AI in Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding across schools as part of a major curriculum overhaul. The Kingdom has added 50 new AI learning units and updated 22 subjects. The changes are designed to give students stronger digital and technology skills as the country continues to invest in artificial intelligence and education.
Speaking at a government press conference in Riyadh ahead of the new school year, Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan said the updates are designed to help build the skills students will need for the future. Students are being prepared for a changing job market, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Education Ministry is also working with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Human Resources Development Fund to develop AI-powered tools that could support teachers and help cut down on administrative tasks.
A New Digital Education Hub
The ministry has launched the Education Portal, a new digital platform that will bring educational services together in one place for students, teachers and administrators.
Meanwhile, the recently approved General Education Law is expected to provide a new framework for the sector. It will still continue to emphasise Saudi Arabia’s religious values, national identity, Arabic language and history. The legislation also places a focus on supporting students, developing teachers and defining the roles of private and non-profit education providers.
Gifted Students Will Get More Support
The curriculum changes come along with a stronger focus on identifying and supporting talented students. Over 495,000 students have taken part in qualifying competitions, while more than 45,000 students have joined specialised schools for gifted learners.
The ministry has also trained around 4,000 teachers to help identify students with particular talents. Over the past three years, the ministry has also evaluated schools across the Kingdom as part of efforts to improve educational standards and outcomes.
For teachers, professional development remains a major focus, with the ministry running a large-scale training programme. From the new academic year, teachers will also be able to leave school once the official school day has ended, based on their school’s approved schedule.
Universities Are Also Seeing Changes
The changes aren’t stopping at schools. There are plans to give Saudi universities more specialised identities, with their academic offerings increasingly linked to the needs of the job market.
King Faisal University will focus on food security and sustainability, while Jeddah University will specialise in transportation and supply chains. Umm Al-Qura University will build on its expertise in Hajj, Umrah and crowd management, while Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University will focus on Sharia studies and the Arabic language.
The ministry is also continuing its ‘University Leadership’ initiative, aimed at improving the competitiveness of Saudi universities and helping graduates develop skills that translate into employment.
Alongside the curriculum overhaul, the Kingdom has already distributed 36 million textbooks to schools. The Madrasati digital learning platform now offers more than 500 digital books as well.
With digital learning, career-focused education and AI in Saudi Arabia becoming increasingly prominent, the country’s latest education changes signal a clear shift towards preparing students for a more technology-driven future.
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