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.



UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
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UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

The two ministers also discussed the overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition factions on Dec. 8.

The UAE's foreign minister reiterated the country's support for Syria's independence and sovereignty, WAM added.

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, head of intelligence Anas Khattab and the UAE's minister of state for defense affairs, Mohammed Fadel al-Mazrouei, also attended the meeting.

The UAE is part of Shibani's second foreign tour, which earlier took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits aim to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships", according to his account on X.

Shibani made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia last week, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.