In a strategic move aimed at keeping pace with global technological advancements and enhancing future skills, the Saudi Ministry of Education, the National Institute for Professional Development in Education, and Tatweer Educational Services Company signed three key memoranda of understanding with the "Safi Electronic Games Group," a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. These agreements aim to formally integrate the electronic games industry and development into the general and university education system, as well as technical and vocational training.

A strategic context that serves Vision 2030

This step aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Gaming and Esports launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for this sector by 2030. The "Safi" Group is the Kingdom's primary investment arm in this field, working to build an integrated ecosystem encompassing game development, publishing, and talent investment. Linking this vital sector to education is a foundational step to ensure the sustainability of qualified human resources to lead this growing market both locally and globally.

Details of agreements and areas of cooperation

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of Minister of Education Yousef Al-Bunyan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SAFI Group Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, and other education leaders. The areas of cooperation focus on several key areas:

• Curriculum development: Working in coordination with the National Center for Curricula to include electronic game concepts within the curriculum.
• Scholarships and career paths: Preparing national cadres through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program and the "Wa'ed" path, to graduate specialists in the gaming industry.
• National Competitions: Designing and implementing a national competition specializing in the electronic games industry and development to discover talents.
• Digital Infrastructure: Establishing the "Savi Gaming and Innovation Lab" and accrediting the Savi Academy as one of the strategic partnership institutes.

Empowering teachers and developing the Madrasati platform

The agreements also addressed the educational needs of teachers, including collaboration between the National Institute and the Savi Group to develop teachers' skills in adopting innovative teaching methods based on gamification and artificial intelligence. Specialized workshops and forums will also be organized to assess the impact of these methods on the educational process.

Regarding educational tools, the memorandum signed with “Tatweer” Company stipulated the production of specialized educational games and the development of interactive content on the “My School” platform, in addition to building digital educational laboratories based on simulation, and creating school activities that promote the culture of electronic sports in a positive way.

Expected impact: A digital economy and an innovative generation

This partnership is expected to have a significant long-term impact, not only by improving academic achievement through engaging educational tools, but also by supplying the Saudi labor market with highly qualified national talent capable of competing in the technology and programming sector. It will also contribute to transforming students from consumers of digital content into producers and developers of it, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a hub for digital innovation in the region.

His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales and Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today (Monday), on an official visit that affirms the strength of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, was at the forefront of those welcoming him and wishing him a pleasant stay. Also participating in the reception were His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United Kingdom, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom, Mr. Stephen Charles Hitchin, in addition to the Undersecretary of Royal Protocol, Mr. Fahd Al-Suhail, and a number of other officials.

Dimensions of the visit and its political implications

The visit of the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom to Riyadh is of paramount importance at this time, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. This visit comes within the framework of ongoing communication between the leadership of both countries to strengthen ties of cooperation across various fields. Saudi-British relations serve as a model of long-standing international relations, built on mutual respect and shared interests that contribute to the stability of the region and the world.

A long history of diplomatic relations

This visit cannot be viewed in isolation from the long-standing historical ties between the two countries' royal families and the diplomatic relations that span more than a century. The United Kingdom has always been a key partner of Saudi Arabia, and Prince William's visit serves to strengthen this historical legacy and propel it to new heights, particularly in light of international developments that necessitate high-level coordination among influential global powers.

Strategic partnership and Vision 2030

On the economic and developmental level, these reciprocal visits represent a valuable opportunity to discuss ways to support the strategic partnership, especially in light of the massive development movement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing under the umbrella of Vision 2030. Political and economic circles look forward to this visit contributing to opening new avenues for cooperation in the fields of sustainability, clean energy, cultural exchange, and technological innovation, in line with the aspirations of both countries towards a more prosperous future.