The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the Graduate Development Programme (GDP), an initiative aimed at Saudi fresh graduates whose slogan is “Ignite Young Leaders”. More than a training programme, the GDP represents ZATCA’s commitment to national development and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the national blueprint for the country to achieve its long-term goals and expectations.

By bridging the gap between academic education and the demands of the modern workforce, the programme positions ZATCA as a catalyst for building a knowledge-driven economy. In addition, the initiative reinforces ZATCA’s capacity to fulfill its mandate as both a regulator and a socially responsible institution.

The GDP is designed for students under 25 who have completed at least a bachelor’s-level education. Each of its four components is tailored to enable a specific audience to develop competencies:

1. AMEEN (trustee or custodian in English) focuses on pioneering Customs technical skills and aims to strengthen participants’ foundational knowledge and practical skills in core Customs principles, while expanding their understanding of key customs and security disciplines. It offers a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on training in Customs operations and security fundamentals.
2. BINAA-ALKAFAAT (building capabilities) focuses on developing technical competencies and is designed for Saudi citizens holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees from accredited Saudi or international universities. The programme is built on a learning methodology that integrates academic knowledge with practical application in a professional, fast-paced work environment. It offers specialized training paths in accounting and tax, legal, risk analysis and business support, and information technology.
3. TAMHEER aims at aligning graduates’ know-how and knowledge with job market requirements. It is an on-the-job training initiative offered by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). It provides practical training opportunities within government entities and leading private-sector organizations.
4. COOP (Cooperative Training) links academic learning with real-world experience and focuses not only on technical knowledge but also leadership skills development. By cultivating leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility among young future graduates, the objective is to enable them to lead meaningful change in their communities.

The GDP curricula were developed by the ZATCA Academy in collaboration with renowned universities and academic partners worldwide, ensuring that the program reflects global best practices and the latest industry standards. Instruction is delivered at the ZATCA Academy through a blended learning model that combines virtual training, classroom teaching, interactive workshops, and practical application. Courses are taught by a multidisciplinary team of subject-matter experts, including distinguished faculty from partner universities, seasoned industry professionals, and senior ZATCA specialists. These partnerships ensure that participants gain access to cutting-edge knowledge, benchmarked against international best practices.

ZATCA plays a central role in the programme’s design, governance, and delivery. It oversees curriculum development, ensures alignment with national priorities, provides expert instructors, and hosts all training at its state-of-the-art learning facilities. ZATCA also fully funds the programme, ensuring participants have access to high-quality training at no personal cost. So far, more than 2,400 young people have participated in the initiative and have been trained in Customs, taxation, and entrepreneurship.

Programme evaluation has shown that the GDP has been pivotal in building a future-ready workforce with 90% of trainees earning industry-recognized credentials that immediately boost their employability. Nearly 87% of graduates secured full-time jobs within six months, and 65% joined government and regulatory sectors. These graduates integrate rapidly, requiring significantly less onboarding while raising efficiency in revenue collection, security enhancement and trade facilitation and compliance.

Many took on critical roles in Customs operations, as well as in functions related to border security and enforcement, taxation and revenue collection, and supply chain management.

Some have already contributed to tangible, high-impact projects across ZATCA. Examples include the development of self-service machines to streamline Zakat, tax, and Customs service requests; advancing budget governance and procedures for the Human Capital Department; and conducting analytical work on the effectiveness of forensic investigation in combating Customs smuggling.

The entrepreneurial spirit is equally vibrant among graduates, with over 25 youth-led initiatives launched and 200+ new jobs created in local communities. GDP has also created a ripple effect across ZATCA and the broader community. 70% of graduates led or contributed to innovation projects, while 60% actively mentored peers, fostering collaboration and a culture of continuous growth.

Beyond employment, the programme fosters civic responsibility. Alumni have contributed 1,500+ volunteer hours, while 48% female participation marks a milestone in advancing gender diversity.

The Programme is not just a training initiative, it is an engine of innovation and inclusivity, shaping a workforce ready to power Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.