Edtech in Saudi Arabia: revolutionizing education through innovation

Edtech in Saudi Arabia: revolutionizing education through innovation
Above, a student attends online classes at the French International Lycee in Riyadh. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 28 December 2024
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Edtech in Saudi Arabia: revolutionizing education through innovation

Edtech in Saudi Arabia: revolutionizing education through innovation

RIYADH: Edtech, short for educational technology, refers to the use of technology—hardware, software, and digital resources—to enhance teaching, learning, and educational outcomes.

It encompasses a wide range of tools and techniques aimed at improving the educational experience, including online learning platforms, educational apps, digital textbooks, virtual reality simulations, gamified learning experiences, and more.

Edtech is utilized in schools, universities, corporate training settings, and lifelong learning environments to make education more engaging, accessible, and effective.

When it comes to Saudi Arabia specifically, investing in edtech aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision of establishing a knowledge-based economy.

The edtech market size in Saudi Arabia is projected to exhibit a growth rate of 13.3 percent during 2024-2032, according to global management consulting firm imarc.

This comes as the market is being propelled by a surge in demand for tailored education to meet individual student needs, a heightened emphasis on digital literacy and tech competencies, and a growing recognition of the value of adaptable and convenient learning options.

Saudi efforts

There is no doubt that the Saudi Ministry of Education isn’t just talking about the future—they’re building it, step by step, with initiatives designed to transform their classrooms into cutting-edge hubs of AI and digital mastery.

“Take their ‘Future Intelligence Program,’ for example, which aims to empower 30,000 students with skills in AI, machine learning, and smart technologies. Imagine a generation of Saudi youth who can program self-driving cars before they even graduate high school,” Ian Khan, a technology futurist and author who writes on the subject of AI, told Arab News.

“This is more than just an upgrade in skills—this is about shaping a workforce ready to dominate the tech economy. Layer on top of that the SAMAI initiative, where 1 million Saudis will gain expertise in AI and digital tools, and it becomes clear that Saudi Arabia isn’t just keeping up with global tech trends—they're aiming to lead them,” Khan added.

He went on to note that this bold vision is intricately aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which strives to create a knowledge-driven economy.

“This AI-driven, personalized learning experience is where the future of education meets the individual’s unique strengths and needs, gearing up the country for its next leap forward,” Khan concluded in that regard.

Initiatives

There is no doubt that the Kingdom is actively integrating AI into its education system to create a future-ready workforce.

“Programs such as the Future Intelligence Programmer aim to train thousands of students in AI, equipping them with the skills to innovate in a rapidly digital world. AI is being used to personalize learning experiences, automate administrative tasks for educators, and enable more tailored educational pathways,” Samer Bohsali, Middle East head of government & public sector practice, Bain & Co., told Arab News.

“These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform the Kingdom’s education system, setting new standards for digital literacy and student engagement,” Bohsali said.

On behalf of PwC Middle East, Partner at Education and Skills Ayham Fayyoumi told Arab News that the Kingdom is adopting a cautious yet forward-thinking approach to AI in education, with initiatives focusing on several key areas.




Samer Bohsali, Middle East Head of Government & Public Sector Practice, Bain & Co. (Supplied)

“One notable example is the implementation of adaptive learning systems, which use AI to analyze individual student performance and tailor educational content accordingly. These systems can identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, offering personalized learning experiences that enhance educational outcomes,” Fayyoumi said.

“Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants are being introduced to support both teachers and students in managing routine tasks, such as administrative work or grading, allowing educators to dedicate more time to core instructional activities. These AI tools are designed to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve engagement in the classroom,” he added.

Global partnerships

Global EdTech partnerships are crucial for the Kingdom for several reasons including access to innovation, enhanced learning opportunities, cross-cultural exchange, among several others.

“When Saudi Arabia decided to revolutionize its educational landscape, they didn’t go it alone—they teamed up with global powerhouses like Google, Microsoft, and Coursera. This collaboration isn't just window dressing. It’s a deliberate strategy to equip students and educators with the latest tools in AI, cloud computing, and data science,” Khan said.

