Riyadh Education Department Marks International Literacy Day 2026

RIYADH, September 9, 2026 — The Riyadh Education Department celebrated International Literacy Day 2026 at a dedicated event attended by Engineer Majed Al-Zahrani, Assistant Director General of Education in Riyadh, who highlighted the Kingdom’s rapid progress in education and lifelong learning under the support and attention of the Saudi leadership.

Held on 9 September 2026 and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the celebration brought together education officials, teachers and learners, and featured an exhibition showcasing numerous works and products created by students participating in continuing education programmes.

Context and Background

International Literacy Day is observed annually on 8 September, a date designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966 to affirm literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. Saudi Arabia has long marked the occasion through activities organised by the Ministry of Education and its regional directorates, including the Riyadh Education Department, which oversees schools and continuing education centres across the capital region.

The Kingdom’s participation reflects a sustained national effort to raise literacy levels and widen access to learning for citizens of all ages. Over recent decades, Saudi Arabia has expanded schooling, built a broad network of universities and technical colleges, and introduced adult education pathways designed to bring learners back into formal study. These programmes now form an established part of the national education system rather than a temporary measure.

Key Details

Speaking at the celebration, Engineer Majed Al-Zahrani emphasized that education in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant development and qualitative leaps, thanks to the support and attention of the Saudi leadership. He explained that individuals’ intellectual and cultural development has earned the Kingdom recognition from international and regional organizations for its experience in building a vibrant and civilized society.

The programme also included an exhibition of works and products created by students enrolled in continuing education programmes. The display gave officials, teachers and visitors a direct view of what learners achieve through evening classes, accelerated schooling and skills-based courses, underscoring the department’s emphasis on practical outcomes alongside foundational reading, writing and numeracy skills.

Implications and Impact

The Riyadh celebration carries significance beyond the capital. Literacy is widely recognised as a foundation for economic participation, and Saudi Arabia’s progress in this field supports the Kingdom’s ambitions to build a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. For international audiences, the event illustrates how Saudi Arabia aligns its national education agenda with global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Cooperation with UNESCO and other international bodies allows the Kingdom to benchmark its programmes, share expertise drawn from its own experience and contribute to regional efforts against illiteracy. Within the wider region, Saudi Arabia’s approach — combining formal schooling with flexible second-chance programmes — offers a practical model for countries navigating similar demographic and economic transitions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The emphasis on literacy and continuing education sits at the heart of Saudi Vision 2030, the national transformation programme advanced under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Through the Human Capability Development Program, the Kingdom is investing in education, training and skills so that citizens can compete in a changing global economy. A literate, adaptable population is essential to diversifying the economy, expanding the private sector and preparing Saudis for roles in technology, tourism, industry and renewable energy.

Events such as the Riyadh celebration translate these strategic objectives into local action, connecting national policy with the daily experience of learners. As the Kingdom continues to invest in education and lifelong learning, its experience — acknowledged by international and regional organizations — will remain a cornerstone of its long-term vision and its growing global role.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the Riyadh Education Department celebrate on 9 September 2026?

A1. The Riyadh Education Department celebrated International Literacy Day 2026, an annual occasion that highlights the importance of reading, writing and lifelong learning. The event brought together education officials, teachers and students in Riyadh.

Q2. Who attended the celebration as the senior representative?

A2. Engineer Majed Al-Zahrani, Assistant Director General of Education in Riyadh, attended the celebration and delivered remarks. He highlighted the Kingdom’s educational progress and praised the support provided by the Saudi leadership to the education sector.

Q3. What did Engineer Majed Al-Zahrani say about education in Saudi Arabia?

A3. He said education in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant development and qualitative leaps thanks to the support and attention of the Saudi leadership, describing the sector’s growth as evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to building a knowledgeable society.

Q4. Why did he say the Kingdom has received international recognition?

A4. Engineer Al-Zahrani explained that individuals’ intellectual and cultural development has earned the Kingdom recognition from international and regional organizations for its experience in building a vibrant and civilized society. He linked this recognition to sustained investment in education and culture.

