Experts emphasize that improving education quality in the Gulf is essential for realizing the region’s economic potential. Reports from the World Bank and regional consultancies highlight that merely increasing access to schools is insufficient; the focus must also be on enhancing education standards.
The World Bank’s Human Capital Index indicates that a child born today in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region will only reach 62% of their potential productivity due to poor education quality. Safaa El-Tayeb El-Kogali, World Bank country director for the GCC, states, Improving the quality of education is critical for fostering long-term economic growth and prosperity in the GCC.
GCC countries are diversifying their economies in response to technological advancements and global challenges. Quality education is pivotal for achieving these development goals. Despite progress in expanding access to education, many students still lack foundational literacy and numeracy skills, hindering human capital development and global competitiveness.
El-Kogali stresses the importance of early investments in quality learning, stating, Realizing the full potential of human capital in GCC countries requires smart and early investments in the quality of learning that children receive.
Building strong foundational skills early on is crucial for future learning and skills acquisition. Effective teaching and support for educators are essential in improving learning outcomes.
Education enhances individual productivity, boosts economic growth, and builds resilient economies. However, its potential is realized only when it improves relevant skills and knowledge. While increasing access to education is vital, the focus must be on the quality of education to drive economic growth.
A study by El Mostafa Bentour for the Arab Monetary Fund in 2020 found that Arab countries lag behind OECD economies in the contribution of human capital to GDP growth. Research shows that better education quality, as indicated by improved standardized test scores, significantly boosts GDP.
The role of private education
The GCC K-12 private education market is expanding due to population growth, rising incomes, government initiatives, and a growing expatriate population. However, challenges such as high construction costs and tuition fees limit accessibility for lower-income families. Technological advancements and partnerships with international institutions offer growth opportunities in specialized education programs.
Mansoor Ahmed, executive director for healthcare and education at Colliers in the MENA region, notes that the GCC K-12 private education market presents lucrative opportunities for investors and stakeholders. Government initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 aim to enhance education quality and accessibility.
Saudi Arabia’s educational landscape
Saudi Arabia, with its large population and higher proportion of nationals, has significant potential for growth in private K-12 education. Despite substantial investments, only 15% of students attend private institutions. The growing population necessitates more schools, especially in second-tier cities undergoing major expansions.
The increase in white-collar expatriates and the introduction of international branded schools in major cities are expected to drive private education growth. Affordability remains crucial, with optimal tuition fees ranging between $15,000 to $20,000 per annum.
Transforming education quality in the GCC is essential for unlocking the region’s economic potential. By investing strategically in human capital, the region can build a skilled workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth and prosperity, navigating global economic challenges, and achieving ambitious development goals.