At the launch of the second edition of the Education and Training Investment Forum "ETIF",
Minister of Education: We seek to transform education into an economic sector and a platform for national production
His Excellency the Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, launched the second edition of the Education and Training Investment Forum 2026 in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud, Governor of Al-Ahsa Governorate; Her Royal Highness Princess Reem bint Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud; His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Engineer Khalid Al-Falih; and several leaders, decision-makers, investors, and local and international experts.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Education emphasized, “The education and training sector receives ongoing support from wise leadership, aligning with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program and Saudi Vision 2030. This support aims to transform the education sector into an economic sector and a national production platform, connecting it to investment to strengthen its role as a promising economic sector and a key driver of sustainable growth. This goal is pursued by providing legislative, regulatory, operational, and financial enablers that encourage participation from public, private, and non-profit sectors, all of which contribute to enhancing investment in education.”
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His Excellency added that the Ministry of Education is working to enhance integration with the private and non-profit sectors and to create an advanced educational environment by implementing enabling policies for foreign investment in education. This initiative includes an investor guide that aims to establish legislative enablers, ensure returns for investors, and provide services to beneficiaries within a clear regulatory framework.
Minister Al-Benyan commended the collaboration and integration among all entities within the education and training ecosystem, which is well-structured and governed, thanks to operational and financial autonomy. He also expressed appreciation for the private sector's active involvement in education and training.
His Excellency concluded by emphasizing the Ministry of Education's commitment to investing in human capital to achieve the aspirations of the leadership and the nation by developing values, skills, and knowledge, enabling citizens to compete locally, regionally, and internationally.
Minister Al-Benyan witnessed the signing of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding among education and training organizations and various government, national, and international bodies. These agreements aim to invest in education, enhance training, build skills, foster innovation, improve cooperation, and support partnerships that benefit the sector, boost outcomes, and increase investment.
Following this, His Excellency the Minister of Education honored outstanding students who excelled in international competitions, including the WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025 and the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF), recognizing their scientific achievements and commitment to excellence and innovation.
The second Education and Training Investment Forum, themed "Invest for Impact," is being held in Riyadh on January 25 and 26. The event brought together over 1,500 participants, including government leaders, representatives from educational institutions, financial and investment professionals, entrepreneurs, and education innovators. More than 40 speakers from within and outside the Kingdom will address regulatory and financial challenges and explore partnership opportunities.
The forum features a series of events that started today, which include a dialogue session, keynote speeches, and workshops for officials and specialists focused on strategic directions for investment in education and training, enablers and opportunities, public-private partnership models in education, and a review of the most prominent success stories of educational partnerships. Additionally, there will be interactive activities, dialogues, bilateral meetings, and an exhibition that showcases the most important services available to support investors.