Interview: Yousef bin Abdullah Al Benyan, Minister of Education
How is the education sector evolving to align with the goals of Vision 2030?
YOUSEF BIN ABDULLAH AL BENYAN: Aligning with Vision 2030, changes to the Ministry of Education (MoE) governance structure led to the creation of the National Curriculum Centre, the National Institute for Educational Professional Development and the empowerment of the Council of Universities’ Affairs. Policy reforms aim to chart a pathway from early childhood to lifelong learning. Significant progress has been noted, with the Ministry of Education achieving over 60% of the 2022 targets of Vision 2030. This includes advancements in international literacy rankings and increases in kindergarten and educational institution enrolment, which have led to an increase in job opportunities for women. Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a regional leader in scientific research.
One key focus is enhancing the quality of teaching and the curriculum to meet international standards. Initiatives in university education and research aim to transform institutional operations and improve students’ quality of life. Meanwhile, the technical and vocational strategy aims to modernise licensing for private institutions and foster industry collaboration.
While new challenges may emerge, the commitment to education reform remains strong, putting the sector on the right track to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. By capitalising on existing growth, the Kingdom can prepare its future generations with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In what ways is the education system incorporating modern technology and digital learning tools?
AL BENYAN: Our approach integrates face-to-face instruction with digital resources, creating a rich, immersive learning environment that allows for personalised experiences and enhances educational outcomes. This includes using multimedia content, conducting virtual field trips and facilitating real-time collaboration to make lessons more dynamic. Blended learning models that combine classroom interaction with digital activities help to enhance students’ flexibility and skill development. Platforms like Madrasati are pivotal in this approach. In science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, we integrate technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics and coding into curricula.
Another key priority is ensuring that every student acquires essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to navigate the online world effectively and responsibly. To support this, the Ministry of Education has introduced digital skills as a new high-school subject. Continuous efforts are also being made to train teachers to integrate technology into their lessons.
What actions are being taken to prepare students for the demands of the global workforce in areas like technology, innovation and entrepreneurship?
AL BENYAN: The emphasis on STEM education is central to efforts to transform the national education system. This focus has resulted in an increase in the enrolment of students in STEM fields, from 22% in 2019 to 27% in 2022 – exceeding the target set for 2025. Furthermore, Vision 2030-linked scholarship programmes and the “Study in Saudi” initiative were launched to enhance student mobility and diversify their learning destinations and specialty options.
Beyond acquiring technical skills, nurturing a mindset of innovation, entrepreneurship and digital adoption is crucial. Enrichment programmes such as design-thinking workshops, hackathons and collaborative workspaces are integrated into school curricula, encouraging students to experiment with, discuss and realise their ideas. Vision 2030 introduces initiatives across its constituent sectors that provide vocational guidance and develop skills aligned with local and international labour-market demands. These initiatives include certification programmes and a framework for accreditation that enhance student employability.
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