Saudi Arabia's higher education system continues to evolve as the Council of Universities' Affairs, under the leadership of Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, convened in Jeddah with rectors of public and private universities. The meeting focused on addressing educational challenges and exploring sustainable reforms that will align academic outcomes with Saudi Vision 2030.Minister Al-Benyan emphasized that higher education stands as the cornerstone of national growth and innovation, shaping minds that will drive the Kingdom's development in science, technology, and entrepreneurship. He urged institutions to enhance cooperation and align academic programs with labor market needs to produce skilled graduates ready for global competition.
The minister further highlighted the need for research-driven solutions and industry-academia collaboration, stressing that universities must lead the way in digital transformation, sustainability, and knowledge-based economic growth. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for innovation and quality education.
Dr. Abdullah Dahlan, Chairman of the University of Business and Technology, underscored the sector's transformation, citing that Saudi Arabia now boasts 30 public universities, 12 private universities, and 34 private colleges serving more than 2 million students. He lauded the contribution of over 100,000 faculty members dedicated to developing creative and competitive graduates.
The council also discussed the implementation of performance indicators that measure academic excellence, innovation, and employability outcomes. Universities were encouraged to adopt global best practices while preserving Saudi cultural identity and Islamic values within the academic framework.
This strategic dialogue reflects the Kingdom's growing commitment to nurturing an education ecosystem that fuels economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable national progress under Vision 2030.Source: