falling out of the annual comparison.

Before the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, the Bank of England said inflation in Britain - the highest among the Group of Seven economies for much of the last four years - was likely to be close ⁠to its 2% ⁠target in April.

But the energy price shock from the war prompted the BoE to increase sharply its inflation forecasts which, it says, could hit 6.2% early next year under its most inflationary scenario.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to announce on Thursday more measures to help ⁠reduce the cost of living, including a possible cancellation of a fuel duty increase which is due to come into effect in September.

The finance ministry is also pressing supermarket chains to introduce voluntary price caps on key food products in return for easing some regulations, two people with knowledge of the situation said on Tuesday.

The key question for the BoE's interest rate-setters is whether the expected rise in headline inflation creates longer-term price pressures in the economy.

Several have said the ⁠weak ⁠jobs market could make it harder for workers to demand higher pay and for businesses to pass on higher costs.

Preliminary data from the tax office published on Tuesday showed a sharp fall in people in payrolled employment and weaker pay growth. Wage settlement figures published earlier on Wednesday pointed to a slowdown in pay growth too.

Financial markets on Tuesday were betting on two quarter-point interest rate rises by the BoE this year, with a chance of a third. A Reuters poll of economists published last week showed most expected no change in rates in 2026.

Business

Union Calls Strike at South Korea Chip Giant Samsung Electronics

Union Calls Strike at South Korea Chip Giant Samsung Electronics
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Union Calls Strike at South Korea Chip Giant Samsung Electronics

Union Calls Strike at South Korea Chip Giant Samsung Electronics

A planned strike at South Korean chip giant Samsung Electronics will go ahead from Thursday, its union said, after talks on bonus payouts collapsed, raising concerns over a disruption to the country's key semiconductor industry.

The walkout, set to begin Thursday, is expected to dwarf a 2024 strike that drew about 6,000 workers at the world's top memory chipmaker.

The dispute centers on profit-sharing at a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain, with its chips widely used in artificial intelligence systems and consumer electronics.

The tech giant's shares have surged nearly 400 percent over the past year on the back of an AI boom, and saw its market capitalization top $1 trillion for the first time in May.

The union had called for the scrapping of a bonus cap set at 50 percent of annual salaries and for 15 percent of operating profit to be allocated to bonuses.

"Around 10:00 pm on May 19, the labor union agreed to the mediation proposal put forward by the National Labor Relations Commission; however, management expressed its refusal," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The labor union will lawfully commence a general strike tomorrow as scheduled."

According to the union's lawyer, around 50,500 workers are set to walk off production lines for 18 days from Thursday following the breakdown of negotiations with management.

Samsung's management said the talks failed because "acceding to the labor union's excessive demands would risk undermining the fundamental principles of the company's management".

"Under no circumstances should a strike take place," it said.

Concerns are growing within the South Korean government that a prolonged union strike could hurt the export-driven economy, with chips making up about 35 percent of exports.

South Korea's presidential office voiced "deep regret" over the collapse of the talks, urging both sides to keep working toward an agreement given the strike's "potential repercussions for the Korean economy".

Some experts say even a partial halt in Samsung's operations could prove damaging -- though the union argues that production stoppages have already occurred in the past for reasons related to maintenance and equipment inspections.

The government could invoke emergency mediation powers -- a measure that could halt strikes or other industrial action and trigger mediation if they are deemed a threat to the national economy.

But Tom Hsu, an analyst at Taipei-based research firm TrendForce, said the strike's potential impact may be limited.

"Due to the high level of automation in front-end facilities, TrendForce expects Samsung's DRAM and NAND Flash production to remain at full capacity," he told AFP.

"Any potential impact from the strike is likely to be confined to non-memory business segments."

A Suwon court this week granted Samsung Electronics an injunction requiring staffing and operations to be maintained at normal levels during any walkout.

Kim Sung-hee, director of Workers' Institute for the Industrial and Labor Policy, said that while the strike could cause losses, "they are unlikely to be irreversible".

The strike does not mean it would "automatically trigger an economic crisis," he told AFP.

Samsung is a major producer of chips used in everything from artificial intelligence to consumer electronics, raising the prospect that the planned strike could cause severe disruption and losses.

The company said this year it had begun mass production of next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips, HBM4, seen as a key component for scaling up the vast data centers needed for AI development.

The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of an AI boom that is benefiting South Korean tech groups, boosting national growth and the stock market.

Both Samsung and its domestic rival SK hynix posted record profits in the first quarter, driven by global demand for AI chips.

