RIYADH: Young talents in Saudi Arabia require a combination of digital and technical skills, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to thrive in the Kingdom’s dynamic business environment, experts told Arab News. 

Strengthening entrepreneurship and bolstering the small and medium enterprises landscape is a crucial goal outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, as the Kingdom is steadily diversifying its economy by reducing its reliance on oil-based revenues. 

Speaking to Arab News, Amr Kazimi, manager, public sector practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East, said that equipping young Saudis with the ability to innovate and build businesses could help the Kingdom reduce its dependence on oil and accelerate diversification into priority non-energy sectors such as technology, tourism, and renewable energy. 

“To thrive in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic business environment and to catch up with global trends, young entrepreneurs need a mix of digital and technical skill; these include AI, data analytics, e-commerce,” said Kazimi. 

He added: “Strong financial literacy and business management skills are also essential to navigate funding opportunities and business operations. Similarly, innovation, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication are vital to support the Kingdom’s push toward a thriving economy.” 

Amr Kazimi, manager, public sector practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East. 

In August, a report released by PwC Middle East echoed similar views and said that developing entrepreneurial capabilities in MENA must go far beyond traditional business training, with a focus on adaptability, creativity, problem-solving and fluency in emerging technologies.

Philipp Lemmerz, Middle East leader for economic competitiveness at PwC Middle East, told Arab News that technical fluency in finance, digital tools, and emerging technologies is now a basic requirement for young entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to lead with confidence in the fast-changing business landscape. 

“Our survey found that 81 percent of CEOs in the Kingdom have adopted generative AI in the past year, which highlights the pace of change. For youth, this means entrepreneurial skills must go hand in hand with an openness to innovation and a readiness to compete on a global scale,” said Lemmerz. 

The vitality of soft skills

Shihab Elborai, partner, Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, said that interpersonal abilities, such as adaptability, active listening, and risk awareness, play an outsized role in career progression for young Saudi entrepreneurs. 

Elborai added that these soft skills are as important as technical expertise, and in many cases, they will help propel young people into leadership roles faster. 

“On the practical side, entrepreneurs need sharp business acumen to make sound, timely decisions. But just as important are the softer skills — being adaptable, willing to take calculated risks, and able to challenge ideas without shutting down collaboration,” said Elborai. 

Read more