Infotech Lead Middle East: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has signed an agreement with Cisco to set up Cisco Networking Academy in the new King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
Saudia, which is setting up an IT park at KAEC in Rabigh, will utilize the new economic city to establish an IT center to support business activities.
Tarig Enaya, managing director, Cisco, Saudi Arabia, said: “The next Internet experience will enable a profound level of collaboration that will change the way we think, the speed by which we invent, how we connect and share information.”
The Cisco Networking Academy program teaches the skills needed to design, build, manage, and secure computer networks, improving their career prospects.
With 10,000 academies in 165 countries, the Cisco Networking Academy program also helps prepare students to pursue entry-level ICT jobs and additional education.
The joint initiative between Saudia and Cisco will equip students who graduate from the program for vocational employment and will also help to quickly evolve the careers of young engineers within the Kingdom’s telecommunications and networking industry.
Saudia has already committed to moving 1000 employees to its Smart Technology Hub in King Abdullah Economic City.
Khalid Abdullah Almolhem, director general, Saudia, said: “Saudi Arabia needs to continue strengthening its ability to create sustainable high-tech jobs, and Saudia is determined to do everything it can to support this process.”
