FutureLearn and Strategic Gears Forge Exclusive Partnership to Drive Upskilling in Saudi Arabia
As part of Strategic Gears Academy’s expansion, Strategic Gears has entered into an exclusive partnership with FutureLearn, the UK’s premier online learning platform. The academic branch of Strategic Gears achieves a major milestone by becoming FutureLearn’s exclusive partner in Saudi Arabia across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, with a strong focus on B2B educational offerings.
Through this collaboration, organisations in the Kingdom will gain access to customisable course bundles from the best-in-class FutureLearn catalogue, tailored to their specific learning needs, and in strict alignment with the recently introduced National Skills Framework, by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing FutureLearn’s globally recognised learning experiences to Saudi learners and institutions, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for workforce development and lifelong learning.
Under the terms of the agreement, Strategic Gears will serve as the sole distributor of FutureLearn’s course enrollment credits within the defined territory and scope.
Lord Jo Johnson, Executive Chairman of FutureLearn, commented: “Our new partnership with Strategic Gears reinforces our commitment to transforming access to learning. Based on a mutual understanding of the power of learning, this strategic collaboration marks a crucial first step towards a future where all businesses are able to build engaged, productive, and highly skilled workforces. Through access to high-quality education and expert recommendations, we aim to revolutionise learning and development for all organisations in Saudi Arabia, giving them the tools they need to meet changing skill needs.”
Prof. Pablo Delgado, Principal Director of the Strategic Gears Academy, also commented: “SG Academy is dedicated to providing a superior learning experience that empowers professionals to reach their full potential. Our collaboration with FutureLearn allows us to offer the world’s best-rated self-paced education offering, in line with the recently launched Saudi Skills Framework. Together, we are committed to delivering an engaging and impactful learning journey, leveraging innovative pedagogical approaches and cutting-edge technology, content, and learning experience. Our goal is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their careers and contribute to a brighter future for our Region.”
Nasser Alqahtani, Managing Partner of Strategic Gears Management Consultancy, stated: “Working closely with clients across sectors, we see a clear and urgent challenge emerging: the rapid shift in required human capabilities. It’s becoming one of the defining obstacles — and opportunities — of our time. Our partnership with FutureLearn enables us to deliver world-class education that goes beyond access. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. As a leading consulting firm in the region, Strategic Gears provides not only strategic guidance, but also the tools and resources our clients need to thrive. With FutureLearn’s platform, we are expanding our service offering and helping institutions stay equipped, future-ready, and aligned with their most ambitious goals.”
The agreement was formally celebrated in Riyadh on April 17, 2025, in the presence of Leadership from both Organisations and renowned Guests.
Together, Strategic Gears and FutureLearn aim to enable Governments, Non-Profits, and Businesses in Saudi Arabia to upskill their people, drive innovation, and stay competitive in a global landscape increasingly shaped by knowledge and digital fluency.
