Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Tuwaiq Academy has announced the launch of a groundbreaking diploma program in game development and virtual worlds, marking the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

This innovative program, created in partnership with Meta, will officially kick off on Sunday, September 15, at the academy's headquarters in Riyadh.

The program is designed to equip Saudi nationals with essential skills in game development, virtual world creation, and augmented and virtual reality technologies.

By aligning its curriculum with the demands of the job market, the diploma aims to prepare students for successful careers in these cutting-edge fields.

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the diploma offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes global professional certifications. Trainees will develop crucial skills such as three-dimensional (3D) modeling, virtual world programming, augmented and mixed reality application creation, C# programming, Unity engine development, and Web 3 technologies. The program emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, requiring students to complete application projects under the guidance of specialized instructors over two semesters, totaling more than 800 training hours.

Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, CEO of Tuwaiq Academy, highlighted the importance of this new diploma as part of the academy’s broader efforts to diversify educational offerings and foster partnerships with major global organizations. "The launch of this first technical diploma at the academy is a significant step in leading technical education in the Kingdom and supporting the labor market with national talents who possess the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields," said Al-Hammadi.

Joelle Awwad, Meta’s head of policy programs in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye, also commented on the partnership, saying, "The launch of the diploma in game development and virtual worlds with Tuwaiq Academy is a significant achievement that advances the adoption of advanced education programs. This initiative, including our partnership on augmented reality, ensures Saudi talent is prepared for the future labor market and helps establish the Kingdom as a global leader in programming, augmented reality, and 3D design."

Tuwaiq Academy is renowned for providing specialized technical camps and educational programs in collaboration with global tech giants such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alibaba. These programs are designed to develop national talents and enhance their ability to innovate in modern technologies.