SABIC Academy inaugurated in Riyadh

HRH Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh, inaugurated the new SABIC Academy at the company’s headquarters in Riyadh on March 20. Prince Sattam was accompanied by Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh Deputy Governor. They were received by Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al-Saud, Chairman of SABIC and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, some members of the Board of Directors, and senior leaders of the company.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Sattam congratulated SABIC on this new education facility. He said that the SABIC Academy will help the company to continue playing a leading role in meeting the requirements of the government, and will enhance the level of education and training, and further improve the pace of manpower development in Saudi Arabia and abroad.

The Prince praised the efforts of the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in caring for the Kingdom’s education needs. The number of public and private universities has been doubled during his reign. Tens of thousands of male and female citizens of this country have benefited from the Kingdom’s foreign scholarship program covering universities around the world, he said.

Prince Sattam concluded that the Academy adds a new dimension to the advancement of the nation by developing industry leaders in the petrochemical industry – one of the most important manufacturing sectors. For his part, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al-Saud praised Prince Sattam and his interest in such events reflects a keenness to see continued growth and development in Riyadh.

The SABIC Chairman pointed out that the role of the Academy is not confined to the training of SABIC employees, but extends to serving the people of this country. The Academy allows leaders of various government sectors in the Kingdom access to courses and training programs, developed as per the highest standards.” Also speaking on the occasion, Al-Mady said, “We have constructed the SABIC Academy by utilizing the latest educational models.  The Academy will assist in refining the talents of our employees in all areas, and will provide an opportunity for them to directly interact and communicate with senior leaders of the company, in a world-class learning environment. They will take part in programs designed especially for SABIC by the world’s best and prestigious universities. The Academy stands between two different cultures – the academic culture and business culture – and is significant to the success of both.”

The Academy aims to become a center for motivating employees and a home for developing their abilities. It encourages the employees to acquire scientific knowledge and gain wider experience to further their careers. The Academy, which is constructed on an area of 11,000 square meters, accommodates around 450 people. It includes meeting rooms, conference and seminar halls, as well as Information Technology laboratories, two libraries, and offices with Internet facilities. Halls equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, serve different educational and developmental needs in the areas of the company's business and are geared to develop basic and leadership skills in various areas including, finance, marketing, sales supply chain and various technical fields.