Saudi Arabia’s transformation story did not begin overnight. For decades, the Kingdom’s education system was focused on expanding access—building schools, universities, and vocational institutes that could serve a rapidly growing population. By the mid-2010s, enrollment across primary, secondary, and higher education had reached near-universal levels. Yet challenges remained: graduate employability, alignment with labor market needs, and the pace of digital adoption.

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It was against this backdrop that Vision 2030 was launched in 2016—a national reform blueprint designed to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and prepare the country for a post-oil future. At the heart of Vision 2030 sits the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), which reframes education not just as a social service but as the engine of national competitiveness.

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As part of this transformation, Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most ambitious education reforms globally—positioning education as the foundation of economic growth and long-term societal development. The insights in this article come from close collaboration with governments, institutions, and EdTech innovators across the Middle East, including direct engagement in Saudi Arabia, where we have seen firsthand how the system is being reshaped at a scale and with a speed few countries can match.

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Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is already delivering results at scale. The numbers tell a story of bold investment, systemic ambition, and rapid progress across all levels of the system:

‍

More than 6 million students are expected to be reached by the Saudi nationwide AI curriculum, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.

500,000+ teachers undergoing mandatory pre-service and ongoing professional training.

36% female workforce participation, up from 19% in 2016, supported by education-driven inclusion initiatives.

250% growth in executive education enrolments in recent years, reflecting demand for leadership training.

Over 1.1 million jobs have already been created through Public Investment Fund projects, including giga-initiatives such as NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea, and Diriyah.

400+ new private schools opened in 2024, highlighting the fastest growth phase in recent years, reflecting rising demand for quality, future-ready education.

Saudi Arabia’s education reform journey began with expanding access. Gross enrollment ratios across K–12 and higher education have reached near-universal levels. The focus has now shifted decisively to outcomes: ensuring that students graduate with the skills, mindset, and adaptability to thrive in a diversified economy. Global benchmarks such as TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) are being used as barometers of progress. The Ministry of Education has committed to measurable improvement in these rankings by 2030.

‍

In the latest international assessments, Saudi students scored below global averages in mathematics, reading, and science, with results showing persistent gaps in core skills. This highlights the need to focus on foundational numeracy, literacy, and applied science learning, supported by stronger teacher development, as the Kingdom works toward measurable improvement by 2030. Curriculum reforms are increasingly linked to emerging economic sectors. The introduction of Tourism & Hospitality as a core subject in Grade 12 is one example of how the system is aligning learning pathways with Vision 2030’s diversification priorities, particularly in sectors like tourism, culture, and entertainment.

‍

To align academic programs with global benchmarks and strengthen the employability of graduates, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission have launched the Saudi Academic Framework for AI Qualifications (Education Intelligence). This initiative provides a national standard for AI curricula, ensuring academic rigor and increasing employer confidence in AI talent emerging from Saudi institutions.

‍

One of the Kingdom’s most notable achievements is the nationwide rollout of an AI curriculum in 2025, an initiative that places over 6 million students on a path toward digital fluency. This reform is accompanied by intensive teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to deliver AI literacy at scale.

‍

“In the context of Saudi Arabia’s education system, digital transformation represents far more than the adoption of tools, it is a cultural and structural shift that redefines how knowledge is delivered, accessed, and applied. It means leveraging technology and artificial intelligence not only to modernize classrooms but also to personalize learning, bridge geographical gaps, and prepare students for a future where digital fluency is fundamental to professional and social success.” – Pepita Giménez-Bonafé, University of Barcelona

‍

Digital transformation extends beyond the classroom. The Ministry of Education and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) are building a robust education technology ecosystem supported by:

• ‍Cloud migration of education platforms, ensuring scalability and resilience.‍
• Cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard student data and ensure trust.‍
• Learning analytics systems that provide real-time insights to educators and policymakers.

‍

Compared to other countries currently piloting AI in schools, Saudi Arabia’s approach stands out for its scale and integration. While countries such as China, India, and Canada have introduced AI modules or electives, Saudi Arabia is embedding AI literacy in the national curriculum across all grade levels, backed by intensive teacher training and infrastructure investment. This positions the Kingdom not only as an early adopter, but as one of the first systems globally to operationalize AI learning at nationwide scale.

‍

Saudi Arabia’s digital education readiness is reflected in international rankings. In 2024, the Kingdom was recognized among the top five nations globally for government digital transformation maturity, a foundation that is now extending into the education sector.

