2. 2
Key Facts
Area: 27.163.977 sq km
Population: 27,136,977 million (2010)
Capital: Riyadh
Main cities:
Riyadh (The capital)
Makkah (The most sacred place to Muslims, and their praying direction)
Al Madinah (Second most sacred place)
Jeddah (Saudi capital of business, an important port, and a major gateway
to pilgrims) .
Dammam (Capital of Eastern region, well-off oil, and an important port)
Dhahran (A military city, the location of Saudi Aramco`s headquarters which
the larg est oil company in the world .
ArAr (Capital of Northern region)
The Geography
Saudi Arabia is located in the South-west of Asia. Bounded by the Red sea from the
west, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait from the North, Arabian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar and United
Emirates from the East. Also Yemen and Oman from the South.

3. 4
The perfect investment opportunity translating into particularly strong and sustained growth in domestic de-
mand KSA itself has never been more committed to supporting economic
• Saudi Arabia is ranked 4th in the world for “fiscal freedom” and growth. Robust growth in government revenues is supporting double-
it’s the 10th most rewarding tax system in the world digit increases in government expenditures on social, infrastructure, and
• One of the world’s 25 largest economies (23rd ) and the largest other investment projects. Perhaps even more crucial in the long term, an
economy in the MENA region increasingly deregulated and competitive economic environment is sup-
• One of the world’s fastest growing countries: per capita income is porting an explosion of business formation as the private sector takes an
forecasted to rise from $20,700 in 2007 to $33,500 by 2020 increasingly prominent role in the economy.
• It’s the world’s fastest reforming business climate
• It’s the largest free market in the MENA Foreign investment
• Represents 25% of total Arab GDP
• It has 25% of worlds oil reserves The variety of domestic and export-oriented investment opportunities in
• Saudi Arabia is 13th out of 183 countries for the overall ease of Saudi has attracted steadily increasing foreign direct investment as the
doing business globally. 10th in terms of ease of paying taxes economy has been progressively opened. Saudi Arabia’s rapid improve-
• 1st for ease of registering property and it’s the largest recipient of ments have made the country an increasingly attractive destination for
Foreign Direct Investment in the Arab world investment. The World Investment Report 2009 measured Saudi Arabia’s
FDI inflows to be the 14th largest in the world and the highest amount
Saudi Arabia offers a dynamic and robust economy, perfect for serv- in the MENA region. The country’s growth in FDI inflows was especially
ing the world’s most demanding markets! impressive in light of the global economic downturn, which caused inter-
national investment levels to drop significantly in the second half of 2008.
Dynamism and growth:
Economic stability
The performances of both Saudi Arabia and MENA’s economies have ex-
ceeded world growth. Meanwhile, Saudi’s non-oil sector has delivered ac- Sound macroeconomic management and an inflection point in world en-
celerating growth rates as the economy diversifies. Encouraged by robust ergy markets have made the KSA’s economy stable, despite the global
GDP growth and macroeconomic stability, consumer confidence is well financial crisis. Saudi Arabia’s economy ranks 3rd in the world for macro-
above the regional average. Growing private credit and increased public economic stability as a result of “a healthy fiscal environment, relatively
expenditures on infrastructure and other projects provide a broad basis for low interest rates and inflation that has been kept under control”
robust opportunities across the Middle East but in Saudi Arabia these are

