The Princess Nora University launched in Riyadh a women’s leadership skills program in education.

This program is in keeping with the university’s purpose as a distinguished and pioneering institution in education and scientific research.

Dr. Abeer bint Ali Al-Harbi, the university’s dean of development skills, said the program was developed in France and aims to create distinguished women leaders on a national level.

It also aims to create a leadership pioneering culture in the 21st century and support the creation of a team for leadership positions through a well-defined strategic vision, she said.

One condition for acceptance in the program, Al-Harbi said, was that since the program is in English, applicants must be proficient in the language in the three areas of speaking, reading and writing. The use of English enables the program to function on both a national and an international level.

She said the university will instruct those in the program so they can hold meetings, receive delegations and gain all the necessary language knowledge and skills.

A 12-month course, it comes directly from France through Princess Nora University. Since it is being offered in the Kingdom, it will be easier and less expensive for Saudi women.

“In the program, the courses will be available all year round in seven units that are intensive and include training in face-to-face interaction, direct sessions, group seminars and long-distance learning,” she said.

Al-Harbi said the program was for everyone and that students don’t need to be enrolled in Princess Nora University.

The university, however, is the local entity offering the program as a community partnership with the private and public sectors, adding that there are applicants from different universities and the Ministries of Civil Service and Labor.