Digital Skills for Executives: Constructor University launches Successful Cooperation with Saudi Arabian National IT Academy
It's a pioneer initiative: Constructor University and the National Information Technology Academy (NITA) from Saudi Arabia have successfully completed their first joint executive education program focused on digital transformation. The two-week course provided participants with knowledge in key areas such as data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and digital strategy.
Being well versed in topics of digitization and knowing how to apply it is not only a crucial qualification for executives, but serves to streamline the development of new business segments, optimize costs and maximize process efficiency. Around 20 managers from Saudi Arabia took part in the “Digital Transformation Executive Education Program,” which was initially held on-site in Damman, Saudia Arabia on the NITA campus. Founded in 2017 through an initiative by four governmental institutions in Saudi Arabia, NITA is a non-profit training institution dedicated to developing the country’s digital economy and improving workforce skills.
The organizers were pleased with the result of the inaugural two-week initiative. “We are very happy and honored to have been chosen by NITA to provide this professional development opportunity to Aramco managers. Importantly, this project was not only successful in its own terms but also demonstrates the incredible scope of opportunity when Constructor University, Constructor Academy and Constructor Technology join forces,” said Prof. Dr. Thomas Auf der Heyde, Managing Director and VP: International Outreach at Constructor University. Nora Alshaikh, Executive Director at NITA, added, “We are proud to partner with Constructor University to develop and deliver an executive program in digital transformation, tailored for leaders from Saudi Aramco and its affiliates. This initiative marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, grounded in a shared commitment to advancing digital leadership and innovation. We are looking forward to building on this foundation and exploring further opportunities to empower the Kingdom’s digital future.”
The first week of the program was held in Saudi Arabia and covered topics such as digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, change management and organizational culture, as well as data-based decision-making. The program was designed and led by Constructor University, and presented by experts from the university, including Prof. Dr. Çağrı Bulut (Director of Executive Programs and Innovation) and psychology professor Dr. Christian Stamov-Roßnagel, Kevin Reed, Chief Information Security Officer at Constructor Technology and Katharina Fürst, CEO of Constructor Academy. “Being part of this executive program in digital transformation has been an eye-opening journey for me,” said Fahad I. Al-Jurifani program participant from Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned petroleum and natural gas company. “The collaboration between NITA and Constructor University brought together a unique blend of academic insight and real-world applications. What stood out most was how relevant and actionable the content was for the challenges we face at Aramco. The discussions around emerging technologies, change management and digital strategy gave me a fresh perspective on how to lead and contribute to transformation in our organization.”
The second week of the program, which was recently completed, took place at Constructor University in Bremen. Participants were also afforded the opportunity to engage with many practical examples, for instance exploring the benefits of incorporating digital strategy for their own area of work and how to gauge the success of digital transformation. The university’s campus also played a special role as a learning environment, according to Norah Al-Matroodi, a program participant from Aramco Digital. “During my time at Constructor University, I was immersed in a multicultural and international environment that made learning truly come alive,” she stated. “The engaging campus life and the rich course material were complemented by an incredibly diverse group, including professionals with over 20 years of experience, whose insights made the program even more valuable. Exploring the charming city of Bremen, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, made the entire experience as inspiring as it was unforgettable,” said Al-Matroodi.
The organizers are determined that the “Digital Transformation Executive Education Program” will not remain a one-time initiative. Constructor University plans to increasingly equip specialists and executives with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and support digital transformation initiatives within companies. Further programs are already in the works.