4. 6
The International Monetary Fund’s 2008 World Economic Outlook notes Education in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
that “regional growth remains strong” as “global financial market turmoil
has had little direct effect on the Middle East.” While much of the world With a young, expanding population and a blossoming knowledge-based
economy has recently been affected by a global liquidity squeeze, Saudi industry, Saudi Arabia’s education sector is facing a new, exciting era.
Arabia’s twin surpluses in the government budget and current account
have made KSA an attractive, high-liquidity environment for local and Already the world’s 8th highest education spender, Saudi Arabia has re-
foreign ventures. cently initiated a complete overhaul of its educational system at a cost
of US$3.1 billion. Increasingly prosperous families in traditionally under-
Market size served parts of the country have very strong demands for high-quality
education. Meanwhile, for foreign investors, the new Economic Cities cre-
As the region’s largest economy and the world’s 24th largest exporter, ate a unique opportunity for private-sector involvement.
the sheer size of the markets that Saudi-based projects serve is “a com-
petitive advantage, allowing Saudi businesses to benefit from economies
of scale.” With excellent access to Saudi and other MENA markets, as well A potential to develop home-grown talent
as the advanced and emerging economies of nearby Europe and Asia,
market exposure for Saudi-based projects is not only vast but also highly Today, over 90% of Saudi students are educated in public schools, with
diversified. only the wealthiest Saudi and expatriate children attending some 840
private schools. There is clearly substantial room for the private sector to
Cluster development participate more fully at the primary and secondary levels of Saudi Ara-
bia’s education system.
Investors in Saudi Arabia enjoy increasingly well-developed business clus-
ters and value chains that set the nation apart from its neighbours and While tertiary education enjoys greater private participation, this clearly
from other emerging economies. The World Economic Forum ranks the remains an underserved market. Many students must pursue scholarships
Kingdom 39th in the world for Local Supplier Quantity and 35th for both overseas to gain the highest-quality higher education; some 80% of engi-
Value Chain Breadth and Production Process Sophistication. Well estab- neers, doctors and scientists are foreigners.
lished, competitive and efficient, Saudi Arabia’s domestic industries—from
energy and chemicals to transportation—provide industrial projects with In the past, foreign organizations have not been permitted to directly
exceptional opportunities for cost savings. educate Saudi students. Now, for the first time, the Economic Cities are
allowing students to benefit from outside skills and knowledge. In addi-
tion to traditional educational institutions, there is a clear need for a full
range of educational and training services, including vocational programs,
e-learning, content development, seminars, etc.

5. 8
Some good reasons to invest …. The Education Policy Document, which was issued by the Saudi Council
of Ministers in 1969, is the foundation for the Saudi educational system.
• Significant unmet demands exist at every level of the Saudi There are several organizations that are working together to oversee,
educational system regulate, and create and enforce laws pertaining to the education system
• Demographically, Saudi Arabia’s population is extremely young in Saudi Arabia.
and growing rapidly, with millions of school-age children
• Fast-rising personal wealth is bringing world-class education These agencies include the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher
within reach of many Saudi families Education, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, formerly
• The Economic Cities are being constructed as part of an the General Organization for Technological and Vocational Training. The
ambitious public investment campaign to bring knowledge- education system in Saudi Arabia can be divided into two broad catego-
intensive industries to KSA, providing foreign organizations with ries – general education and higher education – with all public and private
an opportunity to enter the market schools following the same general policies, curricula, and methods of
instruction. General education includes 12 years of schooling, beginning
Education - the foundation of future socio-economic with elementary school at age six, while higher education constitutes the
development in KSA training received at one of the various universities, colleges or vocational
training institutions. Over 90 percent of Saudi students are enrolled in
The Kingdom is an attractive market for education services, as it repre- public schools.
sents the largest education base, the largest market for education services
in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, and accounts for 75 percent The Saudi Government has made a tremendous effort to enhance the
of total students in the GCC general education (K-12) system. country’s educational system over the past decade by introducing new
education programs, research and development initiatives, and building
For the past several years, strong government budgets have accompanied numerous schools and universities. A number of education projects coin-
the development of general education to emphasize governmental sup- cide with the development of the six economic cities that are being built
port for continued growth of the education sector. The upward trend of across the country.
budgetary allocations highlights the Saudi Government’s conviction that The private sector has become intensely involved in the development of
education is the cornerstone of sustained economic development, as it knowledge-based industries in the Kingdom through participation in sev-
enhances human capital and knowledge, both essential ingredients for eral initiatives, such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technol-
economic growth and social cohesion. Public spending for education is ogy (KAUST), the education section of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC),
estimated at 5.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and institutions in Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musaed Economic City (PABMEC)
comparable with the UK (5.3 percent), Germany (4.3 percent), and South and Knowledge Economic City (KEC).
Korea (4.2 percent).

