Education: National identity documents are a requirement for the authentication of certificates from international schools

In a significant regulatory step aimed at strengthening national identity and instilling cultural values, the National Center for Curricula has proposed a new regulation mandating all private and international schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to teach "national identity subjects." This decision marks a turning point in the mechanisms for evaluating and accrediting certificates issued by these educational institutions, as teaching these subjects has become a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement for obtaining school accreditation and certificate authentication from the Ministry of Education.

Details of the new regulations and mandatory articles

The regulations aim to standardize educational policies related to identity in schools offering multicultural education or international curricula. The three mandatory subjects are Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and Social Studies . The regulations clearly stipulate that these subjects must be taught at all grade levels up to and including secondary school, to ensure students develop a solid knowledge base that combines modern science with cultural heritage.

The National Curriculum Center has provided schools with two options: either to use the approved versions of the government's general education curriculum, or to submit their own curriculum, provided that it is officially approved by the center and conforms to national standards, thus giving schools flexibility in implementation while maintaining the educational core.

Context of the National Vision 2030 and its historical background

This decision cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the "Human Capability Development Program." Since the launch of the Vision, the Saudi leadership has emphasized the importance of strengthening national identity and pride in Islamic and Arab heritage as a fundamental pillar of global citizenship. Historically, international schools have been characterized by highly flexible curricula, but modern approaches aim to bridge the cultural gap that may arise for students enrolled in these systems, ensuring the graduation of a generation proficient in their mother tongue and knowledgeable about their history and values, alongside mastery of international languages ​​and sciences.

Educational importance and expected impact

This decision has significant strategic implications at both the local and regional levels:

• At the local level: The decision ensures that graduates of international schools are more effectively integrated into the social fabric and the Saudi labor market, as the Arabic language and local culture are key to success in many governmental and private sectors.
• On the educational level: The decision promotes the concept of “bilingualism and culture”, which raises the student’s mental efficiency and ability to communicate with his environment, and protects him from cultural alienation.
• Certificate authentication: The most direct and decisive effect is to link official documents to this obligation, which means that a school certificate will not have legal value within the Kingdom unless it meets the grades for identity subjects.

Strict oversight and implementation mechanisms

To ensure compliance, the relevant authorities have established dual oversight mechanisms. On the one hand, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission responsible for verifying the implementation of these subjects as a prerequisite for granting any school accreditation. On the other hand, the Ministry of Education conducts regular and ongoing monitoring, as Article 9 of the regulations stipulates that any negligence in teaching these subjects or any reduction in their credit hours, as outlined in the "Curriculum Plans Guide," will incur disciplinary penalties that may even affect the institution's license.

In conclusion, this approach represents an affirmation of the supremacy of national standards in education, and a clear message that openness to the world does not mean abandoning one's roots, and that national identity is the compass that guides the educational process, regardless of how different its systems may be.