Arab News notes that Saudi education is being revolutionized. In this piece, it reports on the overall changes and focuses on what’s happening at King Abdulaziz University in Riyadh. It’s interesting to find that there are student exchange programs in place with Spain. Those might be broadened. Too, the focus seems to be on business and technology. I think Saudi Arabia is in dire need of good humanities programs, liberal arts. There is yet to be a single American Studies program in any Saudi university, which I find puzzling. Universities across the globe have regional studies programs because as the world becomes more and more interdependent, knowing how ‘the other’ works becomes more and more critical.

I do applaud the changes, though. They are a market improvement over the past and will play a role in preparing Saudis for the modern world and finding jobs in it.

Education: A revolution is under way
Muhammad Humaidan | Arab News

Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a revolution in education.

Vigorous efforts are being made to upgrade education at all levels, from primary to higher studies and research.

The government is making huge investments and seeking the cooperation of domestic and international educational institutions to upgrade the Kingdom’s academic quality.

Thousands of students are being sent abroad on scholarship programs to pursue higher education.

King Abdullah, who realizes the vital role played by education and knowledge in establishing the Kingdom at the forefront of developing countries, has allocated huge funds to expand existing universities and establish new centers of higher education and research.

Older universities are under pressure to replace their outdated curriculums with modern ones that will enable Saudi youths to face the challenges of the modern job markets and eventually phase out foreign manpower.

“Like other universities in the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) has undergone a sea change with updated buildings, laboratories and trained manpower, enabling it to achieve international academic accreditation,” Osama Tayeb, the university president said.
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