The Saudi government puts strong emphasis on investing in human development to sustain growth as evidenced by a 24 percent allocation of its 2012 budget for further improving areas such as education and training. By investing in its human capital, the Kingdom ensures lasting growth, creates more job opportunities, and molds a knowledge-based economy backed by sound vocational, educational and technical frameworks. The Saudi Ministry of Education has announced that SR6 billion has been allocated for the construction of new buildings as part of efforts to unveil facilities that can cater to the present and future educational needs of the Kingdom. In 2012, the ministry has ordered the transfer of 935 schools to new buildings and the abandonment of 66 underdeveloped school buildings. Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a regional market leader in integrated design, engineering and construction disciplines of civil contracting, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and water and power, noted that the latest government budget includes plans for building more than 700 new schools in addition to the 2,900 already under construction and around 2,000 existing schools which are scheduled for refurbishment. Education thus represents one of this year's top Saudi construction segments, DSI said. The government is determined to develop the country into a knowledge hub and is expediting the construction of educational facilities to meet its objectives. For its part, DSI is eager to contribute to the growth of the Saudi education sector by tapping more than 30 years of experience and expertise working within the local markets through DSI KSA," said Khaldoun Tabari, CEO of DSI. DSI KSA, the Saudi arm of DSI, has been involved in the construction of various educational facilities which have benefited from its specialized expertise in MEP, civil contracting, and water and power. The company's education sector portfolio includes the Mina Hospital and Health College, King Abdulla University of Science and Technology, and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre. Through the support of construction experts such as DSI, the Kingdom will continue to be a model of educational development and economic progress throughout the Arab world.
