Biz-Group, the Middle East’s leading business training and development company, has partnered with Saudi-based management consultancy Fanar Al-Khaleej to bring its biz-ability suite of executive training solutions to the Eastern Province.



The agreement follows increasing domestic demand — particularly within the energy, banking, telecommunications and construction sectors — for training solutions that can improve the way companies approach talent retention, innovation and change management.



Operating for more than three years in the Kingdom, Fanar Al-Khaleej provides companies with tailor-made business services including market feasibility studies, project operation audits and strategy planning.



Under the partnership with biz-group, the company will have exclusive rights to promote three of biz-ability — internationally accredited training programs, Multipliers Leadership, ExperienceChange and Design Thinker —  in the Kingdom. Trainings will continue to be implemented and delivered by biz-ability’s certified consultants.



Nada Al-Dossary, Managing Director at Fanar Al Khaleej, said: “Retaining top talent is a significant challenge in the country where shifting demographics and a focus on Saudization are diminishing an already limited talent pool in specialist industries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also has one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East so there is a clear need for organizations to adapt to constant change and foster cultures of innovation. Our partnership with biz-group allows us to address these needs by offering access to a highly-experienced team of training professionals and award-winning portfolio of training solutions.”



According to Hazel Jackson, co-founder and CEO of biz-group, the dynamics of the Kingdom’s young workforce also creates a huge opportunity for biz-ability training services.



“Gone are the days when organizations could afford to rely on one product or service and neglect people development. According to Aon Hewitt’s 2012 Qudurat research, leadership is rated by GCC nationals as having the most positive impact on engagement levels.  Saudi Arabia is not only an increasingly competitive marketplace, but its workforce is quickly being populated by young individuals who naturally demand more creativity, collaboration and change. It is important for leaders and top management to engage and develop employee skills or they will see staff walk out the door,” she said.



Fanar Al-Khaleej says it is already receiving strong interest in biz-ability training programs, particularly among c-level executives. "Multipliers", created by US leadership coach Liz Wiseman, is a workshop-based program that imparts leaders with specific behaviors that increase their ability to identify, nurture and grow existing talent. – SG