Abdallah Aljurf: Architect of Continuous Learning in KSA

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a bold promise: to unlock the limitless potential of its people. Transforming the economy, diversifying industries, and achieving global competitiveness all depend on empowering citizens with knowledge, skills, and leadership.

Among the Kingdom’s changemakers shaping this journey is Abdallah Aljurf, General Manager of Continuous Learning at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). With more than 17 years of cross-sector experience in leadership, human resources, and executive coaching, Abdallah is a national leader and an international influencer, inspiring a generation of consultants and professionals to align their ambitions with the nation’s transformation.

Early Life and Education

Abdallah’s professional foundation was built at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), where he studied Systems Engineering. This gave him a systems-thinking mindset, an ability to analyze complex challenges and design strategic solutions.

Expanding with Global Certifications

He complemented his technical background with professional certifications, including the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and credentials with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This blend of technical expertise and people development positioned him uniquely to lead in both corporate and national arenas.

His educational path reflects a brand of leadership that is rigorous, versatile, and globally aligned while deeply rooted in Saudi values.

Leadership Role in Government Transformation

In September 2023, Abdallah became General Manager of Continuous Learning at HRSD. His mandate is central to Vision 2030’s mission: embedding lifelong learning into the Kingdom’s workforce and strengthening national capabilities. Through his leadership, HRSD is advancing a culture where employees from public institutions to private companies are encouraged to innovate, adapt, and lead. This effort ensures Saudi Arabia’s human capital remains globally competitive while locally empowered.

For young consultants, Abdallah’s role underscores an essential truth: leadership is not about authority, but about impact, service, and vision.

A Mission that Inspired a Generation

Founder of ICF Saudi Arabia Chapter

Abdallah is more than a leader; he is a pioneer. He founded and became the first President of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Saudi Arabia Chapter, creating a professional ecosystem that elevated coaching standards in the Kingdom. This bold move connected Saudi professionals to global best practices, enabling coaching to flourish as a driver of personal and organizational growth.

Recognition on the Global Stage

His efforts earned international recognition, including a nomination among the World’s Top 50 Leadership Coaches for the Thinkers50 Marshall Goldsmith Coaching Award in 2019. His journey proves that true leadership is about building institutions that outlast individuals.

Scientific Innovation and National Impact

Impact Across Industries

Abdallah’s impact spans multiple industries:

• At Saudi Telecom Company (STC), he led leadership training initiatives that prepared hundreds of leaders for the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
• At the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), he helped instill a coaching culture that was honored with recognition at the ICF Middle East Prism Awards.
• At King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), he contributed to leadership development and organizational excellence in healthcare.
• As a consultant and coach, he partnered with leading organizations such as GE, Oracle, Aramco, Al-Bilad Bank, Cristal Global, KFUPM, the Ministry of Health, and National Water Company.

This breadth reflects Vision 2030’s emphasis on cross-sector integration and demonstrates Abdallah’s ability to translate knowledge into measurable impact across industries.

Inspiring Through Public Platforms

Abdallah extends his influence beyond boardrooms and ministries. His TEDx talk, “Keep Questioning,” inspired audiences to embrace curiosity as a lifelong skill and leadership mindset. At Al Yamamah University, he introduced the JURF Technique, a structured framework to help leaders use inquiry to reveal blind spots and focus execution.

What Makes His Journey Unique

• Engineer to Leadership Architect: Merging systems engineering with human capital development.
• Ecosystem Builder: Founder of the ICF Saudi Arabia Chapter, institutionalizing global coaching standards.
• Method Maker: Creator of the JURF Technique, embedding curiosity into structured leadership practice.
• Measured Impact: From STC to SIDF, his programs enhanced leadership cultures and earned recognition.
• Global Local Balance: International honors like Thinkers50 combined with national service.
• Communicator of Change: Through TEDx, Toastmasters, and summits, he has amplified his impact as a thought leader.

Field Honors and Recognitions

Abdallah Aljurf’s professional journey has been recognized with several distinguished honors that reflect both his national and international influence. He is the Founder and first President of the ICF Saudi Arabia Chapter, a milestone that institutionalized coaching standards in the Kingdom. His pioneering leadership earned him a nomination for the Thinkers50 Marshall Goldsmith Coaching Award in 2019, placing him among the world’s top leadership coaches. Earlier in his career, Training Magazine honored him in 2013 as one of its Emerging Training Leaders, a recognition of his rising global impact in the learning and development field.

Beyond these, Abdallah excelled in communication platforms, becoming a Toastmasters International District Champion and World Championship Semifinalist, showcasing his mastery in inspiring audiences. His contributions at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) were further acknowledged when the organization received recognition at the ICF Middle East Prism Awards for excellence in building a coaching culture.

Final Reflections

Abdallah Aljurf’s journey reflects the spirit of Vision 2030: transforming potential into performance, and ambition into achievement. His story demonstrates that leadership today requires not just strategy, but also curiosity, adaptability, and service.

For young consultants, Abdallah’s career is a living example that success is measured not only by individual milestones but by the ecosystems you build and the lives you inspire. His message endures: keep questioning, keep learning, and keep leading.

Discover more inspiring stories at Saudi Wins, where Vision 2030 comes to life.