The Education and Training Evaluation Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the fourth round of standardized tests for university and college graduates within the “Readiness” program for 2026. This ambitious program, which is implemented in full cooperation with the Council of University Affairs, comes as a strategic step to measure and ensure the quality of higher education outputs, and raise the level of readiness of Saudi graduates to engage effectively in the evolving labor market.

In its current cycle, the program targets a broad range of students, including approximately 68,000 graduating students, distributed across more than 700 academic programs in 50 Saudi universities and colleges, covering 51 vital university disciplines. These tests are scheduled to take place from February 1st to 17th, 2026, to assess the skills and knowledge students have acquired throughout their academic journey.

A strategic initiative within the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The “Readiness” program cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader national framework. It represents a cornerstone for achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program. The Vision aims to build a prosperous and diversified economy that relies on the capabilities of its citizens, which necessitates preparing globally competitive citizens equipped with the skills and knowledge required by the 21st century. “Readiness” serves as a precise measurement tool to assess the success of the education system in achieving this goal and to identify areas for improvement to ensure that educational outcomes align with the actual needs of the national economy.

Mechanism of action and expected impact

The standardized tests in “Jahiziyah” are based on meticulously developed specialized frameworks, created in collaboration with experts, academics, and national bodies representing various sectors of the public and private labor market. These frameworks define the minimum knowledge, skills, and values ​​that graduates in each specialization should possess. Thus, the program's benefit extends beyond simply assessing students; it also serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for the academic programs themselves. The results provided by “Jahiziyah” help universities identify strengths in their curricula and areas for improvement, enabling them to develop their study plans and teaching methods to better meet the demands of the labor market.

At the local level, the program is expected to bridge the gap between academic education and practical experience, thereby increasing graduate employment opportunities and reducing the need for companies to provide intensive training programs. At the international level, a unified national system for evaluating graduate quality will enhance the reputation of Saudi universities, improve their global rankings, and make their graduates more competitive in regional and international markets.

In conclusion, the “Readiness” program represents an investment in human capital and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to continuously developing its educational system to ensure the preparation of a generation that is scientifically and technically distinguished, capable of leading the development process and achieving the nation’s aspirations.

The second edition of the Space Debris Conference, organized by the Saudi Space Agency, kicked off today, Monday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The two-day event features broad international participation, including experts and officials from 75 countries, as well as representatives from international organizations and leading companies in the space sector, all aiming to unite efforts to address one of the greatest challenges threatening the future of space activities.

Historical background: A growing problem in Earth's orbit

Since the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, near-Earth space has seen a dramatic increase in the number of man-made objects. Space debris consists of defunct satellites, rocket launch vehicle parts, and fragments resulting from collisions or breakup. These objects, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, orbit Earth at tremendous speeds of up to 28,000 kilometers per hour, making even the smallest piece capable of causing catastrophic damage to operational satellites or crewed spacecraft. Scientists warn of the Kessler syndrome, a hypothetical scenario in which a single collision could trigger a chain reaction, creating a cloud of debris that would render low Earth orbit unusable for decades.

The importance of the conference and its expected impact

In his opening remarks, the Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, sounded the alarm, emphasizing that near-Earth space is witnessing a “rapid increase in the number of orbiting objects,” which poses growing challenges to the safety and sustainability of space operations. Al-Tamimi pointed out that addressing this challenge requires strengthening international cooperation and developing innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks and ensure a safe space environment for future generations.

The conference holds strategic importance as a global platform for solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in space sustainability. By bringing together decision-makers and experts, the Kingdom aims to lead the international dialogue on the policies and legislation necessary for managing space debris, aligning with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and enhance its role in the multi-billion-dollar global space economy.

Topics of discussion and international cooperation

The conference, held with the support of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will discuss several key themes, including space sustainability, protecting the space economy, and unifying international efforts. It will also highlight technological innovations and operational solutions for addressing risks and showcase successful international partnerships in this field. A highlight of the conference is the “DebrisSolver” competition, an international platform designed to stimulate applied innovation and transform research ideas into practical, actionable solutions. This international collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to shared responsibility and its support for global efforts to ensure the continuity of space activities, upon which the world depends for communications, navigation, and climate monitoring.