# Saudi Arabia education system reform > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabia-education-system-reform > Updated: 2026-08-26T12:59:49.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 5. Saudi Arabia is implementing a comprehensive reform of its general education system to align with Vision 2030. Following a royal decree, the country has established a unified framework to govern schools, academic pathways, and e-learning, while opening the sector to private and non-profit investment. Education Minister Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan has detailed strategic goals, including increasing early childhood education enrollment from 35% to 90% by 2030. The ministry is prioritizing digital transformation through the ‘AI Sandbox’ initiative and integrating a national curriculum model based on religious values, national identity, and critical thinking. Additionally, the ministry reported the success of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, noting that 26,000 students were studying abroad in 2026. As the new academic year begins, more than 4.5 million students have returned to classrooms, though students in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif are scheduled to start a week later. To increase professional flexibility, the ‘Hadhuri’ electronic application now links teacher attendance to daily schedules and lesson plans rather than a mandatory seven-hour presence. To further regulate the sector, the Ministry of Education has proposed new regulations for private institutions. These rules aim to enhance transparency and protect student and guardian rights by prohibiting schools from withholding resources due to unpaid fees and requiring tuition fees to be announced 180 days in advance. The Ministry also maintains authority to intervene in unstable institutions by appointing alternative operators or transferring students to ensure educational continuity. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Saudi Ministry of Education proposes new private school regulations Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education has introduced new regulations for private schools to ensure fee transparency, protect students from being denied resources over financial disputes, and enhance governance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-ministry-of-education-proposes-new-private-school-regulations ### 2026-08-22: Saudi Arabia introduces school needs assessment portfolios Saudi Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan announced a new initiative to empower schools through individual needs assessment portfolios to improve educational quality and align with Vision 2030. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-introduces-school-needs-assessment-portfolios ### 2026-08-22: Saudi Arabia begins new school year for 4.5 million students Over 4.5 million Saudi students have returned to school for the new academic year, marking the start of a new educational system aimed at enhancing governance and aligning with Vision 2030. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-begins-new-school-year-for-45-million-students ### 2026-08-17: Saudi Education Minister unveils new general education system Saudi Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan announced a new general education system focused on governance, AI integration, and increasing early childhood enrollment to 90% by 2030. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-education-minister-unveils-new-general-education-system ### 2026-07-24: Saudi Arabia Approves General Education Law Saudi King Salman approved a General Education Law, unifying school governance, supporting Vision 2030, and allowing private sector participation while enhancing rights and family involvement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-approves-general-education-law --- Cite as: Saudi Arabia education system reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabia-education-system-reform