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.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.