‍

Takeaway: Saudi Arabia is embedding AI and digital fluency into its national education system, preparing learners and educators for a tech-driven future.

‍

“Digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s education system represents a bold reimagining of how learning is delivered, connected to the workforce, and aligned with the Kingdom’s broader socio-economic aspirations under Vision 2030. It is not simply about digitizing classrooms; it is about cultivating a future-ready, AI-literate generation empowered by global benchmarks, localized implementation, and inclusive innovation.” – Lara Al Arab, Impact360

Education reform in Saudi Arabia is fundamentally about people, not platforms. With over half a million teachers, the Kingdom recognizes that sustainable reform depends on transforming the role of educators.

‍

Key measures include:‍

• ‍Mandatory pre-service training for all new teachers, ensuring a baseline of preparedness before entering classrooms.‍
• Professional development reform, moving from ad hoc workshops to structured career-long pathways.‍
• Teacher leadership initiatives, empowering educators to act as mentors, digital leaders, and school innovators.

‍

These reforms aim to elevate teaching into a globally competitive profession, aligning with international best practice while rooted in Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural and educational context.

‍

“Educators and leaders are the true change makers. Technology only works if teachers feel confident and empowered. Professional development is moving toward practical, ongoing learning, where teachers investigate AI, project-based learning, and data-driven instruction. Leadership programs now emphasize building digital strategy, managing change, and fostering school cultures that are flexible and prepared for the future.” – Tamara Fakhoury, AI & Innovation Strategist

‍

Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is not just about modernization, it is also about equity. The strategy is inclusive by design, ensuring every learner has access to opportunity:

‍

• Special needs education integrated into mainstream classrooms, with dedicated resource centers, and assistive technologies.
• The King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) provides in-school teacher training and is developing Arabic-standardized learning disability assessment tools in partnership with the Center for Child Evaluation and Teaching in Kuwait.
• Gifted education programs are advanced through initiatives by the Mawhiba Foundation, including enrichment programs, national competitions, and international scholarships for high-potential students.
• Regional equity measures, focus on underserved and rural areas, with targeted investments in infrastructure, teacher deployment, and access — as outlined in the HCDP Delivery Plan.
• Student wellbeing initiatives are addressed through national school nutrition programs, mental health support, and extracurricular activities aimed at holistic development.
• Lifelong learning platforms are led by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), offering upskilling programs and flexible adult learning platforms aligned with future workforce needs.

‍

‍

While Saudi Arabia’s education transformation under Vision 2030 has made global headlines for its ambition and scale, several structural challenges remain.

‍

• Quality at Scale
  Saudi Arabia’s system serves more than six million students across thousands of schools, presenting a significant challenge: ensuring that quality and consistency are not lost as reforms expand. High-level policies must translate into classroom practice — not just in flagship urban schools, but across rural, underserved, and newly built institutions.

“One of the biggest challenges in Saudi Arabia’s education reform is ensuring consistency and sustainability—moving from policy to practice across thousands of schools with varying capacities. Equally, the rapid pace of change can overwhelm educators without the right support.” – Nada Zaidan, Stellar Education

‍

• Teacher Preparedness

With over 500,000 educators in the system, ensuring that teachers move beyond surface-level adoption of reforms is critical. While mandatory pre-service and in-service training is underway, uptake can be uneven, especially when professional development is overly centralized or disconnected from classroom realities. Teachers must not only be trained but trusted and empowered to adapt reforms within their context. For example, in our work with digital transformation pilots, the most successful implementations were those where school-level leadership was paired with hands-on teacher coaching, not just one-off workshops.

‍

• Sustaining Reform Momentum

Many of the current initiatives — from AI curriculum rollout to workforce-aligned learning — are funded through Vision 2030 and its associated programs. But what happens beyond 2030? Ensuring financial, operational, and institutional sustainability is essential. That means embedding governance models that transcend leadership cycles, creating incentive structures that reward evidence-based practice, and building public-private partnerships that can carry the weight of reform over time.

‍

• Labor Market Alignment at Scale

With over one million jobs projected from giga-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, the pressure on the education system to deliver job-ready graduates has never been higher. But alignment requires more than just updating curricula. It demands real-time feedback loops between employers, universities, and vocational providers, plus the development of career guidance systems that help learners navigate evolving industries. According to the Human Capability Development Program, more than 70% of future jobs in Saudi Arabia will require digital and cognitive skills — and that transition is still underway.

