Sharjah-based Crescent Petroleum, the region’s oldest private oil and gas company, has announced a new partnership with Edraak, the Arab World’s leading non-profit online education platform. Together, they are launching a unique AI training specialization designed to equip young people with the skills to leverage AI tools in the workplace.
A Strategic Push into AI Education
The new initiative, named the “AI for Employment” specialisation, will feature four online courses delivered in Arabic by expert practitioners. The curriculum is designed to be highly practical, offering hands-on experience in applying AI across various industry sectors. Key skills covered include leveraging AI productivity tools, mastering effective AI prompt writing, and understanding real-world AI applications in different job functions.
This program expands upon the successful Career Compass Pathway, a collaboration launched by the partners in 2024. The pathway has already provided 1.3 million young people across the Arab World with crucial business skills in IT and English, significantly enhancing their employment prospects.
Addressing a Critical Skills Gap
The launch comes at a critical time for the MENA region, which faces the highest youth unemployment rate globally at over 25%. With an estimated 78 million jobs expected to evolve by 2030 due to technological advancements, accessible and practical AI training is urgently needed to prepare the workforce for the future. The AI for Employment specialisation aims to directly address this gap by providing future-ready skills to young Arabic speakers.
Upon completing the four courses, participants will earn a certificate to validate their new skillset and demonstrate their capacity to innovate within the region’s evolving job market.
Leadership on Regional Empowerment
Leaders from both organizations highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in fostering regional talent.
Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum and Vice-Chairman of the Crescent Group, said: “Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future of work, and this programme will prepare young people to compete in the workplace and build better careers. For over 50 years Crescent Petroleum has been committed to equipping young people across the region with the skills they need to thrive, compete, and realise their full potential.”
Bassem Saad, CEO of Queen Rania Foundation and Chairman of Edraak, added: “AI is now a core competency for career success. Edraak’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets today’s market needs. As youth across the Arab World navigate a fast-changing job landscape, programmes like this empower them to thrive and reinforce the importance of online educational innovation in meeting the region’s needs.”
About Edraak
Established in 2014, Edraak is the Arab world’s leading nonprofit online education platform and a pioneering social education initiative by the Queen Rania Foundation. With a mission to bring top-quality education, skills development, and career readiness to youth, refugees, aspiring professionals, job seekers, and students, Edraak offers free, high-quality content in Arabic, effectively breaking down financial, linguistic, and educational barriers. As a pioneer in online and blended learning, Edraak provides cutting-edge educational resources across various fields to meet the evolving needs of learners in the Middle East and North Africa.
About Crescent Petroleum
Crescent Petroleum is the first and largest private exploration and production company in the Middle East, with more than 50 years of experience as an international operator in numerous countries including Egypt, Yemen, Canada, Tunisia, and Argentina, in addition to its continuing operations in the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Headquartered in the UAE, Crescent Petroleum has international offices in the UK and three locations across Iraq, as well as affiliated offices in Egypt.
Source: Zawya
