Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Hajri, Deputy Minister of Education for Saudi Arabia, showcased the Kingdom's robust education investment opportunities during his participation at the International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in London on Wednesday, underscoring the deepening Saudi-UK educational partnership. In his keynote speech, Al-Hajri emphasized the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 goals, detailing the regulatory reforms and government support mechanisms designed to attract foreign investment and strengthen private sector participation in Saudi Arabia's education landscape. He specifically invited British and international education providers to establish and operate schools in the Kingdom through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and land allocation schemes. "We are seeing growing momentum from UK-based education institutions and school operators eager to expand into the Saudi market," Al-Hajri stated. "Our education transformation is backed by regulatory reform, strong demand, and government commitment—creating a fertile environment for global investors and partners." On the sidelines of the event, Al-Hajri held a series of bilateral meetings with leading UK school groups and educational institutions to explore models for operating in the Kingdom, including licensing, investor facilitation, and regulatory navigation. Saudi Arabia, home to a population where over 60% are under the age of 30, is witnessing rising demand for quality education options particularly in underserved regions. The government aims to raise the private sector's contribution to education from 16% to 25% by 2030. This objective is driving the development of a comprehensive ecosystem that includes streamlined procedures, dedicated support services, and designated land for international education projects. The Ministry's participation at IPSEF London 2025 reaffirms Saudi Arabia's long-standing educational ties with the UK. British curricula remain among the most popular offerings within the Kingdom's growing private education sector, especially across K-12 and international school segments. The Deputy Minister noted that the government is committed to building an attractive, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. The Ministry continues to publish detailed investor guides, implement regulatory clarity measures, and offer a proactive approach to supporting new educational entrants into the Saudi market. — SG
