The advent of Modern Education system in Saudi Arabia

Modern education system was introduced to Saudi Arabia in the late 19^th century. Islamic higher education mainly existed in the main cities during that era. The commencement of modern education helped to diversify in many different fields of expertise. The Ottomans were the first to introduce modern and advanced education system in the Hejaz region. Doors to new opportunities were opened in the Ottoman provinces of Hejaz and Al Ahsa in the new era. During 1920s, some private schools began offering modern education subjects and courses. This initiative was started in larger towns of Saudi Arabia. Later on, in the 1930s the modern education was officially promoted by the state department.

 

As time advanced, many schools were setup in the year 1951. The ministry of education came into existence in the mid of year 1954.  It was formed to manage and promote better education policies. It helped the education sector to blossom in the coming years. In 1964, the government initiated public level education for girls. Though, it was confronted by conservative groups yet the government continued its project. Secured and essential education systems were initiated with the development programs announced by the government in the late 70s. 

By the end of 90s, the literacy rate for men was about 15% in Saudi Arabia. Women had only 2% literacy rate. Later in the year 2002, this ratio changed enormously with men’s literacy rate reaching at 73% and women 48% respectively. Subsequently, the percentage kept on growing and in the mid of 2002 the figure reached up to 91% and 72%.  The Saudi government has done a great job in improving the education system despite many hindrances standing in the way. The standard of education that is being provided to the budding students matches international standards. The results are exceptionally good and clearly visible in the present era. 

The Saudi education system gives huge benefits to the students. Though it is not mandatory to get education but the students are given free study course material and health services once they opt to study. The education services are also free. The education level in different regions is totally dependent on the number of schools present in that particular region. The government is working hard towards enhancing the education system and at the same time working rigorously towards increasing the rate of admissions.

As per the old data, following students have enrolled from 1960 to 1989.

·        22% Boys and 2% Girls were  enrolled in the year 1960

·        81% Boys and 43% Girls were enrolled in the year 1981

·        1.4 million Boys and 1.2 million Girls were enrolled in the year 1989

Nowadays, female students have exceeded the number of male students in terms of enrollment in schools as well the universities. Saudi Arabia now has 73 colleges and 16,600 schools that are only for Girls.  

As per the latest data, there are about 1.64 million female and 1.19 million male students enrolled in Saudi Arabia. About 1.5 million boys and girls are studying in the private schools.

Education and Economic Development in Saudi Arabia

 

Economical and political turmoil was witnessed in parts of North Africa and Middle East since 2011, but it has not affected Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has remained stable and many foreign investors still view it as an attractive and promising place to do business.

The Kingdom’s currency, Saudi Riyal, is one of the world's most stable currencies and it has not witnessed any compelling change in its exchange value during the last three decades.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's 25 largest economies. It is the largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA). Hence, major MNCs have invested in the Kingdom.

The country has a very fast growing economy, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2014 reached over 8%. Thus, the ever growing economy is creating great opportunities for both exporters and investors. The industry is rapidly growing because the economy is being diversified. It has further resulted in economic reform, market liberalization and a growing private sector.

Saudi Arabia has significant cost advantages because of low domestic cost of energy. The industrial lands are also available in the major vicinities due to generous subsidies and incentives. The Kingdom provides duty free access to other MENA and GCC economies and has good transport and infrastructure links.

Exporters and Investors in Saudi Arabia enjoy the benefits of well-developed business clusters and economic assurance that set the Kingdom apart from its neighbors and from other emerging economies. The World Economic Forum has ranked Saudi Arabia, 6th globally, for Local Supplier Quantity. It has placed the Kingdom at 24^th rank for Production Process Improvement and Value Chain Breadth. Saudi Arabia’s domestic industries are well established, competitive and economical. It varies from industrial projects to transportation, producing energy to providing education and provides exceptional opportunities for cost savings. Now, the industries like Oil, gas and petrochemicals are not only the major source of development.  Education, training and human capital development has seen tremendous growth over the years.

In recent times, The Kingdom has introduced a total reform of the present education system. It has sanctioned huge funds to build new educational institutes and collaborated with International Universities for training program and overseas degrees for Saudi students. Many investors are showing keen interest to be a part of this growing industry in Saudi Arabia, and hence making foreign investment in education to meet rapid growth demands.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars in setting up four Economic Cities in different parts of the country. They are Knowledge Economic City (Al Medina), King Abdullah Economic City (Rabigh, Jeddah), Jazan Economic City (Jazan City), and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Mousdaed Economic City (Hail).

These ventures will be public-private partnerships that will invite foreign companies to make attractive investments. Every project is designed to boost investment potential in all sectors, and deliver substantial advantages to business located in that region. All the cities will help in promoting economic diversification and the market analyst believe that it will create over a million new job opportunities.

Source: http://blog.daleeli.com/education-and-economic-development-in-saudi-arabia/