“Google Cloud’s Elevate Program, for example, has trained over 25,000 Saudi women in cloud technologies. This is more than just a skillset boost—this is building a tech-savvy workforce that can compete on a global stage,” he added.

The technology futurist continued to highlight that these partnerships give Saudi educators access to AI-powered platforms that personalize learning and streamline assessments, ultimately creating more engaging and efficient classrooms.

“The future of education isn’t just digital—it’s adaptable, global, and responsive. And Saudi Arabia, through these forward-thinking collaborations, is leading the charge toward a tech-dominant educational future,” Khan said.

Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with global tech leaders also empowers the nation to adopt advanced educational tools that inspire innovation in the classroom.

From Bain & Co.’s side, Bohsali explained that these partnerships provide access to AI-driven platforms that foster personalized learning and critical thinking.

“This digital transformation is not just about adopting technology but also about reshaping how education is delivered, making learning more engaging and aligned with the future needs of the global economy ,” he said.

Saudi Arabia’s educational technology firms are using AI and technological advancements to revolutionize conventional educational approaches and enhance student achievements. Taking cues from effective programs in the UK and elsewhere, Saudi Arabia is directing significant resources into AI-infused tools across various sectors, particularly education.

Consequently, this initiative is fostering expansion in the education sector and sparking creativity within private enterprises, which is positively impacting more than 6 million students in the nation.

In that regard, PwC partner Fayyoumi said: “Several EdTech companies are at the forefront of this revolution, incorporating advanced AI technologies into their products and services to enhance learning experiences.”

“These companies are providing products utilizing AI to offer personalized learning pathways, adaptive assessments, and real-time feedback to better meet the unique needs of individual students. Such tools not only improve engagement but also boost academic performance by catering to diverse learning styles,” he added.

Saudi Vision 2030

“Saudi Vision 2030 isn’t just about a shift in economic strategy—it’s a transformation in mindset. At the heart of this vision is the move from a resource-based economy to one driven by knowledge, innovation, and technology,” Khan said.

“By embedding AI and digital learning in classrooms, programs like SAMAI and the Future Intelligence Program are crafting a new generation of thinkers, doers, and creators. The ripple effects will be profound. Think about it—students will be more engaged because their learning is tailored to their strengths,” he added.

The technology futurist emphasized that the education system will be more efficient, and graduates will emerge prepared for high-demand sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and digital industries.

He underlined that this is the essence of future readiness—where a nation’s educational foundation aligns perfectly with the demands of tomorrow’s economy.

On Bain & Co.’s behalf, Bohsali said: “By embedding AI and advanced technologies into the curriculum, the Kingdom is fostering a generation of learners who are not only technologically adept but also equipped to lead in innovation.”




Ayham Fayyoumi, Partner, Education and Skills, PwC Middle East.

“The expected outcomes are profound—enhanced digital literacy, improved educational outcomes, and the positioning of Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the knowledge economy,” Bohsali added.

Education is a key pillar, for both youth and above in achieving the goals of Vision 2030. This comes as the median age of Saudis is 22 years, and 63 percent of the Saudi population is below the age of 30.

Furthermore, PwC’s 2024 Hopes & Fears survey shows that nearly three-quarters of people surveyed in Saudi foresee the growing importance of digital skills in their roles over the coming five years.

“Incorporating digital tools within the education ecosystem can help boost the overall student learning experience and prepare them for their future work environments,” Fayyoumi said.

The PwC partner concluded by emphasizing that by enhancing the education sector using digital technologies such as AI, Saudi Arabia stands to build a globally competitive society, and to become the hub for the next generation of digitally equipped leaders in the Kingdom.

“Thus, the digital transformation of the education sector is another important part of Vision 2030’s success, to ensure young people in the Kingdom have the right skills for the future world of work,” he said.