‍

• Global and Local Balance

Finally, Saudi Arabia’s transformation is occurring in a complex cultural and geopolitical context. As the country opens to global EdTechs, international institutions, and emerging pedagogies, there’s a need to ensure alignment with Saudi values, language, and identity. In our advisory work, we’ve found that localisation is often the missing link, whether it’s adapting AI tools to Arabic-language classrooms or aligning micro-credentials with local regulatory frameworks.

‍

“At EDT&Partners, we believe the effective use of technology in education must be rooted in more than just access or innovation for its own sake. We work with public and private stakeholders to ensure that digital transformation delivers measurable learning outcomes, is underpinned by strong cybersecurity and wellbeing safeguards, and reflects local values. One example is Lecture — the first open-source AI framework built for education, and natively designed for Arabic — enabling culturally relevant, scalable AI adoption across the region.” – Pablo Langa, EDT&Partners

‍

These are not barriers, they are strategic inflection points. How they are addressed will determine whether reforms translate into long-term, system-wide impact. Transformation at this scale demands more than innovation; it requires alignment, execution, and deep, sustained collaboration across sectors.

‍

Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is bold, urgent, and globally significant. It is:

• Building one of the world’s largest AI-enabled ecosystems.
• Elevating teachers as leaders of change.
• Expanding inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Aligning education with workforce needs across giga-projects and future industries.

‍

At EDT&Partners, we are proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s education transformation—supporting ministries, institutions, and EdTech innovators in turning national vision into measurable, sustainable outcomes. These themes including —AI in education, teacher empowerment, skills development, and system-wide transformation— reflect the three core content tracks that will be explored in depth at LEARN 2025, taking place in Riyadh from October 7–9.

‍

Designed in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the LEARN programme brings together global leaders, national policymakers, and pioneering EdTech innovators to reimagine how learning can drive economic growth, technological advancement, and workforce transformation.

‍

“As an events organisation, our contribution is to provide a trusted platform for dialogue, networking, and showcasing innovation. By curating agendas with government and industry stakeholders, we ensure that ministries, corporates, and education providers are not only sharing knowledge but actively building partnerships that drive skills development. Our sector’s value lies in amplifying voices, facilitating connections, and creating momentum around initiatives that might otherwise remain siloed.” — Daniel Sacchelli, Director, LEARN

‍

Following the event, EDT&Partners will publish a Post-Event Report capturing strategic insights and takeaways from LEARN 2025’s speakers and sessions. The report will highlight perspectives on leadership development in a digital era, the role of education in national transformation, the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s skills-first education model, and how inclusive strategies—such as empowering women in tech—are helping shape a future-ready education system.

‍

We invite you to join us in Riyadh at LEARN 2025 from October 7–9 to continue this conversation, learn from peers, and shape the next decade of education in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is already delivering results at scale. The numbers tell a story of bold investment, systemic ambition, and rapid progress across all levels of the system:

‍

More than 6 million students are expected to be reached by the Saudi nationwide AI curriculum, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.

500,000+ teachers undergoing mandatory pre-service and ongoing professional training.

36% female workforce participation, up from 19% in 2016, supported by education-driven inclusion initiatives.

250% growth in executive education enrolments in recent years, reflecting demand for leadership training.

Over 1.1 million jobs have already been created through Public Investment Fund projects, including giga-initiatives such as NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea, and Diriyah.

400+ new private schools opened in 2024, highlighting the fastest growth phase in recent years, reflecting rising demand for quality, future-ready education.

Saudi Arabia’s education reform journey began with expanding access. Gross enrollment ratios across K–12 and higher education have reached near-universal levels. The focus has now shifted decisively to outcomes: ensuring that students graduate with the skills, mindset, and adaptability to thrive in a diversified economy. Global benchmarks such as TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) are being used as barometers of progress. The Ministry of Education has committed to measurable improvement in these rankings by 2030.

‍

In the latest international assessments, Saudi students scored below global averages in mathematics, reading, and science, with results showing persistent gaps in core skills. This highlights the need to focus on foundational numeracy, literacy, and applied science learning, supported by stronger teacher development, as the Kingdom works toward measurable improvement by 2030. Curriculum reforms are increasingly linked to emerging economic sectors. The introduction of Tourism & Hospitality as a core subject in Grade 12 is one example of how the system is aligning learning pathways with Vision 2030’s diversification priorities, particularly in sectors like tourism, culture, and entertainment.

‍

To align academic programs with global benchmarks and strengthen the employability of graduates, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission have launched the Saudi Academic Framework for AI Qualifications (Education Intelligence). This initiative provides a national standard for AI curricula, ensuring academic rigor and increasing employer confidence in AI talent emerging from Saudi institutions.

