In today’s competitive job market, building meaningful connections and networking is crucial for career success. One such example of the power of networking can be seen in the recent partnership between Magrabi Retail Group, Umm Al-Qura, and King Saud Universities. This collaboration aims to provide training facilities to students studying to become opticians and develop local talent in the optical field.

Magrabi’s Retail Academy and Its Impact

Magrabi is working on implementing an internal Retail Academy across the Kingdom, covering all aspects of training and development around vision correction, technical know-how, client experience, product expertise, fashion and lifestyle, operational management, and leadership. This initiative showcases the company’s commitment to supporting the Saudi government in developing local talent and fostering a skilled workforce.

Collaboration with Universities for Industry Growth

The partnership with Umm Al-Qura and King Saud universities provides immense value to the industry, as it combines Magrabi’s expertise in the optical field with the academic resources of these prestigious institutions. The training programs focus on technical information and knowledge, which is the core of the optical field, in addition to soft skills and marketing customized to fit the specialized medical field.

Expanding the Program and Its Reach

The program in Umm Al-Qura University started on March 4, with the first batch dedicated only to Magrabi. However, plans are underway to sign a new agreement with the university to expand the program to major cities like Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, the Eastern Province, and the capital city, Riyadh. This expansion will further strengthen the industry and provide more opportunities for aspiring opticians.

Future Hospitality Summit: A Platform for Networking and Investment

Another example of the power of networking can be seen in the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, taking place from May 7-9. The conference, themed “Invest in Change,” will bring together global investment decision-makers and leaders to focus on positive change in the hospitality industry. The summit will highlight the development of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry and encourage investment in the tourism sector. With 750 delegates from 40 countries and 300 companies expected to attend, the event will emphasize the importance of establishing relationships between the government, business sector, and academics to achieve long-term growth in the hospitality industry.