IMF must be more active on debt restructurings, Georgieva says

IMF must be more active on debt restructurings, Georgieva says
Updated 23 April 2025
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IMF must be more active on debt restructurings, Georgieva says

IMF must be more active on debt restructurings, Georgieva says
  • African countries want IMF to provide technical assistance
  • Debt roundtable to release new playbook for debt restructurings
  • African leaders, IMF met

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund must be more active in debt restructuring processes, the global lender’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, said on Tuesday, noting the growing challenges facing vulnerable low- and middle-income countries.

Georgieva told an event hosted by the Bretton Woods Committee booster group that African countries and others, in a 1-1/2-hour meeting, said they wanted the IMF to provide more technical assistance to countries grappling with high debt levels.

She said the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, which includes creditor and borrowing countries as well as the IMF and the World Bank, had separately approved a new playbook to help countries navigate the complex process of restructuring heavy debt burdens.

The roundtable will release the document after a closed-door meeting in Washington on Wednesday during the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank.

A joint statement released by Georgieva and Hervé Ndoba, chair of the African Caucus and Central African Republic’s minister of finance and budget, said Africa faces the risk of further shocks that could undo strong policy actions taken to bring down inflation, stabilize public debt and reduce external imbalances.

“While growth in Africa is showing some resilience in the face of multiple shocks, the sudden shift in the global outlook has interrupted the growth momentum,” the two leaders said, noting that growth on the African continent had been revised down by 0.3 percentage point to 3.9 percent for 2025.

African leaders and the IMF agreed on the need to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability while working to meet the continent’s economic development goals. They said domestic reform efforts should promote fiscal sustainability by boosting revenue and improving spending efficiency.

“Now, more than ever, the Fund is committed to working with its member countries to help navigate the complex global economic environment,” the joint statement said, noting that addition of a 25th chair on the Executive Board for sub-Saharan Africa strengthened the region’s voice in the fund.

The statement also pledged that the IMF would “remain agile” in responding to emerging challenges, and providing support to initiatives like the G20 Common Framework and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.

It welcomed IMF steps to review both its debt sustainability framework for low-income countries and the design and conditionality of lending programs with an eye to addressing macroeconomic imbalances and promoting growth.

The African Consultative Group includes governors from 12 African countries belonging to the African Caucus and IMF management.


Oil Updates — crude up more than 1% on fresh Iran sanctions, lower US crude stocks

Oil Updates — crude up more than 1% on fresh Iran sanctions, lower US crude stocks
Updated 23 April 2025
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Oil Updates — crude up more than 1% on fresh Iran sanctions, lower US crude stocks

Oil Updates — crude up more than 1% on fresh Iran sanctions, lower US crude stocks

SINGAPORE: Oil prices climbed more than 1 percent on Wednesday, extending the prior day’s gains, as investors weighed a fresh round of US sanctions on Iran, a drop in US crude stocks and a softer tone from President Donald Trump toward the Federal Reserve.

Brent crude futures climbed $1, or 1.5 percent, to $68.44 a barrel at 9:40 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 99 cents, or 1.6 percent, at $64.66 a barrel.

The US issued new sanctions targeting Iranian liquefied petroleum gas and crude oil shipping magnate Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his corporate network on Tuesday.

Emamjomeh’s network is responsible for shipping hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian LPG and crude oil to foreign markets, the US Treasury said in a statement.

“The US issued fresh sanctions targeting Iranian energy supplies, which worried markets,” said senior market analyst Priyanka Sachdeva at Phillip Nova.

Both benchmark prices this morning were also backed by hopes of a positive outcome between the US and China over import tariffs, Sachdeva said.

Trump on Tuesday backed away from the threat of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell after days of criticism for the Fed not cutting interest rates. Trump also signalled the possibility of lower tariffs on Chinese imports.

Meanwhile, US crude oil inventories fell by around 4.6 million barrels last week, market sources said on Tuesday citing American Petroleum Institute data.

US government data on oil stockpiles is due at 5:30 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday. Analysts on average estimated an 800,000 barrel decline in US crude oil stocks last week, a Reuters poll showed.

