Saudi Crown Prince Launches Human Capability Development Program

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Human Capability Development Program

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee, launched on Wednesday the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), one of the realization programs to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The program represents a national strategy to strengthen citizen’s capabilities locally and globally by seizing promising opportunities resulting from accelerated and renewed changes around the world.

“The Human Capability Development Program represents a national strategy to enhance the competitiveness of national human capabilities locally and globally to be ready for the current and future labor market with capabilities and ambitions that compete with the world, and that is through: instilling and promoting values, developing basic and future skills, and developing knowledge,” said Crown Prince Mohammed.

“Because of my confidence in every citizen’s capabilities, this program has been developed to meet the needs and aspirations of all segments of society, beginning from childhood passing through universities, colleges, technical and vocational institutes, and reaching the labor market, with the goal of preparing citizens for the future, as this contributes to building a solid economy based on skills and knowledge and with human capital at its core,” he added.

“The program includes 89 initiatives aimed at achieving 16 strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The program’s strategy is built on three pillars: develop a resilient and strong educational base, prepare for the future labor market locally and globally, and provide lifelong learning opportunities.”

The program’s initiatives include promoting the expansion of kindergartens, which will help develop a resilient and strong educational foundation for all children. The career guidance and counseling initiative will provide citizens with the capabilities and skills necessary to plan their career objectives. It also includes a number of initiatives that target upskilling and reskilling citizens to increase employability rate and enable entrepreneurs and innovators for the future labor market locally and globally.

The Human Capability Development Program focuses on preparing national human capabilities, developing an ecosystem from early childhood education to lifelong learning, aligning educational outcomes with the needs of the labor market, and localizing high-skilled jobs through the reskilling and training of citizens. In addition, it will develop a more active partnership with the private and non-profit sectors. The program aims to achieve several goals, including increasing kindergarten enrollment from 23% to 90% and placing two Saudi universities among the top 100 universities in the world by 2030, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s global ranking.

The HCDP’s strategy reflects the drive of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to prepare Saudi citizens through various strategic pillars. These include developing a passion for knowledge and pride in values, a commitment to succeed in work and entrepreneurship, and to compete locally and globally. It will constantly develop skills and unleash capabilities.

Through its initiatives, the program will enhance the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century. These will include creative thinking, data analysis and technical skills. It will also enhance emotional and social skills. The program seeks to enhance national capabilities competitiveness to grasp the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The HCDP initiatives will provide vast opportunities that will pave the way for future globally competitive generations. It will also instill the values of moderation and tolerance, determination and perseverance, discipline and mastery, and it will boost work culture, which will lead to a global citizenship and enhance national human capabilities global competitiveness.



Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
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Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)

Following his shuttle tour that kicked off in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the latest regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, during a meeting held Thursday at the Amiri Diwan.

The Pakistani Prime Minister reiterated his country's condemnation of the attacks targeting Qatar and other countries in the region, affirming Pakistan's full solidarity with Doha and support for the measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and safeguard its security and stability, the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

During the meeting, Qatar’s Emir expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's role in supporting efforts to deescalate tensions and promote diplomatic dialogue in the service of regional peace and security.

According to official sources, both sides stressed the necessity of supporting the path of deescalation and strengthening international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, especially maintaining the smooth flow of energy supply chains through vital maritime routes.

They further discussed the cooperation and friendship relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, aiming to strengthen the partnership and open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.

The Qatari Emir and the Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly amidst current events and their repercussions on the region's security and stability.

Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday morning for a working visit to the country. The PM and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

 


Sultan of Oman, Qatari Emir Discuss Regional Developments, Means to Contain Escalation

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
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Sultan of Oman, Qatari Emir Discuss Regional Developments, Means to Contain Escalation

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, discussed in Muscat on Thursday the developments in the region amid rising tensions.

Qatar’s Emir arrived in Muscat in a visit to Oman, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham at Al Baraka Palace.

The two leaders exchanged views on current developments, particularly their implications for regional security and stability, as well as their impact on energy supplies and international shipping, according to a statement from the Qatari Diwan.

They stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to deescalate tensions and the need to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue to resolve disputes, contributing to regional and international security and stability.

The two leaders also emphasized continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest in addition to the strong fraternal ties between the two countries and ways to further develop them across various fields.

Later, Sultan Haitham and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad held a private meeting during which they discussed the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in various domains for the mutual benefit of their peoples.


OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon
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OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended the diplomatic efforts of US President Donald Trump that led to a 10-day truce in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The OIC stressed the need that all parties adhere to the ceasefire agreement and refrain from undermining it.

The General Secretariat also expressed its support for and solidarity with the Republic of Lebanon in preserving its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Trump announced Thursday evening a 10-day truce in Lebanon that could pause fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.