Young Arabs Upskill with AI: 1.3 Million Enroll in Vocational Training Program

Crescent Petroleum has partnered with Edraak, the Arab world's leading non-profit online learning platform, to launch a new AI specialization program. The initiative aims to equip young Arabs with practical artificial intelligence skills needed for today's job market, delivered entirely in Arabic through free online courses.

The program builds on the success of the "Professional Compass Path" initiative launched in 2024, which has already trained over 1.3 million young people across the Arab world in essential workplace skills including IT and English language proficiency. Edraak, founded by Jordan's Queen Rania Foundation, serves as the first Arabic-language online learning platform in the region.

The "Artificial Intelligence for Employment" specialization includes four comprehensive online courses focused on practical AI applications across different sectors. Students will learn how to use AI-powered productivity tools, write effective prompts, and apply AI applications in various job functions. The courses feature interactive lectures and training sessions led by specialized experts and practitioners.

But here's why this matters now. The job market is changing fast, and the numbers tell a stark story. An estimated 78 million jobs will transform or evolve by 2030. Youth unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to exceed 25% - the highest rate globally. These statistics make practical AI training not just helpful, but essential for an entire generation.

"AI is reshaping the future of work today, and this program will prepare young people to compete in the job market and build more successful career paths," said Majid Hamid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum and Deputy Chairman of the Crescent Group. The company has spent over fifty years building youth capabilities in the region.

Basem Saad, CEO of Queen Rania Foundation and Chairman of Edraak's Board, emphasized the urgency: "AI has become an essential skill for professional success. With rapid changes in the Arab world's job market, such programs have become necessary to enable young people to succeed."

The program offers something unique in the region - high-quality AI education in Arabic, completely free of charge. Students who complete all four courses receive certificates confirming their new skills and innovation capabilities using the latest technologies.

This initiative extends beyond basic training. The original Professional Compass Path remains open for registration and includes modules on English communication skills, digital literacy, professional communication, resume preparation, and interview skills. The partnership between Crescent Petroleum and Edraak dates back to 2017, creating a comprehensive approach to professional development.

For employers and policymakers, this represents a practical solution to the skills gap that's widening across the Arab world. Rather than waiting for traditional education systems to adapt, private sector partnerships with established platforms like Edraak can deliver job-ready skills at scale.

The timing couldn't be more critical. As AI tools become standard in workplaces worldwide, young Arabs risk being left behind without access to quality training in their native language. This program addresses that gap directly, potentially helping reduce regional unemployment while building a more competitive workforce for the future.