Q5. What did the accompanying exhibition showcase?

A5. The exhibition displayed numerous works and products created by students enrolled in continuing education programmes. These items illustrated the practical skills, creativity and academic progress of learners returning to education, offering attendees a tangible view of the department’s adult learning initiatives.

Q6. When is International Literacy Day observed worldwide?

A6. International Literacy Day is observed annually on 8 September, following its designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1966. Saudi institutions often hold related events around this date to promote literacy nationwide.

Q7. Which Saudi body oversees education in the Riyadh region?

A7. The Riyadh Education Department, a regional directorate of the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, oversees schools and continuing education programmes in the capital region. It implements national education policy, monitors quality and supports teachers and learners locally.

Q8. What are continuing education programmes?

A8. Continuing education programmes offer flexible learning pathways for adults and young people who wish to complete schooling, improve literacy or acquire new skills. They form part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to widen access to education beyond traditional school ages and settings.

Q9. How does literacy support Saudi Arabia’s economic goals?

A9. Strong literacy and numeracy skills improve employability and productivity. A well-educated workforce supports the diversification of the national economy, enabling citizens to take up skilled roles in growing sectors such as technology, tourism, industry and renewable energy.

Q10. What role do teachers play in these efforts?

A10. Teachers and trainers deliver literacy classes, design learning materials and mentor students throughout the academic year. They are essential to translating national education policy into everyday classroom results across the capital and the Kingdom’s other regions.

Q11. How does the event reflect Saudi Arabia’s international engagement?

A11. Participation in International Literacy Day links Saudi Arabia to global education efforts, including UNESCO programmes and the Sustainable Development Goals. It allows the Kingdom to share its experience while learning from international best practice in literacy and adult education.

Q12. What is the significance of the exhibition for students?

A12. Students gain confidence and recognition when their work is publicly displayed. The exhibition validates their effort, encourages continued study and demonstrates to families and officials that returning to education brings measurable and visible achievements.

Q13. How does Vision 2030 relate to literacy?

A13. Vision 2030 places human capability at the centre of national development. Its Human Capability Development Program aims to build a skilled and adaptable workforce, and literacy is a foundational requirement for further training, higher education and productive employment.

Q14. What recognition has Saudi Arabia received for its education experience?

A14. According to Engineer Al-Zahrani, the Kingdom’s record in fostering intellectual and cultural development has earned acknowledgment from international and regional organizations. Officials cite such recognition as evidence that national investment in education produces results valued well beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

Q15. How does literacy affect daily life for citizens?

A15. Literacy enables individuals to manage finances, understand health information, support their children’s schooling and use digital services confidently. These everyday capabilities improve quality of life and strengthen participation in the Kingdom’s rapidly modernising society and economy.

Q16. What other Saudi initiatives support lifelong learning?

A16. Saudi Arabia operates adult education centres, distance-learning platforms and national reading campaigns. Universities and training institutions also offer flexible programmes. Together these efforts widen access to learning and complement the work of regional education departments such as the one in Riyadh.

Q17. Why is the Riyadh event important for the capital region?

A17. Riyadh is home to a large and diverse population, including many adults who benefit from second-chance education. The celebration raises awareness of available programmes, encourages enrolment and signals official support for learners balancing study with work and family responsibilities.

Q18. How does digital technology support literacy in Saudi Arabia?

A18. Digital platforms deliver lessons, reading materials and assessments to learners at home or at work. Online courses and mobile applications allow flexible study, while data tools help educators track progress and target support where it is most needed across the Kingdom.

Q19. What message does the celebration send to the international community?

A19. The event signals that Saudi Arabia treats literacy as a national priority and a shared global concern. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s willingness to cooperate with international organizations, exchange expertise and contribute to worldwide efforts to reduce illiteracy.

Q20. What comes next for the Riyadh Education Department?

A20. The department is expected to continue expanding continuing education programmes, strengthening teacher training and reaching more adult learners across the capital region, in line with national education policy and the long-term objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

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