The memorandum of understanding will support joint research, industry-focused curriculum development and practical training, aiming to strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities and develop Saudi talent for the air cargo sector.
Saudia Cargo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alfaisal University to advance artificial intelligence research and workforce development in Saudi Arabia’s logistics industry.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in academic and scientific research, curriculum development, student training and professional development, with a focus on applying emerging technologies to air cargo and logistics operations.
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The MoU was signed in Riyadh by Dr Khaled Al-Kattan, Alfaisal University’s vice president for finance and administration and dean of its College of Medicine, and Hashim H. Alsharif, vice president of strategy at Saudia Cargo.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will explore joint research programmes involving university students, faculty and staff, with projects examining logistics operations and the potential application of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Research and training aligned with industry needs
A key element of the partnership is the development of academic curricula that reflect the changing skills requirements of the private sector. By connecting university programmes with operational challenges in air freight and logistics, the initiative aims to help prepare graduates for technology-driven roles across the industry.
The agreement also provides for short-term training opportunities for male and female students at Saudia Cargo’s headquarters. Placements may be arranged through cooperative training programmes or Saudi Arabia’s Tamheer on-the-job training initiative, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
Beyond student placements, the partners plan to organise specialist workshops and training programmes focused on AI applications in logistics. Joint conferences, seminars, scientific lectures and innovation initiatives are also envisaged as part of the collaboration.
Saudia Cargo will additionally explore opportunities for its employees to access Alfaisal University’s academic, training and professional development programmes.
Building on Alfaisal’s AI capabilities
The partnership draws on Alfaisal University’s existing artificial intelligence education and research activities. Its College of Engineering and Advanced Computing offers undergraduate study in artificial intelligence, including an industry internship, as well as a master’s degree in applied AI covering areas such as machine learning, data science and AI systems.
The university’s Artificial Intelligence Centre supports research, teaching and industry collaboration, while its AI Academy introduces pre-university students to the field through practical programmes.
Dr Al-Kattan said the agreement would connect the university’s AI programmes and research with real-world challenges faced by an established air cargo operator. He also highlighted the role of logistics in Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030.
He said the partnership would create opportunities for students and faculty to work on industry-relevant problems while strengthening links between academic research and commercial operations.
Developing national talent and operational efficiency
For Saudia Cargo, the agreement offers a route to collaborate with academic specialists, support the development of relevant skills and explore technology-led improvements across logistics services.
Alsharif said integrating academic expertise with smart solutions and artificial intelligence could help advance the sector. He added that joint research and curriculum development would be aligned with market needs, while expanded training opportunities would support both students and company employees.
The partners also expect the exchange of knowledge between university researchers and logistics professionals to contribute to the development of Saudi talent and innovation in the sector.
A steering committee will oversee activities under the MoU. Its members include Princess Aljohara bint Faisal bin Musaad Al Saud, Alfaisal University’s director of alumni and placement relations, and Majdi Alrehaili, Saudia Cargo’s executive director of external affairs.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation rather than announcing a specific AI system or operational deployment. Its impact will depend on the research projects, training programmes and practical initiatives developed by the two organisations.