Long staunchly anti-union, late founder Lee Byung-chul once vowed never to allow unions "until I have dirt over my eyes".

Samsung Electronics' first labor union was formed in the late 2010s.

Business

Boeing Dreamliner to Fly Riyadh Air's First Passengers in July

A Riyadh Air aircraft flies over the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Public Investment Fund)
A Riyadh Air aircraft flies over the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Public Investment Fund)
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Boeing Dreamliner to Fly Riyadh Air's First Passengers in July

A Riyadh Air aircraft flies over the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Public Investment Fund)
A Riyadh Air aircraft flies over the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Public Investment Fund)

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is moving onto the global aviation stage through London, with an ambition that goes beyond conventional air travel.

The carrier, which reflects the Kingdom’s view of aviation as a strategic industry and economic driver, said it would open tickets to the public for direct flights between King Khalid International Airport and Heathrow Airport on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet from July 1, 2026.

The move is part of plans to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 destinations by 2030.

It follows the airline’s launch last year of its first daily flights to Heathrow, when tickets were initially available to selected groups of passengers and Riyadh Air employees under an operational program designed to ensure full readiness before the carrier receives its first aircraft from Boeing.

The program also allowed the airline to use its newly allocated operating slots at Heathrow.

Riyadh Air said bookings would open from Tuesday through its website, official app and approved travel service providers.

Travel classes

Chief Executive Tony Douglas said the launch of flights on the new aircraft marked a “milestone” for Riyadh Air and reflected its vision to redefine air travel and connect Riyadh to the world through comfort, innovation and Saudi hospitality.

The airline said its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft would feature four travel classes, Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The two business cabins will include seats that convert into fully flat beds.

Passengers will also have access to advanced entertainment systems through Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova platform, with 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity and a library of more than 500 films and 600 television series.

Riyadh Air said its hospitality offering would include products from Kayanee, children’s kits in cooperation with Disney, varied menus and bedding from John Horsfall.

The airline also announced the launch of Sfeer, its loyalty program, offering benefits including a “best offer guarantee,” no expiry of points, free in-flight internet and exclusive privileges for founding members.

Aviation specialists said opening ticket sales to passengers marks a new phase for Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The government has set a national strategy to turn the Kingdom into a global aviation logistics hub by doubling capacity to 330 million passengers, linking it to 250 international destinations and raising air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons by 2030.

Tourism and business traffic

Tourism media expert Mohammed al-Abdulkarim told Asharq Al-Awsat that Riyadh Air’s announcement of the start date for its first commercial flights, along with the official launch of ticket sales from July, was a pivotal step in the transformation of Saudi aviation.

He said it reflected faster implementation of the national aviation strategy under Vision 2030.

Abdulkarim said choosing July 1 for the entry into service of the carrier’s first new B787-9 aircraft showed Riyadh Air was ready to move from building and preparation into actual operations.

The start of ticket sales through the airline’s official platforms, he said, reflected operational confidence and early readiness to enter the international aviation market.

He said launching the first route between Riyadh and London carried major strategic and economic significance. London is one of the world’s biggest centers for business, tourism and air transit, he said, and the route shows Saudi Arabia’s early focus on a high-yield international network directly linked to major global markets.

Raising capacity

Abdulkarim said Riyadh Air’s ownership of four B787-9 aircraft now in the final stages of operational certification showed a push to build a modern fleet focused on efficiency, passenger experience and advanced technology.

That, he said, is essential for competing in the global aviation market, especially after the rapid changes the sector has seen since the pandemic.

He said the entry of a new national carrier of this scale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s capacity, raise the competitiveness of its air transport sector regionally and internationally, and support tourism, investment, logistics and supply chains.

“The Kingdom is not only targeting higher passenger numbers, but is working to reshape its position as a global aviation hub linking three continents,” he said.

“With new airport projects, expanded air connectivity and the launch of modern carriers, Saudi Arabia is moving toward becoming one of the region’s most important transport and travel hubs in the coming years.”

Competing with major airlines

Aviation expert Al Motaz Al-Mirah said the launch of Riyadh Air’s first tickets showed Saudi Arabia’s strong confidence in the future of aviation.

He said the project is starting with a global vision and modern services aimed at competing with major international airlines, while choosing London as the first destination gives the new carrier a strong presence on one of the world’s most important international travel routes.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Mirah said the move was a practical step toward achieving Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy.

It was not only about adding destinations and flights, he said, but about building an integrated travel experience that strengthens Riyadh’s position as a global air transport hub.

He said the move was expected to support tourism and investment and raise the kingdom’s competitiveness in aviation in the coming years.