‍

One of the Kingdom’s most notable achievements is the nationwide rollout of an AI curriculum in 2025, an initiative that places over 6 million students on a path toward digital fluency. This reform is accompanied by intensive teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to deliver AI literacy at scale.

‍

“In the context of Saudi Arabia’s education system, digital transformation represents far more than the adoption of tools, it is a cultural and structural shift that redefines how knowledge is delivered, accessed, and applied. It means leveraging technology and artificial intelligence not only to modernize classrooms but also to personalize learning, bridge geographical gaps, and prepare students for a future where digital fluency is fundamental to professional and social success.” – Pepita Giménez-Bonafé, University of Barcelona

‍

Digital transformation extends beyond the classroom. The Ministry of Education and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) are building a robust education technology ecosystem supported by:

• ‍Cloud migration of education platforms, ensuring scalability and resilience.‍
• Cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard student data and ensure trust.‍
• Learning analytics systems that provide real-time insights to educators and policymakers.

‍

Compared to other countries currently piloting AI in schools, Saudi Arabia’s approach stands out for its scale and integration. While countries such as China, India, and Canada have introduced AI modules or electives, Saudi Arabia is embedding AI literacy in the national curriculum across all grade levels, backed by intensive teacher training and infrastructure investment. This positions the Kingdom not only as an early adopter, but as one of the first systems globally to operationalize AI learning at nationwide scale.

‍

Saudi Arabia’s digital education readiness is reflected in international rankings. In 2024, the Kingdom was recognized among the top five nations globally for government digital transformation maturity, a foundation that is now extending into the education sector.

‍

Takeaway: Saudi Arabia is embedding AI and digital fluency into its national education system, preparing learners and educators for a tech-driven future.

‍

“Digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s education system represents a bold reimagining of how learning is delivered, connected to the workforce, and aligned with the Kingdom’s broader socio-economic aspirations under Vision 2030. It is not simply about digitizing classrooms; it is about cultivating a future-ready, AI-literate generation empowered by global benchmarks, localized implementation, and inclusive innovation.” – Lara Al Arab, Impact360

Education reform in Saudi Arabia is fundamentally about people, not platforms. With over half a million teachers, the Kingdom recognizes that sustainable reform depends on transforming the role of educators.

‍

Key measures include:‍

• ‍Mandatory pre-service training for all new teachers, ensuring a baseline of preparedness before entering classrooms.‍
• Professional development reform, moving from ad hoc workshops to structured career-long pathways.‍
• Teacher leadership initiatives, empowering educators to act as mentors, digital leaders, and school innovators.

‍

These reforms aim to elevate teaching into a globally competitive profession, aligning with international best practice while rooted in Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural and educational context.

‍

“Educators and leaders are the true change makers. Technology only works if teachers feel confident and empowered. Professional development is moving toward practical, ongoing learning, where teachers investigate AI, project-based learning, and data-driven instruction. Leadership programs now emphasize building digital strategy, managing change, and fostering school cultures that are flexible and prepared for the future.” – Tamara Fakhoury, AI & Innovation Strategist

‍

Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is not just about modernization, it is also about equity. The strategy is inclusive by design, ensuring every learner has access to opportunity:

‍

• Special needs education integrated into mainstream classrooms, with dedicated resource centers, and assistive technologies.
• The King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) provides in-school teacher training and is developing Arabic-standardized learning disability assessment tools in partnership with the Center for Child Evaluation and Teaching in Kuwait.
• Gifted education programs are advanced through initiatives by the Mawhiba Foundation, including enrichment programs, national competitions, and international scholarships for high-potential students.
• Regional equity measures, focus on underserved and rural areas, with targeted investments in infrastructure, teacher deployment, and access — as outlined in the HCDP Delivery Plan.
• Student wellbeing initiatives are addressed through national school nutrition programs, mental health support, and extracurricular activities aimed at holistic development.
• Lifelong learning platforms are led by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), offering upskilling programs and flexible adult learning platforms aligned with future workforce needs.

‍

‍

While Saudi Arabia’s education transformation under Vision 2030 has made global headlines for its ambition and scale, several structural challenges remain.

‍

• Quality at Scale
  Saudi Arabia’s system serves more than six million students across thousands of schools, presenting a significant challenge: ensuring that quality and consistency are not lost as reforms expand. High-level policies must translate into classroom practice — not just in flagship urban schools, but across rural, underserved, and newly built institutions.

