Academy of Learning

What Academy of Learning does

Academy of Learning (AOL) is a Saudi Arabia-based, publicly listed vocational training and education company founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dammam. It operates across the Eastern Province and Riyadh, running 10+ physical training branches and an e-learning portal that delivers accredited Level 5 diploma programs (Accounting, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, HR, Marketing, Graphic Design, Hospitality, Supply Chain, Public Relations, Insurance, Events Management, and Occupational Health & Safety) alongside short-form professional certifications such as CEHRM and ACE.W. Core technology consists of a distance-education e-learning portal, an online student platform with payment gateway and Microsoft 365 integration, and dedicated registration flows for the Eastern and Central regions. The company also operates the Canadian Language Center, an English-language training arm accredited by the Ministry of Education, and the Employment Qualification Center, a non-profit placement channel with 30+ contracted employer partners.

AOL generates revenue from four streams: diploma program tuition (recurring, 2.5-year programs with cooperative training), professional and corporate training delivered on client sites (project-based), English language training through the Canadian Language Center (recurring), and training facility rental and services. Its go-to-market is hybrid: direct enrollment at branches and via the website for individual students (B2C), customized enterprise training for private sector employers (B2B), and government-aligned programs supporting Vision 2030 Saudization and human capital development (B2G). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and varies by program, region, and corporate arrangement.

The company holds multi-agency regulatory accreditation (GOTVTV, Ministry of Education, Etqa/Masar, Ministry of Human Resources), is licensed on Tadawul's Nomu Parallel Market (tadawul:9541), and reports FY2023 revenue of SAR 92.9M (+47.67% YoY) with net profit of SAR 28.7M (+34.22% YoY). It has been expanding capacity through a 15-year, SAR 55.88M lease for a 2,700-student women's institute in Dammam, new branches in Riyadh and Khobar, and a newly formed SAR 10M-capital subsidiary targeting private and foreign education.

Name

Academy of Learning

Legal name

Academy of Learning Company

Website

https://aol.edu.sa

Company type

Public

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Academy of Learning is a publicly listed Saudi vocational training company operating 10+ branches across the Eastern Province and Riyadh, delivering accredited Level 5 diplomas, professional certifications, and English language training to individual students, private sector employers, and government entities aligned with Vision 2030 Saudization goals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Executive Education & Corporate Programs (Non-degree) (EDAHAHAN)

Keywords

• Vocational training services
• Accredited diploma programs
• Corporate training programs
• English language training
• Workforce development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Dammam

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Diploma Program Tuition: Revenue from accredited intermediate diploma programs (Level 5, National Qualifications Framework) in fields including accounting, cybersecurity, AI, business management, HR, marketing, graphic design, and more. Programs run approximately 2.5 years with cooperative training components. Primary revenue driver.
2. Professional/Corporate Training Courses: Short professional courses offered to enterprises and organizations, including management courses, cybersecurity courses, HR courses, sales and marketing courses, and more. Customized corporate training delivered at company facilities across the Kingdom.
3. English Language Training (Canadian Language Center): Revenue from the Canadian Language Center, an accredited center by the Saudi Ministry of Education offering 10 levels of English language instruction from beginner to upper-intermediate, plus IELTS/TOEFL preparation courses.
4. Training Facility Rental and Services: Providing classrooms, equipped workshops, and facilities to corporate clients and government entities seeking to conduct their own training programs across the Kingdom.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Academy of Learning is a vocational training and education company that delivers accredited Level 5 diploma programs across 13 disciplines (cybersecurity, AI, business administration, accounting, HR, marketing, hospitality, graphic design, supply chain, insurance, public relations, occupational health and safety, event management), complemented by short professional certification programs, English language training through the Canadian Language Center, customized corporate training, and graduate placement services via the Employment Qualification Center. Operations span 10+ branches across Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province and Central Region (Riyadh), with programs delivered both on-site and through a distance-learning e-learning portal.

