The race to secure Saudi Arabian digital talent will intensify in the coming years, according to ICT and HR professionals in the Kingdom.
A study commissioned by F5 Networks and conducted by Think Positive indicates that organisations are still struggling to find talent integral to Saudi Vision 2030’s Digital Transformation agenda.
More than half (58%) of surveyed ICT and HR professionals across the country believe recruiting general ICT staff is a challenge, albeit one that can be addressed with measures like enhanced internal training and structured development programmes.
For 77% of respondents, the availability of local professionals was a pressing challenge, while 95% cited a shortage of female candidates as a key issue to address.
According to Think Positive, the Saudi ICT skills gap widens the more advanced technology gets. 86% of respondents agree it is difficult to locate cloud computing experts and 82% said the same for cybersecurity.
Talent deficits also exist for increasingly influential specialisms such as Security Operations (an issue for 91%), Network Operations (77%) and Development Operations (74%).
“There will be enormous competition for specialist talent as the Vision 2030 momentum picks up pace,” said Mamduh Allam, Regional Director for Saudi Arabia and North Africa, F5 Networks.
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