“One of the biggest challenges in Saudi Arabia’s education reform is ensuring consistency and sustainability—moving from policy to practice across thousands of schools with varying capacities. Equally, the rapid pace of change can overwhelm educators without the right support.” – Nada Zaidan, Stellar Education

‍

• Teacher Preparedness

With over 500,000 educators in the system, ensuring that teachers move beyond surface-level adoption of reforms is critical. While mandatory pre-service and in-service training is underway, uptake can be uneven, especially when professional development is overly centralized or disconnected from classroom realities. Teachers must not only be trained but trusted and empowered to adapt reforms within their context. For example, in our work with digital transformation pilots, the most successful implementations were those where school-level leadership was paired with hands-on teacher coaching, not just one-off workshops.

‍

• Sustaining Reform Momentum

Many of the current initiatives — from AI curriculum rollout to workforce-aligned learning — are funded through Vision 2030 and its associated programs. But what happens beyond 2030? Ensuring financial, operational, and institutional sustainability is essential. That means embedding governance models that transcend leadership cycles, creating incentive structures that reward evidence-based practice, and building public-private partnerships that can carry the weight of reform over time.

‍

• Labor Market Alignment at Scale

With over one million jobs projected from giga-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, the pressure on the education system to deliver job-ready graduates has never been higher. But alignment requires more than just updating curricula. It demands real-time feedback loops between employers, universities, and vocational providers, plus the development of career guidance systems that help learners navigate evolving industries. According to the Human Capability Development Program, more than 70% of future jobs in Saudi Arabia will require digital and cognitive skills — and that transition is still underway.

‍

• Global and Local Balance

Finally, Saudi Arabia’s transformation is occurring in a complex cultural and geopolitical context. As the country opens to global EdTechs, international institutions, and emerging pedagogies, there’s a need to ensure alignment with Saudi values, language, and identity. In our advisory work, we’ve found that localisation is often the missing link, whether it’s adapting AI tools to Arabic-language classrooms or aligning micro-credentials with local regulatory frameworks.

‍

“At EDT&Partners, we believe the effective use of technology in education must be rooted in more than just access or innovation for its own sake. We work with public and private stakeholders to ensure that digital transformation delivers measurable learning outcomes, is underpinned by strong cybersecurity and wellbeing safeguards, and reflects local values. One example is Lecture — the first open-source AI framework built for education, and natively designed for Arabic — enabling culturally relevant, scalable AI adoption across the region.” – Pablo Langa, EDT&Partners

‍

These are not barriers, they are strategic inflection points. How they are addressed will determine whether reforms translate into long-term, system-wide impact. Transformation at this scale demands more than innovation; it requires alignment, execution, and deep, sustained collaboration across sectors.

‍

Saudi Arabia’s education transformation is bold, urgent, and globally significant. It is:

• Building one of the world’s largest AI-enabled ecosystems.
• Elevating teachers as leaders of change.
• Expanding inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Aligning education with workforce needs across giga-projects and future industries.

‍

At EDT&Partners, we are proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s education transformation—supporting ministries, institutions, and EdTech innovators in turning national vision into measurable, sustainable outcomes. These themes including —AI in education, teacher empowerment, skills development, and system-wide transformation— reflect the three core content tracks that will be explored in depth at LEARN 2025, taking place in Riyadh from October 7–9.

‍

Designed in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the LEARN programme brings together global leaders, national policymakers, and pioneering EdTech innovators to reimagine how learning can drive economic growth, technological advancement, and workforce transformation.

‍

“As an events organisation, our contribution is to provide a trusted platform for dialogue, networking, and showcasing innovation. By curating agendas with government and industry stakeholders, we ensure that ministries, corporates, and education providers are not only sharing knowledge but actively building partnerships that drive skills development. Our sector’s value lies in amplifying voices, facilitating connections, and creating momentum around initiatives that might otherwise remain siloed.” — Daniel Sacchelli, Director, LEARN

‍

Following the event, EDT&Partners will publish a Post-Event Report capturing strategic insights and takeaways from LEARN 2025’s speakers and sessions. The report will highlight perspectives on leadership development in a digital era, the role of education in national transformation, the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s skills-first education model, and how inclusive strategies—such as empowering women in tech—are helping shape a future-ready education system.

‍

We invite you to join us in Riyadh at LEARN 2025 from October 7–9 to continue this conversation, learn from peers, and shape the next decade of education in the Kingdom.