Product overview

Academy of Learning is a unified vocational training and education platform offering accredited diploma programs across 13 disciplines at its core, supplemented by professional certification programs, an e-learning portal for distance education, and specialized centers including the Institute for Higher Training (with 10 branches), Canadian Language Center, Employment Qualification Center, and Human Capital Development Program. The company serves both male and female students across the Eastern Province and Riyadh, with all programs aligned to Saudi Vision 2030 and accredited by the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Academy of Learning Institute for Higher Training: A higher institute offering accredited diplomas from the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, established in 2004 with 10 branches in the Eastern Province and Central Region.
• Canadian Language Center (CLC)
• Employment Qualification Center
• E-learning Portal

Products and services

• Accredited Diploma Programs (13 Disciplines) Level 5 National Qualifications Framework accredited diploma programs spanning Accounting and Taxation, Hotel and Resort Management, Marketing and E-commerce, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Insurance and Risk Management, Business Administration, Graphic Design, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Occupational Health and Safety, Public Relations and Media, Event Planning and Management, and Human Resources. Programs run approximately 2.5 years and include a 3.5-month cooperative training component; intended for Saudi individuals seeking job-ready qualifications aligned with Vision 2030 priority sectors.
• Professional Certification Programs (CEHRM and ACE.W) Short-term professional certification programs including CEHRM (Excellence in HR Management) and ACE.W (Women's Leadership in the Workplace) at basic and advanced levels, designed for working professionals seeking targeted development in HR and women's leadership competencies.
• Academy of Learning Institute for Higher Training A higher institute brand delivering TVTC-accredited diploma programs across 10 branches in the Eastern Province and Riyadh (9 female branches and 1 male branch), with disciplines aligned to Saudi Vision 2030. The Institute is the structural vehicle through which AOL's diploma portfolio is offered.
• Canadian Language Center (CLC) English Language Training Accredited English language training center offering 10 proficiency levels from beginner to upper-intermediate plus IELTS and TOEFL exam preparation, integrated into AOL's diploma curricula and available as a standalone offering for learners and corporate clients.
• Employment Qualification Center (Graduate Placement Service) Non-profit graduate placement center providing development courses in business language, computer skills, communication skills, interview preparation, and resume writing, and connecting graduates to 30+ contracted employer partners including Landmark, Al-Rugaib, Al-Shaya, Extra, and Red Tag.
• Human Capital Development and Saudization Program Bespoke corporate training program designed for Saudi private sector companies to upskill national workforce and meet Saudization requirements, delivering customized courses at client sites across the Kingdom covering management, cybersecurity, HR, sales, IT, language, finance, and project management.

