King Abdulaziz University and Shangri-La Jeddah Sign Agreement to Develop National Talent in Tourism and Hospitality

King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Faculty of Tourism, signed a cooperation agreement with Burj Assila Hotel Services Company, operator of Shangri-La Jeddah, to strengthen strategic partnerships between academia and the hospitality sector. The agreement supports the training and development of national talent in line with labor market needs and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Representing the university at the signing were the Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Reda Kabli; the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Dr. Theeb bin Abdullah Al-Harthi; and the Chief Corporate Communication Officer, Dr. Musab bin Faleh Al-Harbi. The agreement builds on the university’s efforts to establish high-impact partnerships that contribute to developing education and training systems and linking their outcomes with promising sectors.

The agreement aims to establish strategic cooperation between the two sides to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors and strengthen alignment between academic outcomes and labor market needs. Areas of cooperation include providing cooperative training, practical training, and training pathways leading to employment for students of the Faculty of Tourism, as well as supporting scientific research and implementing joint research projects in hotel management, guest experience, and tourism sustainability.

Cooperation will also cover the development of joint academic and professional programs, the design of short programs and professional diplomas that meet market needs, and contributions to reviewing and updating curricula in line with industry practices. Additional areas include supporting students’ entrepreneurial projects, organizing competitions and hackathons to develop innovative solutions in customer experience and hotel services, and exchanging expertise through lectures, workshops, and professional visits.

Under the agreement, the two sides aim to deliver three to six training programs annually, implement two to four joint research projects each year, and engage hospitality industry experts in training and educational programs.

Through this partnership, King Abdulaziz University and Shangri-La Jeddah seek to contribute to human capital development, expand the employment of Saudi talent in tourism and hospitality roles, and develop national competencies. These efforts support the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector while enhancing the alignment between King Abdulaziz University’s outcomes and labor market requirements.