Trump told reporters on Tuesday he would be “nice” in negotiations with China and that tariffs would fall significantly following a deal, but not to zero.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he believed there would be a de-escalation in US-China trade tension but that negotiations had not yet started and would be a “slog,” a person who heard his closed-door presentation to investors at a JP Morgan conference told Reuters.

Trade tariffs have weighed on crude futures on investor concern about their potential to slow global economic growth.


Pakistan’s finance chief seeks deeper US trade ties, welcomes reform efforts by global lenders

Pakistan’s finance chief seeks deeper US trade ties, welcomes reform efforts by global lenders
Updated 43 min 14 sec ago
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Pakistan’s finance chief seeks deeper US trade ties, welcomes reform efforts by global lenders

Pakistan’s finance chief seeks deeper US trade ties, welcomes reform efforts by global lenders
  • Muhammad Aurangzeb downplays US tariff concerns, says Pakistan sees greater opportunity in rebalancing trade
  • IMF chief says the international lender is trying to determine how to design loan programs for countries like Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s finance minister said on Tuesday the country wants to broaden trade and investment ties with the United States, especially in minerals critical to the energy transition, while also joining other vulnerable economies in urging reforms at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is currently in Washington to attend the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, where policymakers are grappling with debt distress, climate vulnerabilities and growing calls from the Global South to reshape how multilateral institutions lend and design reforms.
The IMF has acknowledged the need to tailor programs more toward pro-growth reforms and private-sector led development, particularly for repeat borrowers like Pakistan.
“We genuinely believe that there’s a win-win situation,” Aurangzeb said at the Atlantic Council, pointing to high-level US interest in Pakistan’s copper and rare earth potential. “Reko Diq is only the first one... the value addition and downstream stuff is going to be really game-changing for Pakistan.”
Aurangzeb downplayed concerns over US tariffs, saying the country saw greater opportunity in rebalancing trade and attracting strategic investment.
He reiterated a high-level delegation from Islamabad would visit Washington in the coming weeks to explore broader cooperation beyond tariffs, citing minerals, agriculture and green technology as key areas.
On multilateral reform, Aurangzeb welcomed the willingness of IMF and World Bank leaders to reassess their lending frameworks, especially in light of liquidity strains across the Global South.
“These institutions also need to have ownership and accountability at their end to really drive impact,” he said, calling for a system that allows countries like Pakistan to access flexible financing and avoid perpetual debt cycles.
He praised recent efforts to unify public and private sector arms within the World Bank and to coordinate better with other lenders like the ADB and AIIB.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Tuesday the international lending agency was not just telling countries to get their own houses in order, but was also looking at the way it does business, including conducting a review of how it designs loan programs, and determines their length and conditions.
She said the IMF was also looking at countries that have had repeated programs, such as Pakistan, Argentina and Egypt, to ensure loan programs were designed the right way.
Pakistan has been in over 20 IMF programs, including a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility finalized last year to stabilize its economy.
Aurangzeb said the government was pursuing structural reform, with a focus on climate, population, and fiscal sustainability, including efforts to broaden the tax base and digitize enforcement.
– With input from Reuters


Saudi Arabia raises $990m in sukuk in April

Saudi Arabia raises $990m in sukuk in April
Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia raises $990m in sukuk in April

Saudi Arabia raises $990m in sukuk in April

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Debt Management Center raised SR3.71 billion ($990 million) through its riyal-denominated sukuk issuance for April, reflecting a 40.5 percent increase compared to the previous month, according to an official statement.

The amount marks a significant rise from March, when the Kingdom secured SR2.64 billion through sukuk. In previous months, Saudi Arabia issued SR3.07 billion in February and SR3.72 billion in January, continuing a trend of strong activity in the domestic debt market.

Sukuk are Shariah-compliant financial instruments similar to bonds, offering investors partial ownership in an issuer’s assets. They are structured to adhere to Islamic finance principles, which prohibit interest payments.