6. 10
About IEFE 2013 enable the provision of an ideal learning environment for producing We
will also showcase the latest technology and knowledge solutions from
“The Saudi Arabia government’s policy is focused on infrastructure international and local suppliers of education equipment and infrastruc-
and social programs. The 2012 budget allocates $45 billion to the ture aimed at achieving excellence and innovation in public and private
education sector, including 742 new schools and 40 new colleges”. education in the region.
quality students well equipped for the modern day work force and discuss
The International Exhibition and Forum for Education 2013 (IEFE 2013) latest tools and methods for ensuring teachers perform to their maximum
is the 3rd in our series of events focused on providing substantial oppor- potential.
tunities for international businesses in the education sector to create part-
nerships and connect with decision makers from Saudi Arabian and GCC
government bodies overseeing education developments and also senior Why IEFE 2013?
representatives from Universities, Colleges, Training Institutions, second-
ary education institutions and public and private schools in the region but As with the previous editions, IEFE 2013 will attract senior level de-
particularly from Saudi Arabia. cision makers, key industry education providers and stakeholders from
It is the official annual event of the Saudi Ministry of Education. It is also around the world for a great, inspiring networking and learning experi-
the biggest and most well attended educational exhibition and confer- ence. Globally recognised education, government and business leaders
ence in the Gulf Region with over 40,000 visitors turning up at the 2012 will deliver inspiring keynote presentations while there will be one to one
event! meeting opportunities to foster cooperation, potential collaboration and
As with the previous editions, IEFE 2013 will attract senior level decision possible commercial agreements in a formal setting. This is an excellent
makers, key industry education providers and stakeholders from around platform for generating alliances.
the world for a great, inspiring networking and learning experience. Glob-
ally recognised education, government and business leaders will deliver IEFE 2013 is characterized by the provision of a unique opportunity for
inspiring keynote presentations while there will be one to one meeting education industry participants, both in the private and public sector to
opportunities to foster cooperation, potential collaboration and possible portray key achievements in this burgeoning industry to discuss strategic
commercial agreements in a formal setting. This is an excellent platform plans which enable the provision of an ideal learning environment for
for generating alliances. producing quality students well equipped for the modern day work
IEFE 2013 is characterized by the provision on a unique opportunity for force. Education evaluation techniques, latest tools and methods for
education industry participants, both in the private and public sector to ensuring teachers perform to their maximum potential will also be a key
portray key achievements in fast moving sector, discuss strategic plans to theme at IEFE 2013.

7. 12
Who will be there? Key Benefits:
• Exclusive access to key plans and development strategy of the
Attendees at IEFE 2013 will primarily be senior decision makers from
MoE in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabian and GCC Governments Ministries
• Obtain the keys to unlocking what potential partnerships in the
• Universities, Colleges and Public and Private Schools
region means for your organization
• Senior Representatives from International Educational Institutions
• Become a member of the exclusive IEFE members club with
• Investors
access to first hand information on investment opportunities to
• Educational Agents
the Saudi education market
• Technology Providers
• Optimize your strategy to take full advantage of this burgeoning
• Research & Developments Agencies
industry to positively input your bottom line
• Corporations Affiliated to Education Sector
• Training Organisations
Exhibitor Categories at IEFE 2013 will be as follows:
• Key Service Providers
• IT Solutions aimed at Educational Market
Meet the KSA Ministry of Education and its Partners - NOOR (IEFE
• Hardware Providers
PARTNERZONE)
• Building Equipment, Construction & Design for Education
• Providers of Training Solutions & Universities / Educational
NOOR in Arabic means light, which for our purpose symbolizes the ben-
Institutions
efits of good education for the development of a nation. To further our
• Education Quality Assurance Systems
aim to help exhibitors to get full information about MoE projects, invest-
• Curriculum Providers
ments opportunities in the Saudi Arabia education market and them to
• Pre School Equipment Suppliers
understand the environment in the country, there will be a pre event
• Special Needs Education Equipment Suppliers
opportunity to meet senior executives from the MoE and delegates from
• Education Solutions For The Especially Talented
SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority) in a formal setting.
• Educational Broadcast Media
• Sports Equipment & Infrastructure to Aid Educational
Performance

