Saudi Arabia Creates Social Fund for Education Department

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
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Saudi Arabia Creates Social Fund for Education Department

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan

Saudi Arabia has announced a social fund for the education department that is aimed at enhancing the professional development of educators and ensuring the sustainability of institutional work in the education sector.

This initiative seeks to bolster the role of teachers by providing professional development opportunities, specialized courses, fostering a nurturing educational environment, and delivering quality services to them.

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan announced the fund’s establishment within the framework of the integrated relationship between the Ministry of Education and the educational workforce, notably teachers.

He emphasized that the directives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are clear when it comes to advancing education in Saudi Arabia and implementing a transformative plan for the education sector to ensure its global excellence and competitiveness.

The initiative acknowledges World Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated annually on Oct. 5.

Al-Benyan clarified that the doors for applying for international scholarships remain open throughout the year, aiming to provide opportunities for Saudis to enroll in global universities through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, covering all academic levels and fields of study.

He also mentioned that more than 52,000 scholarship recipients from Saudi Arabia have joined international universities, including specialized fields that contribute to the realization of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the foundations of education in the Kingdom. These efforts align with modern educational approaches and follow the best global practices.

Moreover, Al-Benyan unveiled new curricula which place a strong emphasis on cognitive, skill-based, and behavioral aspects. These curricula encompass subjects such as space science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.

He clarified that some of these courses have already been introduced in the secondary education level in the new academic year.



Trump Says May Visit Saudi Arabia Next Month

US President Donald Trump takes part in a signing of an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 31 March 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump takes part in a signing of an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 31 March 2025. (EPA)
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Trump Says May Visit Saudi Arabia Next Month

US President Donald Trump takes part in a signing of an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 31 March 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump takes part in a signing of an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 31 March 2025. (EPA)

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he plans to visit Saudi Arabia as early as May in what will be the first foreign trip of his second term, with stops also planned in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

"It could be next month, maybe a little later," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Four sources briefed on the matter said mid-May was being looked at as the timing for the trip. Trump made Saudi Arabia and Israel the initial stops on his inaugural foreign trip during his first term in 2017.

Topics likely to be discussed include Russia's three-year-old war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza, one source said.

Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in US foreign policy, including hosting US ceasefire talks with Russia and Ukraine.

"An opportunity for international travel for the president is something that is being looked at. We don’t yet have a specific plan, and we will provide that information when it is official," a White House official said ahead of Trump's remarks.