Quantifiable outcome

• 47.67% revenue growth in 2023, from SAR 62.9 million to SAR 92.9 million
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Education and Training Evaluation Commission (Etqa) — Masar CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 August 2024A three-year agreement signed on August 13, 2024 with Etqa represented by the Masar National Center for Training Evaluation and Accreditation. The agreement aims to obtain institutional accreditation for 12 AOL training facilities, enhancing the academy's educational output quality and training competency selection.
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024AOL signed a MoU with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and Tallam Charity to qualify and train social security beneficiaries, developing their life and professional skills to enhance their opportunities in the labor market. This aligns with AOL's societal role through voluntary work initiatives.
• Tallam Charity (جمعية تعلم)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Joint MoU with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to qualify and train social security beneficiaries for the labor market.
• Tif QueenslandminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2024AOL signed a MoU with Tif Queensland for cooperation in professional development, educational, and human development projects.
• Al-Hilal Saudi ClubflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 January 2024AOL signed a three-season educational sponsorship agreement with Al-Hilal Saudi Club. The Chairman of AOL's Board, Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Amar, and Al-Hilal's Chairman, Fahd bin Saad bin Nafel, signed the agreement. The sponsorship supports AOL's expansion strategy and provides services to a broader segment of beneficiaries.
• General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training (GOTVTV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2022GOTVTV governor Dr. Ahmed Al-Fuhaid witnessed the signing of four MoUs to qualify and employ 400 Saudi women from AOL in fields including HR, finance, public relations, and marketing. GOTVTV is the primary regulatory body that licenses AOL's training institutes and programs.
• LandmarkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of 30+ employer companies contracted through the Employment Qualification Center for on-the-job training and placement of AOL graduates.
• Al-RugaibminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partner contracted through the Employment Qualification Center for graduate placement and cooperative training.
• Al-ShayaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partner committed to hiring AOL graduates through the Employment Qualification Center.
• ExtraminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partner for graduate placement through the Employment Qualification Center.
• Red TagminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partner for graduate placement through the Employment Qualification Center.
• General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training (TVTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTVTC (المؤسسة العامة للتدريب التقني والمهني) is the primary government body that issues training licenses and accredits AOL's diploma programs and institutes.
• Ministry of Education (Saudi Arabia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ministry of Education provides accreditation for AOL's training programs and the Canadian Language Center.
• HRDF (Hadaf)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRDF (هدف) is listed as a strategic partner supporting training and workforce development programs.
• National Center for Assessment (Qiyas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Center for Assessment (المركز الوطني للقياس) is listed as a strategic partner supporting academic assessment and qualification standards.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GEMS Education: GEMS Education is the largest K-12 and higher-education operator in the Gulf, headquartered in Dubai with schools and training operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other MENA markets. It is comparable to Academy of Learning as a multi-brand, multi-accreditation private education provider in the same Saudi Arabian market, though it operates at much larger scale and broader scope (primarily schools rather than vocational diplomas).
• Saudi Electronic University (SEU): Saudi Electronic University is a government-established institution delivering accredited online and blended degree and diploma programs nationally. It is comparable to Academy of Learning as a Saudi accredited diploma/degree provider leveraging distance learning to scale — though it is public and offers bachelor's-level credentials rather than Level 5 vocational diplomas.

Regional players

• Taaleem Holding: Taaleem is a Dubai Financial Market-listed education holding company operating premium K-12 schools across the UAE. It is comparable as a publicly listed Gulf-region education company pursuing multi-brand, government-aligned private education growth, though its focus is schools rather than vocational diplomas.
• Aldar Academies: Aldar Academies is the education arm of Abu Dhabi's Aldar Properties, operating premium K-12 schools and nurseries across the UAE. It is comparable as a Gulf-based, government-aligned private education group pursuing multi-brand expansion and accreditation-driven differentiation, though it focuses on schools rather than vocational diplomas.
• Rowad Al-Khaleej International Schools: Rowad Al-Khaleej operates private schools and training programs in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, sharing the same geography (Dammam/Khobar) as Academy of Learning's core footprint. It is comparable as a regional private education competitor operating in the same Eastern Province market.

Direct peers

• Ataa Educational Company: Ataa Educational Company is a Saudi-listed educational services company providing training and education services to the Saudi market. It is directly comparable to Academy of Learning as a publicly listed Saudi competitor targeting similar individual-student and corporate-training demand for accredited programs.
• Al-Khwarizmi International College: Al-Khwarizmi International College is a private Saudi higher-training institution offering diploma and vocational programs accredited by Saudi government bodies. It is directly comparable to Academy of Learning as a Saudi vocational diploma provider competing for the same individual-student pool in the Eastern Province/Central Region with similarly accredited curricula.
• Ma'arif Education and Training Company: Ma'arif is a Saudi private education and training operator offering diploma programs and vocational courses. It is directly comparable to Academy of Learning as a Saudi vocational training competitor serving similar student segments with government-accredited programs.

Emerging players

• Knowledge Net Company: Knowledge Net is a Saudi training and education services provider focused on professional development and corporate training across the Kingdom. It is comparable to Academy of Learning as a Saudi professional/corporate training provider targeting similar corporate clients and individual upskilling demand, though at smaller scale.
• Edraak / Miri (online learning platforms): Edraak and similar Arabic-language MOOC platforms provide online professional certificates and vocational micro-credentials across MENA. They are comparable to Academy of Learning as emerging players in the same vocational/professional upskilling category, though they deliver content digitally rather than through physical branches and lack Saudi MHRSD-recognized diploma accreditation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/aolksa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/academy-of-learning-co
• Instagraminstagram.com/aolksa

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Academy of Learning