Shahram Hashemi

Can you share your insights on the current state of the education system in Saudi Arabia?

Education stands as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and the country is currently spending a substantial USD50.4 billion on this vital sector. Not only is this the highest dollar amount for the entire GCC, but it also commands the highest percentage of the annual budget for education of any country in the GCC. Vision 2030 underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to transition to a knowledge-based economy, where education plays a pivotal role. To realize this vision, it is imperative that we educate the population, but the country has to completely increase the level and quality of education delivery, too. More qualified staff are also required, considering the rising population is putting a strain on capital and resources. Consequently, the government has refocused its efforts on promoting private education—The private education sector has seen a rapid rise of 7% per annum. Another major theme is the increasing participation of women in the workforce, which has surged from 18% to 25% today.

In 2022, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced a partnership with AEG to open a site in Riyadh. What makes AEG’s business model unique, and how do you ensure the quality of your programs and services?

Globally, the international education sector is dominated by brands from the UK, primarily because British education is the gold standard. Aldenham School in the UK, with its 425-year legacy, stands as a testament to its own distinguished pedigree. However, 90% of such educational institutions look to expand globally, via the franchise model, in places like Dubai, Qatar, Southeast Asia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. In these cases, the brand in the UK will typically provide just its name and a limited amount of knowledge transfer, necessitating the need for local investors and local operators to manage the school for them. At Aldenham Education Group, however, our operating model is unique. Aldenham is an owner-operator and not a franchisee. We are not a sponsor, agent, or subsidiary—we are the owner, operator, manager, and investor all rolled into one.