The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development concluded the activities of the “Waad” Skills and Training Forum in Madinah on Monday, 11 May 2026. The forum delivered a comprehensive package of specialized initiatives and programs aimed at supporting vocational training and professional qualification, while enhancing the readiness of the region’s men and women to meet labor market demands. This comes as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower national talent and strengthen its competitiveness.
The forum witnessed the signing of 16 cooperation agreements with various entities and private-sector partners to expand training opportunities available to the region’s residents and enhance collaboration among stakeholders supporting skills development and professional qualification. In addition, the forum announced the launch of 50,000 training opportunities for the men and women of Madinah Region through 2028 under the National “Waad” Training Initiative, aligned with the region’s developmental and economic priorities and comparative advantages.
The forum attracted 2,500 visitors, while the accompanying exhibition featured 22 booths representing campaign partners. Participants showcased leading initiatives, training programs, and innovative solutions designed to support skills development, in addition to modern interactive activities, including virtual and augmented reality-based training experiences and specialized training opportunities tailored to the region’s workforce.
The forum also offered a range of high-impact activities, including 16 in-person training workshops covering emerging skills and modern career pathways. In addition, beneficiaries received professional guidance and support through 39 advisory sessions delivered by specialized consultants, enabling them to benefit from available opportunities and explore diverse professional development pathways.
The forum featured several innovative initiatives, most notably the “Ghiras Al Maharat” Podcast and the “Waadathon” Hackathon, which aims at developing innovative solutions to training-related challenges in the labor market. The event also included career guidance workshops, including sessions on “Labor Market Trends in Light of Saudi Vision 2030,” helping to promote a culture of continuous learning and raise awareness of future skills requirements.
The Madinah edition of the “Waad” Skills and Training Forum was the ninth event in a series of regional forums organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development across the Kingdom. The initiative aims to expand access to high-quality training opportunities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance the readiness of Saudi men and women with future-focused skills in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.