Saudi Arabia is stepping up its investment in national talent development with a new leadership training initiative designed to prepare future leaders for the Kingdom’s evolving economic landscape.

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) has launched a suite of programs under its “Hadaf for Leadership” initiative to strengthen the capabilities of Saudi professionals and equip them to lead economic transformation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Developed in partnership with ESCP Business School in Paris, the program’s first cohort has begun in Riyadh and will run for three months. It combines in-person learning, virtual instruction, and practical workplace application, creating an integrated model that delivers stronger leadership outcomes.

The initiative focuses on building a new generation of Saudi leaders with advanced strategic thinking, decision-making, and executive leadership skills. By strengthening these capabilities, the program aims to position participants to lead private sector organizations more effectively while improving competitiveness at both regional and global levels.

HRDF said the program is expected to enhance institutional performance, increase productivity, and foster stronger workplace environments across the private sector.

A key component of the initiative is the transfer and localization of international leadership best practices through hands-on projects, applied learning experiences, and mentorship from a network of global experts. This approach is designed to ensure Saudi leaders gain both a global perspective and locally relevant expertise.

The program also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader push to strengthen human capital as a core pillar of economic diversification, ensuring the workforce can adapt to rapid global shifts while contributing to sustainable national growth.