Barriers to Entry for UK Educational Institutions
The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) is proud to launch a dedicated new project aimed at identifying and addressing the barriers faced by UK educational institutions seeking to establish a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of our broader mission to strengthen UK-Saudi partnerships, this initiative focuses on supporting UK providers across all levels of education, from independent schools to universities, edtech companies, and education service providers.
This project is designed to inform and accelerate reform in Saudi Arabia’s education investment landscape and complements the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify and globalise its education sector.
Project Overview
Through a targeted research programme, a sector-wide survey, policy recommendations, and strategic roundtable discussions, this initiative will:
- Uncover the real estate, regulatory, operational, and financial challenges facing UK education providers
- Identify legislative or structural reforms that would ease entry into the Saudi market
- Highlight best practices, investment models, and partnership opportunities
- Facilitate direct engagement between UK providers and Saudi government stakeholders
The programme is being delivered in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), who have a particular focus on enabling UK independent schools to explore expansion into Riyadh.
Key Components
Sector-Wide Survey
A comprehensive UK-Saudi Education Sector Survey is now live. The survey gathers critical insights from UK education institutions and relevant stakeholders on the operational, regulatory, and commercial challenges they have encountered, or anticipate, when exploring the Saudi market.
Your responses will inform direct policy recommendations to relevant Saudi authorities.
[Click here to complete the survey]
Insight Report: Barriers to Entry in Saudi Education
A formal policy paper, Trade Barriers Facing the Education Sector in Saudi Arabia, will be published following this survey. This report will synthesise findings from the survey and stakeholder discussions and will be shared with policy stakeholders. It will include:
- Recommendations to reduce or remove key market entry barriers
- Guidance on licensing, land acquisition, infrastructure, and legal frameworks
- Suggested support services and incentives to attract UK investment
Strategic Roundtables
SBJBC will host a high-level roundtables in November 2025, bringing together UK education leaders and Saudi government stakeholders.
- Roundtable 1: 6th November 2025, Jeddah
Focus: Presenting findings to Saudi authorities and facilitating reform-focused dialogue. - Roundtable 2: TBC, Q1 2026
Participants will help shape the recommendations and gain early visibility into Saudi plans for education sector development.
Why Participate?
- Gain first-hand insights into the Saudi education market landscape
- Contribute to UK policy advocacy efforts aimed at creating favourable conditions for UK providers
- Be part of the founding group of UK education institutions shaping future opportunities in the Kingdom
Get Involved
If you’re a UK education provider interested in accessing the Saudi market, we want to hear from you.
[For further information or to express interest in joining this initiative, please contact: robert@sbjbc.org or olivia@sbjbc.org.
