The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) celebrated the graduation of two new cohorts from its employment-linked training program for the entertainment sector, in Qiddiya and Jeddah, as part of its ongoing efforts to empower national talent and enhance workforce readiness. The initiative aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a qualified national human capital capable of leading promising sectors, foremost among them the entertainment sector.
The graduation ceremony for the program’s fourth cohort was recently held in Qiddiya, attended by Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Humaid, Executive Vice President for Human Capital and Administrative Affairs at the General Entertainment Authority. A total of 40 male and female trainees graduated after completing a one-year training journey that combined academic study with hands-on professional training within real work environments. The program concluded with their employment in permanent positions at Qiddiya, one of the Kingdom’s flagship national projects and a leading model for the global entertainment industry. Employment contracts were signed prior to the start of the training program.
In his address, Abdulaziz Al-Humaid emphasized that the “Happiness Creators” initiative, under which the program is delivered, is inspired by the concept of happiness as both a national and professional value. He noted that the GEA is committed, year after year, to graduating national talent and supplying the private sector with qualified professionals through diverse career pathways that meet labor market needs and keep pace with the rapid growth and diversification of the entertainment sector. He stressed that true investment begins with people, and that empowering national talent is the cornerstone of building a sustainable future for the Kingdom’s entertainment industry.
He added that the program goes beyond being an intensive training track, representing instead an integrated experience designed to equip trainees with essential professional and behavioral skills, and to prepare them to confidently and competently enter professional and motivating work environments. He highlighted that the tangible results achieved underscore the success of the structured approach and effective partnerships with both public and private sector entities, supported by the Kingdom’s leadership, which places the development of human capital among its highest priorities.
The ceremony also featured the participation of Mr. Brian McAmmer, President of Six Flags and Aquarabia at Qiddiya, and Ms. Noha Qattan, Vice Chair of the Saudi Academy for Entertainment and Event Management, who presented certificates to the graduates—underscoring the importance of collaboration between operators and educational institutions in supporting localization efforts and building specialized national competencies.
In addition, graduates of the program’s third cohort in Jeddah, totaling 28 male and female trainees, were honored. The program aims to qualify recent graduates and job seekers by establishing a solid academic foundation and providing applied opportunities within real work environments, thereby enhancing skills and increasing workforce readiness for careers across the entertainment and events sector.
Targeting young men and women aged 18 to 30, holding either a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree, the program focuses on preparing qualified national cadres for permanent employment through the application of best practices in training and development and the achievement of measurable professional impact. Destination Entertainment Management is among the key specializations offered, reflecting evolving labor market needs and the advancement of professions within the entertainment sector. Graduates are awarded accredited certificates issued by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and supported by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), enhancing their professional credentials and career pathways.