Saudi Education Minister: New strategy to transform education into an investment sector
Saudi Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving forward with a comprehensive strategic transformation in the education and training sector, aiming to elevate it from a mere service sector to a vital economic sector and a platform for national production. This underscores the Ministry's commitment to achieving the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Human Capital Development Program, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Education and Training Investment Forum 2026
The minister's remarks came during his patronage of the opening of the second edition of the Education and Training Investment Forum 2026 , held in Riyadh. The event was attended by a high-level delegation, including His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud, Governor of Al-Ahsa, and Her Royal Highness Princess Reem bint Alwaleed bin Talal, along with the Minister of Investment, Engineer Khalid Al-Falih. This high-level government presence reflects the collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders to enhance the investment environment in human capital.
Education as a pillar of the national economy
In the context of the economic transformations underway in the Kingdom, education is no longer merely a foundational stage, but has become a key driver of economic development. Al-Bunyan explained that the Ministry is working to provide advanced legislative, regulatory, and financial support aimed at strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as the non-profit sector. These steps are intended to enhance spending efficiency and improve the quality of educational outcomes to meet the demands of the evolving labor market, both locally and globally.
The minister indicated that the ministry is preparing to launch an "Investor Guide ," a step aimed at creating an attractive environment for foreign and domestic investment in education, ensuring rewarding returns for investors while simultaneously providing high-quality and competitive educational services. This approach aligns with the National Investment Strategy, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global investment destination across various sectors, including the education sector, a promising and large market in the region.
Strategic partnerships and recognition of outstanding individuals
The forum witnessed the signing of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding between the education and training system and a number of governmental, private, and international entities. These agreements cover vital areas such as developing training programs, supporting innovation, and building capacity, thus strengthening the Kingdom's educational infrastructure.
In celebrating national talent, the Minister of Education honored a number of Saudi students who achieved global recognition, including winners of the 2025 Asian Skills Competition and the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF). This recognition is a testament to the success of educational policies in developing globally competitive citizens who possess the skills, values, and knowledge necessary for leadership.
Invest for impact
The forum, themed "Invest for Impact," continues with the participation of over 1,500 experts, investors, and decision-makers, and more than 40 speakers from within the Kingdom and abroad. Over two days, the forum will discuss funding and regulatory challenges and showcase successful public-private partnership (PPP) models, opening new horizons for entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute to shaping the future of education in Saudi Arabia.
