As the world celebrates International Education Day on January 24th, a group of academics and specialists highlighted the fundamental transformations taking place in the education sector in Saudi Arabia. In their remarks to Al-Youm newspaper, they emphasized that education is no longer merely a process of imparting knowledge, but has, thanks to the Kingdom's Vision 2030, a strategic engine for economic and social development, and a means to empower Saudi citizens to compete globally.
Human capacity development: a cornerstone of national transformation
These statements align with the significant momentum generated by the launch of the "Human Capabilities Development" program by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect him. This program, one of the Vision 2030 initiatives, aims to develop citizens' skills from early childhood through lifelong learning. It focuses not only on academic education but also on instilling values and developing essential and future-oriented skills, ensuring that Saudi youth are prepared for the evolving local and international job markets.
Quality investments for an integrated system
In this context, Professor Amal Al-Othman, a professor of curriculum and teaching methods, explained that the generous support from the wise leadership for the education sector has been a turning point in the quality of educational outcomes. She pointed out that the massive Saudi investments have not been limited to infrastructure, but have also included curriculum development, digital transformation, and investment in teachers as the cornerstone of the educational process.
Al-Othman added that these efforts directly aim to align education outputs with the evolving needs of the labor market, thereby enhancing opportunities for learning and raising the Kingdom’s indicators in global rankings, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Amal Al Othman
Artificial intelligence and quality of life
For her part, Dr. Iman Ali Al Dhaheri, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence, linked the quality of education to improving the quality of life, emphasizing that modern education relies on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She explained that true digital transformation goes beyond simply using technology; it involves employing artificial intelligence to create personalized and intelligent learning pathways.
Dr. Iman Ali Al-Dhaheri
Al-Dhaheri pointed out that Saudi universities, including Jeddah University, are working diligently to develop flexible educational pathways that keep pace with the rapid changes in skills required globally, making the individual an active partner in building the knowledge economy.
Skills gap challenges and solutions
In a related context, Dr. Maram Fahad Al-Mufarrah, a professor at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Al-Jouf University, addressed the challenges facing educational systems globally, most notably the gap between theoretical education and practical application. She emphasized that the solution lies in adopting flexible, project-based learning models that focus on developing future skills.
Dr. Maram Fahad Al-Mufarrah
Al-Mufarrah stressed that good education is the most powerful tool for empowering individuals and raising the efficiency of the workforce, which positively impacts economic development and enhances opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
Innovation as an absolute necessity
Dr. Fawzia Hassan Ghazawi, an academic and IT consultant, concluded by emphasizing that digital transformation is no longer an option but an urgent necessity. She explained that digital platforms and modern technologies have opened up vast horizons for learning outside traditional classrooms, thus reinforcing the principle of equal opportunities and equitable access to education.
Dr. Fawzia Hassan Ghazawi
Ghazawi stressed that investing in educational innovation is the best way to build generations capable of adapting to the changes of the future, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, which is what the Kingdom is striving for with steady steps.
