Chaired by the Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Benyan, the meeting was held at the University of Business and Technology, aiming to discuss key challenges and future opportunities in the education sector.

The gathering focused on developing innovative strategies to enhance the quality of university education and align academic outcomes with the evolving needs of the labor market, reflecting the goals of Vision 2030, Jeddah education, Saudi universities, higher learning, innovation, and national development.

Yousef Al-Benyan expressed that the meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening partnerships between public and private institutions, emphasizing that collaboration is vital for achieving excellence in education and human capital development.

He highlighted the ministry’s dedication to continuous improvement and the enhancement of academic standards to ensure that universities play a leading role in preparing graduates for the future workforce.

The Minister further noted that higher education represents the foundation of national progress and innovation, serving as the cornerstone for developing skilled, creative, and forward-thinking generations.

He praised Saudi universities for their growing role in supporting sustainable development through research, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The discussion reaffirmed the importance of academic integration, innovation, and inclusivity, key drivers that will shape the Kingdom’s educational transformation in the coming decade.

Dr. Abdullah Dahlan, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Business and Technology, highlighted that Saudi higher education is witnessing a remarkable transformation.

He pointed out that the Kingdom currently has 30 government universities, 12 private universities, and more than 34 private colleges, collectively serving over two million students.

These institutions are supported by a dedicated academic workforce exceeding 100,000 faculty members, representing a powerful national resource of knowledge and expertise.

Such progress symbolizes the nation’s success in creating a world-class educational ecosystem, capable of competing globally and contributing to economic and social growth, keywords include Saudi university development, education excellence, talent empowerment, and innovation-driven growth.

The meeting in Jeddah served as a reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing an integrated and future-ready higher education system.

By encouraging collaboration between universities, promoting quality education, and aligning learning with market needs, Saudi Arabia continues to take confident strides toward achieving Vision 2030 goals.

The participation of academic leaders showcased their shared determination to transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that higher education remains a key pillar of national advancement, sustainability, and innovation.

The event, held at Jeddah University, was attended by Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, along with senior representatives from universities, research centers, and professional statistical associations across the Kingdom.

The forum highlighted how the effective use of data and statistics plays a transformative role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering transparency, sustainability, and innovation in national development.

Data at the Heart of National Transformation

In his keynote address, Fahad Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), underscored the importance of building a robust national statistical ecosystem to support decision-making across sectors.

He emphasized that data and statistics form the foundation of strategic development, enabling government bodies and institutions to design efficient, evidence-based policies.

“Statistics are no longer just numbers — they are the language of development, innovation, and transformation,” Al-Dossari said. “Saudi Arabia’s investment in statistical infrastructure strengthens our ability to shape sustainable economic and social growth.”

He added that GASTAT’s initiatives align with Vision 2030’s commitment to digital transformation, smart governance, and capacity building, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global data innovation.

Strengthening Academic and Professional Collaboration

The forum served as a bridge between academia and professional statistical institutions, providing a platform to share knowledge, enhance research quality, and promote collaboration in data science.

Experts, statisticians, and scholars participated in panel discussions exploring advanced statistical products, modern methodologies, and innovative programs aimed at developing qualified national talents.

These discussions highlighted the growing role of universities in shaping a new generation of data professionals equipped with the analytical skills needed for the future economy.

The collaboration between universities and GASTAT is expected to foster a culture of precision, innovation, and global competitiveness in the Kingdom’s research community.

Road to Riyadh: UN World Data Forum 2026

During the event, Al-Dossari announced the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program — an initiative preparing for the Sixth UN World Data Forum, which Saudi Arabia will host in Riyadh in November 2026.

The program aims to showcase the Kingdom’s global leadership in the field of data, statistics, and digital innovation. Hosting the forum marks a milestone achievement for Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a key player in shaping the international data landscape and advancing the global dialogue on sustainable development.

“The Road to Riyadh program will strengthen global partnerships and highlight the Kingdom’s innovative approach to data governance and knowledge sharing,” Al-Dossari said.

Strategic Partnerships for Future Growth

Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi witnessed the signing of six cooperation agreements between GASTAT and leading Saudi universities, including King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and the Saudi Society for Statistical Sciences.

These partnerships aim to enhance research collaboration, support statistical education, and promote the development of cutting-edge data systems.

They will also help expand the Kingdom’s pool of skilled statisticians, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in line with global standards.

The Jeddah forum reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to a knowledge-based economy, where data serves as a powerful tool for innovation and progress.

By integrating academic research, professional expertise, and government strategy, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a future driven by accurate insights, smart technologies, and informed policymaking.

As the nation prepares for the UN World Data Forum in 2026, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a regional and global leader in statistical excellence — ensuring that data remains at the core of its journey toward national transformation and sustainable development.