8. 14
IEFE 2013 Theme and Issues to be addressed The Forum at IEFE
The main theme of IEFE 2013 as established by the Saudi Ministry of The IEFE Forum has in the past attracted senior specialized speakers in the
Education will be Educational Evaluation Approach & Techniques. This is in field of education development. Several workshops have been conducted
line with the key objective of improving and implementing cutting edge and this massive event has been covered in local and international news-
evaluation techniques for the performance of schools and higher learning papers, satellite TV channels, websites and social media tools.
institutions in the country and the GCC region.
Carefully selected attendees from the more than 40,000 visitors to IEFE
The focus will be on achieving promoting Excellence, Quality, Perfor- 2012 (Educational leaders, supervisors, and school principals from dif-
mance Improvement, Deploying Innovative Solutions, New Invest- ferent regions and educational provinces) joined the main sessions and
ment and International Partnerships to achieve the desired objective. workshops.
• Evaluating Educational Infrastructure 42 Scheduled hours of various topics, were presented by prominent inter-
national and local speakers
• Evaluating and Improving Learning Materials
34 Speakers conducted over three days, 13 main sessions, 3 discussion
• Teaching by Social Media sessions and 30 workshops that addressed important topics of the Insti-
tutional Models of Developing Public Education (international and local)
• Education via Smart Devices experiences; Designing Educational Environments in the 21st Century; Im-
proving Educational Practices, and Build the School Knowledge Society.
• Adopting Tried and Tested International Techniques
Topics to be addressed at IEFE 2013 Forum by our Experienced Interna-
• International Partnership and Investment tional Speaker Panel Include:
• Learning from Countries that have Achieved Educational • Evaluating for Learning
Excellence – Finland will be a Focal Point and Case Study
for IEFE 2013 • Evaluating Curriculum and Collateral Materials
• Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and 21st Century Learning • Evaluation for the Adoption of Educational Establishments
• Evaluating Educational Programs

9. 16
• Evaluating for the Development of Performance • Education Management Information Systems
• Virtual Professional Learning Communities and Performance • Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Improvement
• Development and Analysis of Benchmarks on the Performance of
• Learning through Social Networking Education Systems
• The use of Technology in Evaluation Processes • Designing and Implementing Reform Strategies to raise Student
Outcomes
• Learning and Evaluating Using Smart Phones
• How the World’s most Improved School Systems Keep Getting
• Global models and Successful Experiences Better
• Ensuring High Standards & Accountability in Education • Change Leadership: A Practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools
• Student Assessment in 21st Century Education
In Summary …
• Creativity and Intelligence, School Reform, and Talent
Development in 21st Century Education Of all the elements of educational planning, evaluation is probably the
most misunderstood and maligned. Evaluation can be described as mak-
• Key Strategies for the Development and Analysis of Benchmarks ing informed judgements on the overall value of the educational pro-
on the Performance of Education gramme – and whether or not it sets out to do what it set out to do.
Evaluation is a logical straightforward process that is an integral part of
• Developing Standards for Monitoring and Evaluation Education all commonly accepted models for educational programme development.
Institutions IEFE will examine the process of evaluation and its importance in the field
of education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.
• New Pedagogies for Supporting the Professional Learning of
Prospective and Experienced Mathematics Teachers IEFE 2013 aims at giving the participants the knowledge and skills related
to the process of education assessment and evaluation methods which
• Staff Supervision and Evaluation in Education will measure accurately the outcome of the education process and moti-
vate the student and teachers to do better and compete for excellence.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Education Institutions

10. 18
It also endeavours to achieve a number of objectives including:
• Contributing to the development and improvement of education
• Identifying the most significant international experiences in
developing school-based education and evaluations
• The professional development of the targeted groups of education
employees
• Identifying the role of technology in the development of the
teaching and learning processes
• Keeping abreast with modern international trends in designing
learning environments
• Bringing together global education market suppliers to explore
business opportunities in this burgeoning sector in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region
IEFE showcases the latest products, technologies and useful resources in
the education sector, and is is an innovative event concept which com-
bines hands-on workshops, seminars and lectures from regional and glob-
al experts for educational professionals. The next in the series is scheduled
to run next year from 18-22 February 2013 at the Riyadh International
Convention and Exhibition Center.