People usually approach learning to use Microsoft’s Excel software from a purely technical (and boring) angle. However, a Saudi startup aims to take it beyond this common misconception.
“Our objective was to deliver Excel learning with a meaningful, practical point of view and engaging cases from real life businesses,” said Mohammed Khayat, founder of the Jeddah Excel Community (JEC).
Some 11 professionals started the Excel-based business that is “expected to create 80-100 job opportunities,” or even more depending on the success of the JEC.
It hopes to prove that young Saudis have taken the country’s move to diversify the economy seriously and are founding innovative startups to help the Vision 2030 reform plans’ objective of moving away from a dependency on oil.
The founder added that they are extremely passionate about Excel and the data-driven approach to business.
“Our mission is to enable teams and leaders in the data-driven business world through innovative learning solutions and business intelligence tools.”
Khayat told Arab News that the JEC is a group of professionals from different sectors, like consumer staples, finance, technology and management consultancy.
“What we all noticed in common throughout our careers is that Excel completely increases one’s productivity and efficiency at any level. We quickly felt that it was our call to help people with the software, especially considering that most of them are in an early stage in their careers,” Khayat said.
He described Excel as the world’s most powerful spreadsheet tool, and that there is no other application that can come near this title.
“It has a huge range of functions, features and customization options. That is why it seems intimidating and hard to navigate for a lot of people, and this is where we enable our learners to make Excel useful for them,” Khayat said.
Khayat said that Excel increases productivity and efficiency in all sorts of enterprises: “Our clients are from multiple industries ranging from finance, retail and fast-moving consumer products.”
He added that the JEC deliver their training in classes as the community found it more engaging. “However, we still provide open online tutorials for anyone who would like to know more about Excel at their own base,” he said.
Khayat said that the JEC recently broke the 200 individual learners threshold last month, and they are working with six business accounts. “It’s been a pleasurable journey and there is more to come.”
Khayat said that the reference to Jeddah in the community’s name has nothing to do with loyalty since their “loyalty comes first to our country, Saudi Arabia. But stamping a service or a product with a localized branding gives it a flavor of culture. This is a common practice worldwide with so many products and services that started at one place and are now global,” he said.
Startup of the Week: Taking Excel beyond its ‘boring’ reputation
Startup of the Week: Taking Excel beyond its ‘boring’ reputation
- Khayat said that Excel increases productivity and efficiency in all sorts of enterprises: “Our clients are from multiple industries ranging from finance, retail and fast-moving consumer products”
Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
- Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves
RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.
Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.
An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.
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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.
Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.
Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.
Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.
Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.
Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.
Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.
First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
- Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.
The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.
The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.
Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.
Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.
The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.
Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador
- They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.
Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad
- Invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by Iraqi counterpart
RIYADH: King Salman received an official invitation from Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid on Sunday to attend the 34th regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, as well as the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, both set to be hosted by Iraq later this month.
The invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting in Riyadh with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed ties between the two countries and reviewed key regional and international developments.
The meeting was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs.
Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health
- Minister launches initiatives to enhance Kingdom’s workplace safety
RIYADH: The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference opened in Riyadh on Sunday under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.”
The three-day event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
Al-Rajhi launched initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia’s occupational safety and health system, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Compliance and Excellence Incentives Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide.
Al-Rajhi said that work-related deaths in Saudi Arabia have dropped to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council’s establishment.
Meanwhile, the number of locals in occupational safety and health roles has risen by 130 percent, reaching more than 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared with 2022.
Al-Rajhi also highlighted improvements in safety compliance and automation. “The compliance rate with safety standards reached 72 percent by the end of 2024, and the automation of safety procedures exceeded 62 percent, up from 30 percent in 2020.”
The conference draws high-ranking officials, experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as the challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.
It covers six key themes: workplace sustainability; digitization and technology in occupational safety; the economics of safety; the future of research and innovation; emerging challenges; and human behavior and safety culture.
This focus reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving work environments and achieving professional standards in line with global best practices, a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030.
The event highlights national efforts, displays modern technical trends, supports specialized research, and promotes the Kingdom’s legislative framework to international standards, contributing to the success of major national projects.
Al-Rajhi referred to international reports on workplace challenges. “International reports highlight the serious challenges facing work environments globally. Approximately 3 million worker deaths are recorded each year due to accidents and occupational diseases.”
He said about “395 million non-fatal work injuries occur annually. Statistics show 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths from heat stress, and 15 percent of workers globally suffer from mental disorders related to stressful work environments.”
The conference program includes specialized scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects are being presented.
An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several significant agreements expected and new initiatives to advance the Kingdom’s occupational safety system.
The ministry also emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to securing a healthy work environment and ensuring worker safety, which enhances labor market competitiveness and overall quality of life.
Al-Rajhi said: “In line with Vision 2030, we aim to make work environments safer, higher quality, and more attractive. This supports employee well-being, boosts labor market competitiveness, and fosters a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.”
The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a directory for occupational safety and health standards at the conference, serving as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in the Kingdom.
This initiative aims to enhance safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards, as part of its broader strategy.
Based on international best practices, the directory provides clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and hazards.
It covers more than 4,500 standards in six main sectors: public industries; construction; agriculture; maritime activities; transport; and mining. It also classifies more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.
