New public education law in Saudi Arabia

New public education law in Saudi Arabia

Disclaimer: This is a legal article that provides information that does not replace consulting a competent lawyer to help you and for more accurate information.

In light of the strategic transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, the new public education system issued by royal decree on 24\7\2026 emerges as a fundamental pillar for reshaping the educational landscape. 

Education is no longer just a process of indoctrination, but rather an integrated legal system that guarantees the quality of outcomes and clearly defines the rights and obligations of all parties, including students, teachers, and educational institutions. 

What are the goals of the new education law in Saudi Arabia?

• Achieving quality in public education.
• Promoting Islamic values and pride in religion.
• Strengthening national belonging, commitment to and adherence to regulations.
• Mastering and being proud of the Arabic language.
• Promoting the values of tolerance, peace and coexistence.
• Respect for human rights.
• Providing students with the necessary knowledge in all fields to keep pace with future developments and requirements.
• Learn at least a foreign language and develop its basic skills.

What are the highlights of the new public education law?

Compulsory education in Saudi Arabia

The new education law in Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of education and that it is a right for all, and set the compulsory school age from 6 to 15 years.

Article 4 of the law also grants the Ministry of Education the authority to take the necessary legal measures against anyone who deprives a child of education or causes him to drop out of it, in coordination with the competent authorities.

Establishment of a Council for Public Education Affairs

Based on the law, an Education Affairs Council is established to carry out the following tasks:

• Approval of policies and controls for public education.
• Approval of the regulations governing the nursery and kindergarten stages. 
• Approval of regulations governing the affairs of persons with disabilities and the gifted.
• Approval of regulations governing private and virtual educational institutions.
• Approval of a unified model for teachers’ employment contracts in government educational institutions.
• Approving the terms and conditions for contracting with teachers to practice the public education profession.
• Approval of any regulations arising from public education.

Developing educational programs

Developing educational programs

The new public education system supports the development of educational programs that suit the needs of the labor market. He also gave the Ministry the authority to establish schools or classes specialized in various fields such as technology, arts, humanities, and others.

Talent discovery and support

The new law supports the discovery of gifted students and gives the Ministry the authority to develop programs to develop and enhance their abilities and accelerate their transition from one academic stage to another.

Involving the private and non-profit sectors in supporting education

The law emphasized the importance of involving the private and non-profit sectors in providing public education services and raising the quality of services, including providing specialized education in a specific field or operating, managing, and investing in government buildings.

Do you need careful legal advice? Understanding the rights and obligations under the new public education system may require a specialized legal perspective to ensure the soundness of your situation. Through the office of lawyer Abdul Majeed Al Rashid, you can now book your consultation directly with a specialized and licensed lawyer, who will provide you with legal support tailored to your situation. 

What are student rights in the education lawv in Saudi Arabia?

Article 38 of the new public education law clarifies the rights enjoyed by students, which are:

• His right to study in an educational environment that enables him to achieve academic achievement.
• An educational environment that is safe for him psychologically, physically and intellectually and protects him from all forms of abuse.
• Hear his complaint, register it, and take the necessary action regarding it.
• Not to assign him any work resulting from the individual efforts of teachers or administrative staff in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the system and regulations.
• Primary health care within an educational institution.
• Rewards and material and moral incentives when he excels.
• Handing him a certificate of success after completing the academic year unconditionally.

What are the rights and obligations of teachers in the new public education law?

What are the rights and obligations of teachers in the new public education law?

Articles 48 and 49 define the rights and obligations of teachers in the new public education law

Teacher rights

• An educational environment suitable for presenting his scientific material.
• Training and professional development in his field of specialization, including training in modern educational technologies.
• Enabling him to present his development vision and contribute to the development of education.
• Rewards and material and moral incentives when he excels in performing his duties.

Teacher obligations

• To teach the educational curricula and courses assigned to him.
• To take into account the nature of students, their levels of thinking, and the individual differences between them.
• Achieving the highest levels of justice in dealing with students and enhancing their self-confidence.
• Representing good role models for students in terms of morals and commitment to national identity values.
• Stay away from anything that affects the honor of the profession inside and outside school.
• To adhere to the rules and regulations.
• Develop his cognitive potential.
• Serious participation in research and studies.

What are the penalties for violating the provisions of the new education law in Saudi Arabia?

Penalties imposed on a teacher who violates the provisions of the law

According to Article 59 of the law, a teacher who is proven to have committed anything that disturbs public order or national unity shall be punished according to the following:

• If the violation is not serious: The penalties stipulated in the Labor Law and the Job Discipline Law shall apply to him, with the exception of termination of service. In the event of a repeat violation, his service may be terminated.
• If the violation is serious: his service is terminated and he is not allowed to return to work again in the public and private educational sector.

Penalties imposed on a private educational institution that violates the provisions of the law

Article 60 stipulates the penalties that apply to private educational institutions that violate the provisions and regulations of the law, which are:

• Alarm.
• Stop student registration.
• A fine of not less than 5,000 Saudi riyals and not more than 50,000 Saudi riyals.
• License cancellation.

The new public education law represents a qualitative shift that requires careful legal awareness. To ensure a protected learning environment and clearly know your rights, the office of Attorney Abdulmajeed Al Rashid is your trusted legal partner.