New general education law empowers private, foreign investment: Ministry

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education will issue the executive regulations for the new General Education Law in the coming period, outlining licensing mechanisms, leasing of educational assets, school accreditation and public-private partnership (PPP) models, official spokesperson Mona Alajmi said, according to Al Eqtisadiah newspaper.

Alajmi said the new law aims to empower the private sector and foreign investors while improving educational outcomes, creating four investment opportunities: making educational land and buildings available for investment, allowing private operators to manage certain public schools, expanding PPPs to develop and operate schools and provide education services, and permitting the use of educational facilities outside school hours under approved regulations.

It also seeks to improve the investment environment by regulating licensing procedures, enhancing transparency and supporting greater private-sector participation, including by foreign investors, in general education, while providing greater flexibility in educational and operating models and allows government support for private educational institutions under applicable regulations.

This is better aligning education with local labor market needs by developing scientific, technical and economic skills, ensuring proficiency in at least one foreign language, and offering vocational and specialized pathways to prepare graduates for higher education or employment, she added.