International education at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s new global communities
As Saudi Arabia accelerates the development of new international communities through Vision 2030, SEK Education Group shares its experience supporting projects such as Turtle Bay International School and Daraah International School, located in Turtle Bay and AMAALA respectively.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the world’s most ambitious economic and social transformation processes. Through Vision 2030, the country is investing heavily in infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, as well as international and local talent attraction to diversify its economy and position itself as a global hub for business, tourism and international investment.
Education is playing a central role in that transformation
As new international communities emerge across the Kingdom, education is becoming an essential part of their long-term success. These developments are designed to attract global talent, professionals and families from around the world, creating a growing need for high-quality international schools capable of supporting diverse, multicultural and mobile communities.
In this context, access to high-quality international education is becoming essential infrastructure for the success of these projects.
SEK Education Group has been contributing its experience in international education across the Middle East for several years. The institution already has an established presence in the region through SEK-Riyadh and SEK-Qatar, two schools that reflect its commitment to bringing innovative, international education to rapidly evolving educational ecosystems in the Gulf.
With this growing presence, SEK Education Group has witnessed first-hand the rapid evolution of the region’s educational landscape and the increasing demand for schools capable of combining academic excellence, innovation, wellbeing and an international outlook.
“Our experience in the region shows that education is becoming one of the key drivers of social transformation, as well as international and local talent attraction,” explains Alejandro Delso, Director of Strategy and Innovation at SEK Education Group. “Saudi and international families relocating to these new developments are looking not only for academic excellence, but also for educational models that prepare students for a global future.”
In Saudi Arabia, SEK Education Group opened Turtle Bay International School during the 2025-2026 academic year and is preparing the opening of Daraah International School for the next academic year. Located in Turtle Bay and AMAALA respectively, both schools are designed to support the needs of the new communities emerging in the country.
Beyond providing education, these schools are conceived as spaces for innovation, wellbeing and sustainability. Both schools will offer International Baccalaureate programmes and implement SEK’s educational model, based on active methodologies, flexible learning environments and advanced technology integration.
The projects also reflect broader changes taking place in international education worldwide. Increasingly, schools are expected to support not only academic achievement, but also creativity, adaptability, intercultural understanding and lifelong learning skills. At the same time, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping the way educational environments are designed and experienced.
“Opening schools in communities such as Turtle Bay and AMAALA means thinking beyond traditional education models,” says Delso. “These are international communities being built from the ground up, bringing together families and professionals from Saudi Arabia as well as from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Schools play a fundamental role in creating a sense of community and belonging.”
The growth of international education in Saudi Arabia is also generating new opportunities for global educational talent. As the country expands its network of international schools and educational projects, demand is increasing for experienced teachers, school leaders and education professionals capable of working in multicultural and innovative environments.
For SEK Education Group, attracting and developing international talent is now a strategic priority.
“The future of education is deeply international,” adds Delso. “Teachers today are looking for meaningful projects, innovative environments and opportunities to work in diverse communities. The Middle East is becoming one of the most dynamic educational regions in the world, and we believe education will continue to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s transformation.”
As Saudi Arabia continues advancing towards the objectives of Vision 2030, international education is expected to remain one of the pillars supporting economic diversification, talent attraction and community development.
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