Ernst & Young (EY), a global leader in professional services, has announced the inauguration of its EY Academy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with the first branch established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This strategic move aims to enhance and accelerate talent development across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. Notably, EY is the first among its peers to obtain a license to operate an academy in the Kingdom.
Supporting Vision 2030: A Commitment to National Development
The launch of the EY Academy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. A key component of this vision is the development of a more agile and innovative business landscape. Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, EY MENA Chairman and CEO, emphasized the firm’s dedication to this national agenda, stating:
“We are pleased to expand the EY Academy capabilities into the MENA region. We chose to first launch this in KSA to further support the nation’s Vision 2030 goals of developing a more agile and innovative business landscape. At EY, we believe a human-centric approach is key to building a future-ready workforce, and we look forward to adding value to both the public and private sectors with our expertise and world-class research.”
Comprehensive Programs Across Major Cities
The EY Academy will operate in key Saudi cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar—offering tailored programs designed to upskill and reskill professionals in both public and private sectors. The curriculum focuses on areas critical to economic progress, including:
- Finance and Accounting: Enhancing financial literacy and competency.
- Leadership and Management: Developing effective leadership skills.
- Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Equipping participants with knowledge in emerging technologies.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Promoting sustainable practices and innovative thinking.
These courses are designed to build capacity and confidence, enabling participants to shape the future through technical expertise, leadership excellence, and innovation. The academy’s digitally enabled offerings aim to accelerate the adoption of critical skills and knowledge through practical, work-based learning programs suitable for employees at all levels.
Addressing Future Workforce Needs
The establishment of the EY Academy comes at a pivotal time, as forecasts indicate that millions of jobs in the MENA region will require new skills to support increased productivity. Khurram Mian, EY MENA Assurance Leader, highlighted the academy’s timely relevance:
“We are proud to launch our academy for the benefit of industries in our region. Forecasts indicate that millions of jobs in the MENA region will require new skills and to support an increase in productivity, making our launch both timely and relevant. Our vision is to champion the delivery of value-driven learning and development opportunities in order to drive progress across multiple industries and sectors, support the nation’s economic transformation, and contribute to a sustainable future.”
Globally Recognized Certifications
Programs offered by the EY Academy are certified and globally recognized, providing participants with a competitive edge in the workplace. The academy leverages EY’s global knowledge assets and develops tailored curricula to foster future-ready qualifications among employees. Sessions are delivered by a diverse group of professionals, including industry veterans, certified trainers, and subject matter experts with extensive experience in their respective fields. Participants will engage with cutting-edge technologies and digital tools designed to enhance both the learning experience and professional outcomes.
Endorsement by Saudi Government
The EY Academy’s programs are endorsed by the Saudi government, underscoring their credibility and relevance in the local market. By tailoring the programs to meet the specific needs of the Saudi market, the academy aims to provide businesses with a skilled workforce capable of navigating both local and global challenges. Benefits to the business community in KSA include addressing key workforce gaps and equipping professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in key areas such as project management, financial reporting, soft skills, and driving innovation—all with the end result of improving overall business performance.
Contributing to National Growth
As professionals complete their certifications with the EY Academy, they will enhance organizational performance in key sectors across KSA and the MENA region, contributing to driving value and innovation within their companies. This ripple effect will help advance the broader economic and social objectives of Vision 2030, promote sustainable business practices, and contribute to national growth, ultimately improving the quality of life for all citizens and residents.
A Commitment to Education and Workforce Development
Fazeela Gopalani, EY MENA Academy Leader, concluded by emphasizing EY’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, with an emphasis on education and workforce development:
“Our decision to pursue an academy license in KSA was driven by our commitment to supporting the country’s ambitious Vision 2030, with an emphasis on education and workforce development. EY often highlights the importance of education and training in driving economic growth, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market. Our regional and global wealth of expertise and knowledge can contribute significantly to fast-tracking the availability of skilled workers, and we are committed to offering our support to help realize this transformative vision. We are eager to give back to the Saudi business community and its people, and to help shape its citizens and residents into future leaders capable of driving the nation’s progress.”
Conclusion
The launch of the EY Academy in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward achieving its Vision 2030 goals. By investing in the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce, EY is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s economy and its position in the global market.
