Government allocates SR137.6 billion (AED134.5 billion) in budget; ‘Saudi HR Summit 2010’ to address human development requirement for future growth

Jeddah – May 3, 2010: With 42,000 jobs created for Saudi nationals in 2009, Saudization will be a key focus area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) this year. The Ministry of Labor is committed to providing special incentives to companies that employ Saudis. The new Saudi budget has earmarked SR137.6 billion (AED134.5 billion) to education and training, which is set to boost Saudization in the country.

Estimates further show that the Saudi economy is pegged to grow at 4 percent in 2010, which will drive cross-sector employment creation opportunities in the country.

“Companies are increasingly focusing on Saudization as a means to empower young entrepreneurs in the region. The role of the human resource department is fast changing with companies looking to improve efficiency and effectiveness while enhancing business operations,” said Katie Stanley, Senior Conference Manager, IIR organizer of the 2nd Jeddah Human Resource Forum and Saudization Forum held on May 2nd to 6th 2010 in Jeddah, KSA.

The event is being held under the patronage of HRH Khalid Al Faisal Al Saud, Governor of Makkah Province and will witness the presence of HH Prince Abdullah Bin Fahad Bin Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, undersecretary of Makkah Province.

World-renowned professor Dave Ulrich, the highlight of the 2nd HR Forum will elucidate identifying a business strategy to face new challenges. The Saudization forum across two-days will be attended by leading companies presenting an opportune time for local employment. Case studies will also be presented by Unilever, Qtel, HRDF, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and King Abdulaziz University.

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About HR Summit:

The Saudi HR Summit 2010 is organized by IIR Middle East. The event will be held from May 2nd to 6th, 2010 in Jeddah, KSA. Spread across five days, the first three days (May 2nd – 4th, 2010) is dedicated to the Jeddah HR Forum while the next two (May 5th – 6th, 2010) will focus on Saudization Forum. The event will emphasize pertinent HR challenges facing organisation across the Middle East while stressing on the Saudization programme and its relevance.