Oct 16, 2025
Advancing Professional Growth at Skill Up 2025
KFUPM marked its third participation in Skill Up, the annual professional development event hosted by Saudi Aramco to empower and upskill its workforce, held on September 14–15 under the theme Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future of Professional Development. The event brought together leading minds and organizations to explore how innovation and learning intersect in today’s fast-changing professional landscape.
Over two days, participants engaged in panel discussions, fireside chats, workshops, and presentations centered on professionalism, digital learning, and the technologies shaping tomorrow’s workplace. Artificial intelligence (AI) stood out as a recurring topic, with experts examining how it can amplify employee performance and open new possibilities for growth. For KFUPM, whose curriculum embeds AI across disciplines and even offers a dedicated master’s program, the focus was a natural fit.
KFUPM’s participation reflected its shared vision with Saudi Aramco, namely that of bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Both institutions emphasize practical learning and encourage professionals to translate knowledge into impact, a philosophy that resonated strongly with the Skill Up audience.
The university’s booth stood alongside those of major local and international organizations, including Coursera, Udemy, Google Cloud, and the Saudi Council of Engineers. Aramco leaders such as Dr. Khalid Al-Qahtani, Senior Vice President of Engineering Services, and Walid Al-Naeem, Vice President and Chief Engineer, visited the exhibits to explore offerings and engage with representatives.
Built around five key pillars, namely Learn, Collaborate, Explore, Meet, and Experience, the event promoted active networking and knowledge exchange throughout. Exhibitors and attendees alike had ample opportunities to connect, share insights, and build meaningful professional relationships.
At the booth, KFUPM highlighted its 40+ project-based master’s programs, including two designed specifically for executives. The flexibility of these programs, structured for working professionals, drew significant attention and interest from attendees. Many were intrigued by the interdisciplinary nature of KFUPM’s graduate offerings, which combine expertise from multiple fields to prepare learners for emerging roles and technologies.
Professional growth is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Through Skill Up, KFUPM once again reiterated its efforts and dedication to nurture professionals ready to advance industries, drive innovation, and continuously evolve in a technology-enabled future.