According to the NDMC, the April issuance was divided into four tranches. The first tranche was valued at SR1.31 billion and is set to mature in 2029. The second amounted to SR80 million, maturing in 2032, while the third tranche, worth SR765 million, will expire in 2036. The largest portion, valued at SR1.55 billion, is due in 2039.

The Kingdom’s debt market has seen rapid growth in recent years, drawing increased interest from investors seeking fixed-income instruments amid a global environment of rising interest rates.

Earlier this month, a report by Kuwait Financial Center, known as Markaz, revealed that Saudi Arabia led the Gulf Cooperation Council region in primary debt issuances in the first quarter of the year. The Kingdom raised $31.01 billion from 41 offerings, accounting for 60.2 percent of all issuances across the GCC during that period.

In a separate development, global credit rating agency S&P Global said Saudi Arabia’s expanding non-oil sector and healthy sukuk issuance levels could contribute significantly to the growth of the global Islamic finance industry.

The agency projected global sukuk issuance could reach between $190 billion and $200 billion in 2025, with foreign currency-denominated issuances contributing up to $80 billion, provided market volatility remains contained.

A report published in December by Kamco Invest further projected that Saudi Arabia would account for the largest share of bond maturities in the GCC from 2025 to 2029, with a total of $168 billion expected to mature during that period.


Over 40 Indian firms have established regional HQs in Saudi Arabia, official reveals

Over 40 Indian firms have established regional HQs in Saudi Arabia, official reveals
Updated 22 April 2025
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Over 40 Indian firms have established regional HQs in Saudi Arabia, official reveals

Over 40 Indian firms have established regional HQs in Saudi Arabia, official reveals

RIYADH: More than 40 Indian companies have established headquarters in Saudi Arabia, with additional facilities in the defense sector expected in the near future, according to a top official.   

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, chairman of the Saudi-Indian Business Council, made the comments as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit. 

He is expected to meet with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during the trip.  

Al-Qahtani said the visit aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to localize defense spending, boost technology transfer, and expand domestic investment across sectors that contribute to national gross domestic product.  

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, Al-Qahtani said Saudi investments in India are valued at around $10 billion, including stakes by the Public Investment Fund in major companies such as Reliance Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail, OYO Hotels, and the Health Technology Co. 

“Al-Qahtani pointed out that the Saudi-Indian Business Council is working to encourage Indian investment in Saudi Arabia, identify investment opportunities in India, and transfer and localize technology in various sectors, such as space and defense,” Al-Eqtisadiah reported.   

“It also aims to exchange expertise in education and training, benefit from mutual expertise in tourism and entertainment, and cooperate in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutical and medical supplies industries, and enhance integration in logistics services,” the report added.  

Al-Qahtani added that India has invited Saudi Arabia to invest in its growing defense sector, which has opened up to private investors in recent years.  

Indian firms that have already established regional bases in Saudi Arabia include those working in automobile and bus manufacturing.  

The move by the more than 40 Indian firms comes amid a wave of multinational companies establishing regional bases in the Kingdom. 

Almost 600 international companies have set up bases in Saudi Arabia since 2021, including Northern Trust, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Deloitte, the Saudi Press Agency reported in March. 

The growth was fueled by the government-backed Riyadh regional headquarters program, which offers incentives such as a 30-year corporate income tax exemption and withholding tax relief, alongside regulatory support for multinationals operating in the Kingdom. 

India remains a key energy partner for the Kingdom, as it imported 14 percent of Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production and 18 percent of its liquefied natural gas exports in the past year.    

Bilateral trade has also expanded in sectors such as chemicals, construction, and contracting, as well as healthcare training, and information technology.   

Total trade between the two countries reached around $42 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Of this, Indian exports to Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately $11 billion, consisting of engineering products, rice, and petroleum derivatives, as well as chemicals, food and medical supplies, and textiles.    

Saudi exports to India totaled SR31 billion ($8.2 billion), including crude oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizers, chemicals, and plastics.