Graduates Earn SAP Associate Consultant Certifications, Boosting Immediate Employability Across the Middle East Region
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Manama, Bahrain, Kuwait City, Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq — SAP recently celebrated the graduation of 52 talented students from its latest cohorts of the SAP Young Professionals Program (YPP) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq. The program, aimed at empowering young talent with cutting-edge digital skills and certifications, has once again demonstrated its impact, with some graduates securing employment offers on their graduation day.
The SAP Young Professionals Program is an intensive 2-to-3-month training initiative designed to equip participants with both functional and technical knowledge of SAP software, focusing on SAP’s latest innovations. In addition to gaining technical expertise, participants receive comprehensive training in critical soft skills, enhancing their employability and career readiness. Graduates are certified as SAP Associate Consultants, making them immediately eligible for roles with SAP customers and partners.
“This program provides the necessary technical knowledge but also helps participants develop the soft skills that are essential in today’s job market,” said Ahmed Al-Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, SAP Middle East and Africa – North. “By bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements, the SAP Young Professionals Program ensures that graduates are not only prepared for immediate roles but are equipped to contribute meaningfully to digital transformation efforts across the region. Additionally, the program aligns with national agendas to upskill local talent, playing a vital role in supporting sustainable economic development and enhancing workforce competitiveness.”
Participants of the program have consistently reported positive outcomes, highlighting the program’s influence in broadening their career opportunities and enhancing their ability to secure jobs in the technology sector. With a structured curriculum that covers both SAP’s core software solutions and essential workplace skills, the YPP provides a holistic development approach, helping graduates make a seamless transition from training to employment.
In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of the SAP YPP graduates were from, the graduation ceremony was held at the SAP offices in Riyadh. The event was attended by local and regional SAP partner representatives, in addition to Hans-Peter Fuelle, Chief Business Officer for SAP EMEA, Mohammed Alromaizan, Vice President of SAP Saudi Arabia, and Iris Sanchez-Munoz, Digital Skills Program Manager, SAP EMEA, and Bader Kamakhi, Channel Development manager, SAP MEA North. The SAP executives congratulated the new graduates and warmly welcomed them into the SAP ecosystem, emphasizing the critical role these young professionals will play in driving digital transformation across the region.
Hind AlSharif, an SAP YPP graduate from Saudi Arabia, said: “Empowered, inspired, and equipped – that’s what the SAP Young Professionals Program has instilled in me. This journey ignited a passion to reshape the future of tech, with a vision focused on driving digital transformation and creating lasting value across industries.”
Wajd Alharbi, also from Saudi Arabia, said: “My time in the SAP YPP was very enlightening as I learned about S/4HANA and its significance as a transformative business technology. This experience also allowed me to build diverse connections with industry professionals and participants, broadening my perspective and opening doors to new opportunities.”
In Kuwait, the graduation ceremony was held at the SAP offices in Kuwait City, providing an inspiring and professional setting for the event with prominent SAP partners in attendance. The ceremony was attended by Sundus Boushehri, Managing Director of SAP Kuwait, who personally handed the graduates their certificates and wished them success in their future endeavors within the SAP ecosystem.
The presence of senior leadership and the choice of venue underscored SAP’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering growth in the country’s digital economy. The event also provided an opportunity for the graduates to network with industry leaders, further enhancing their readiness to enter the workforce.
Laila Alrabieah, an SAP YPP graduate from Kuwait, said: “This program was more than just about acquiring technical skills; it was about fostering connections, embracing challenges, and nurturing a growth mindset”.
In Bahrain and Iraq, the graduation ceremonies were attended virtually by Saquib Ahmed, Managing Director of SAP Bahrain and Iraq. He extended his best wishes to the students as they embark on their new careers as SAP consultants and heard firsthand from them about how inspirational the program had been. In Bahrain, Rasool Faraj, SAP Sales Manager, attended the ceremony in person and handed the graduates their certificates.
Sondos Isa, an SAP YPP graduate from Bahrain, said: “Graduating from the SAP Young Professionals Program signifies a transformative journey. It’s not just about skills gained, but the connections forged and the passion ignited. Together, we are equipped to drive change and create impactful solutions in the digital economy”.
Ali Mohammed Warid, an SAP YPP graduate from Iraq, said: “The SAP YPP has been an extraordinary journey. It has instilled in us practical skills and invaluable connections. It has facilitated access and recognition by SAP partners, bolstering our confidence in our potential and future within the SAP ecosystem”.
Graduates have shared stories of how the program not only provided them with valuable certifications but also boosted their self-confidence and industry knowledge. The YPP’s success lies in its strong collaboration with SAP’s extensive network of partners and customers across the region, ensuring that graduates are equipped with real-world skills that align with market demand.
By investing in local talent through programs like YPP, SAP continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the digital transformation journey in the Middle East, contributing to sustainable economic growth and workforce development.
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