Saudi Education Minister: Teachers’ Attendance Ends with the School Day

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan has outlined a series of measures aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s education system, improving learning outcomes and strengthening the school environment, while preserving Saudi Arabia’s religious values and national identity.

Speaking at the Government Communication Press Conference, Al-Benyan said that teachers’ attendance will end at the conclusion of the school day according to each school’s approved schedule, following a review of attendance procedures through the “Huduri” platform.

He also emphasized the Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen teachers’ professional capabilities and reinforce their role and standing within the education system and wider society.

More Than 240,000 Education Personnel Receive Training

Al-Benyan said the Ministry has expanded professional development programs across the education sector, with more than 240,000 education personnel receiving training.

More than 4,000 teachers have also received specialized training to help them identify gifted and talented students and recognize their abilities at an early stage.

The minister added that more than 72 teachers received local and international awards last year, while Saudi students and pupils won more than 400 awards and medals during the same period.

Highlighting the importance of teachers to the Kingdom’s education ambitions, Al-Benyan expressed his confidence in Saudi educators and noted that a Saudi teacher was named the World’s Best Teacher for 2025.

“I bet on the teachers in the Kingdom,” he said.

70% of Scholarship Students at Top 50 Global Universities

Turning to international scholarships, Al-Benyan revealed that approximately 70% of Saudi scholarship students are studying at universities ranked among the world’s top 50.

The figure reflects the Kingdom’s focus on providing Saudi students with access to leading international institutions while strengthening their academic and professional competitiveness.

The approach forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader human-capital development strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program, which seek to align education and skills development with the evolving needs of the economy and labor market.

Official data previously indicated that the share of Saudi scholarship students studying at the world’s top 50 universities stood at 66% in 2025, before rising to the level announced by the minister. Saudi Ministry of Finance – Scholarship Data

Expanded Programs for Gifted Students

The minister said more than 45,000 students have enrolled in specialized schools and programs supporting gifted learners, while more than 495,000 students have taken part in qualifying competitions and programs.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to identify talent earlier and provide students with educational environments capable of developing their abilities, particularly in scientific, technological and other future-oriented fields.

Early Childhood Enrollment Targeted to Reach 90% by 2030

Al-Benyan also announced plans to raise the early childhood enrollment rate to 90% by the end of 2030.

The initiative is part of wider efforts to expand access to early education and improve the quality of services provided to children during the formative years.

The Ministry views early childhood education as an important foundation for students’ long-term educational development and readiness for subsequent stages of schooling.

AI Initiative to Reduce Teachers’ Administrative Workload

As part of the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts, the Ministry of Education is working with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and HUMAIN on a technology pilot designed to reduce the operational and administrative workload placed on teachers.

The initiative is intended to allow educators to devote more time and attention to teaching and supporting students.

Al-Benyan also revealed that the Ministry has developed a digital platform serving approximately 500,000 education employees, further expanding the use of technology to streamline procedures and improve workplace efficiency.

All Schools Evaluated Over the Past Three Years

The minister said the Ministry of Education has conducted comprehensive evaluations of all schools across the Kingdom over the past three years, as part of efforts to assess performance, improve educational outcomes and strengthen the school environment.

He explained that new initiatives and ideas are subject to several stages of review and assessment before being adopted, ensuring that they meet quality standards, are sufficiently comprehensive and can be implemented effectively across the education system.

36 Million Textbooks Delivered Ahead of the Academic Year

As part of preparations for the new academic year, Al-Benyan said more than 36 million copies of school textbooks had been delivered to schools before the beginning of summer.

The early delivery is intended to ensure that schools are fully prepared to receive students at the start of the academic year, while supporting broader efforts to improve planning and operational readiness.

Saudi Arabia continues to position education and human-capital development at the center of its national development strategy. The Kingdom is combining investment in teachers and students with expanded early childhood education, gifted education, international scholarships and the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Together, these efforts are aimed at building a more competitive national talent base and preparing Saudi students and professionals to contribute effectively to the Kingdom’s evolving economy and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.