ETS launches TOEIC Pal in Saudi Arabia to help learners build workplace English speaking skills

ETS has launched TOEIC® Pal in Saudi Arabia, bringing the official TOEIC® Speaking preparation app to learners in the Kingdom for the TOEIC Speaking test as organizations increasingly prioritize workplace English skills to support economic growth, international collaboration and workforce readiness under Vision 2030.

Designed for students, job seekers and working professionals, TOEIC® Pal helps learners prepare for the TOEIC Speaking test through practice activities, speaking exercises and feedback designed to help users prepare for the TOEIC Speaking test. The app enables users to build confidence in workplace communication at their own pace while developing the practical English-speaking skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace. TOEIC® Pal is now available in Saudi Arabia through the App Store and Google Play.

The launch comes as new findings from ETS’s Global English Skills Report (GESR) and Human Progress Report (HPR) show that employers increasingly view English proficiency as an essential workplace capability. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and expand internationally connected industries, organizations are placing greater emphasis on communication skills that support collaboration, innovation and business performance.

According to the research, 94 per cent of HR decision-makers in Saudi Arabia say English proficiency is critical to their organization’s success, while 90 per cent believe it is more important today than it was five years ago. The findings suggest that employers increasingly regard English as a practical business skill that helps organisations work more effectively with international customers, partners and colleagues.

Don Schmidt, Regional Director, Global Partnerships, Middle East and North Africa at ETS, said: “As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy, organizations are placing greater emphasis on the communication skills that enable people to work confidently across international markets. English is becoming an important workplace capability that supports collaboration, innovation and developing future talent. TOEIC® Pal has been developed to help learners strengthen their spoken English through regular practice and prepare for the TOEIC Speaking test with greater confidence.”

Major investment across sectors including tourism, entertainment, technology, logistics and advanced manufacturing is creating new opportunities for Saudi talent while increasing collaboration with international businesses. As organizations collaborate with international partners and multinational teams, workplace communication has become increasingly important to business performance.

The research also highlights growing demand for English proficiency. Three-quarters of Saudi HR leaders say greater international collaboration is increasing the need for workplace English, while 83 per cent believe organizations without strong English capability face a competitive disadvantage.

TOEIC® Pal has been developed to help learners build the confidence and practical speaking skills needed to communicate effectively in these professional environments. Artificial intelligence is also changing workplace expectations. As AI becomes part of everyday work, employers are placing even greater value on employees who can communicate clearly, evaluate information and exercise sound judgement.

The Saudi findings show that 83 per cent of HR leaders believe AI integration has increased the need for workplace English. Almost every respondent also believes employees need strong English skills to write effective prompts, evaluate AI-generated information and adapt to changing job responsibilities. TOEIC® Pal supports learners through speaking practice designed around the TOEIC Speaking test, helping them build confidence before taking the assessment.

The report also shows that English assessments are now widely used throughout an employee’s career in Saudi Arabia, including during recruitment, before and after training programs, and when employees are considered for promotion. Together with the TOEIC® assessment portfolio, TOEIC® Pal complements these assessments by helping learners prepare for the TOEIC Speaking test while developing practical workplace communication skills.

Looking ahead, employers expect English assessment to play an even greater role in recruitment. Today, 42 per cent of organizations already require English assessments for all new hires, while a further 43 per cent expect this to become standard practice within the next five years. More employers also expect to consider English assessment scores from university transcripts when evaluating graduates entering the workforce.