Riyadh: The Ministry of Education is significantly expanding its educational infrastructure by providing the necessary technical, logistical, and technological capabilities to create a safe, stimulating, and advanced learning environment. This investment in both people and facilities aims to improve efficiency by empowering schools, strengthening governance across 16 educational departments, and entrusting all operations, maintenance, and quality management to the Tatweer Education Holding Company.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year, 120 new schools were inaugurated through a private-sector partnership model, part of the Kingdom’s privatization program. Since last year, 199 foreign investment licenses have been issued to international educational companies. The ministry has supported 1,069 newly established private schools, implemented 75 new construction projects valued at SAR920 million, and carried out comprehensive maintenance on more than 15,000 school buildings at a cost exceeding SAR2 billion. Over 1,400 buildings have also been renovated and rehabilitated for SAR782 million.
In partnership with the private sector, the ministry has established modern, model schools. The first technical school for the gifted was launched in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, and this model has now expanded to five educational departments. The first sports school has also been established in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Mahd Sports Academy, along with two cultural talent schools in Riyadh and Jeddah in partnership with the Ministry of Culture.
The Kingdom’s educational system is undergoing a major transformation that embraces innovation. Classrooms are becoming a space where AI and human creativity intersect. Initiatives like “schools of the future,” Madrasti (my school) platform, and the Human Capability Development Program are reshaping the educational landscape to meet the demands of the digital age. A key example of this is the Cravta interactive educational platform, which offers smart tools for teachers and personalized learning journeys for students, transforming education from a routine task into a stimulating adventure, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Fahad Alsuwigh, founder of the educational app “B6lapp,” highlights another innovative approach. The platform uses an interactive points system to reward students for academic achievements and positive behavior. Students can redeem these points for digital cards from over 600 brands, making good behavior a fun and rewarding experience. The platform also provides a secure and private communication channel for teachers and parents to monitor student behavior and academic progress, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
Saudi education is also becoming a soft power tool that enhances the Kingdom’s global image through international partnerships and joint academic programs. Universities like Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University are attracting international talent and have recently registered 34 patents in diverse fields, including energy, human health, and sustainability.
Investments in education are laying the foundation for a future built on knowledge and ambition, from school classrooms to university halls.
