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A royal decree issued by King Salman on July 24, 2026, approved the new General Education Law that strengthens governance structures across the general education sector. Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their role in advancing the legislation. The law establishes a comprehensive framework that expands opportunities for private and nonprofit providers in education delivery. It further aligns the sector with national development priorities under Vision 2030, according to details released with the decree.
The legislation defines distinct roles for the Ministry of Education and the General Education Affairs Council in overseeing policy and implementation. It sets regulatory standards for private and nonprofit educational institutions to ensure quality and compliance. Provisions within the law safeguard the right to education while specifying the rights and responsibilities of students, teachers and families. Safe learning environments receive explicit attention alongside measures to boost family participation in the educational process.
Early childhood education gains strengthened emphasis through the new legal framework, the royal decree indicated. Improved services for students with disabilities and dedicated advancement tracks for gifted students form additional pillars of the law. The Ministry of Education holds responsibility for drafting and finalizing the implementing regulations in the period ahead. These regulations will translate the law’s broad principles into operational guidelines for all concerned parties.
This approval updates the foundation established by the prior General Education Law under Royal Decree No. M/12 of 1441H, according to reviews of Saudi education legislation. Al-Benyan, who assumed the ministerial post in September 2022, has guided subsequent reforms including the National Education Development Programme launched the following year. That programme focused on restructuring ministry operations and updating curricula to build competencies in critical thinking, according to the minister’s official record.
The new statute addresses all education stages from foundational years through secondary school along with institutional arrangements and alternative learning pathways. It incorporates e-learning, continuing education programs and environmental standards within school operations. Coordination between the ministry, the General Education Affairs Council and private entities will guide rollout once regulations are complete.
Vision 2030 documents have consistently identified education reform as central to developing a skilled national workforce equipped for economic diversification. The law’s provisions on governance and private participation build directly on that strategic direction. Al-Benyan’s ministry will oversee the transition to the updated system across public and private institutions nationwide.
