Riyadh, August 23, 2025 (Agencies) — In a sweeping reform aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the National Curriculum Center (NCC) has unveiled a comprehensive modernization of school curricula for the upcoming academic year, introducing new subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Tourism and Hospitality, Fashion, Art and Design, and First Aid, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with key ministries and national authorities, aims to foster critical thinking, technical proficiency, and real-world readiness among students. The updated framework extends learning beyond textbooks, integrating classroom instruction with daily school activities, national celebrations, and interactive student engagement.
Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, CEO of the NCC, described the reform as a “fundamental shift,” stating, “The curriculum is no longer confined to textbooks, but encompasses all student experiences, positioning books as just one tool within a broader educational environment.”
Key highlights of the new curriculum include:
- AI Curriculum: Developed with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), this elective promotes self-learning and digital-era skills for secondary students.
- Cybersecurity Elective: Created with the National Cybersecurity Authority, it trains students in personal and device-level digital protection.
- Tourism Studies: In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, students will now learn sustainable tourism principles, event management, and hospitality practices.
- Fashion, Art and Design: Tailored for female secondary students, this elective covers global design fundamentals, marketing, and supplier engagement.
- First Aid Training: Developed with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the course prepares students to respond to medical emergencies, including burns and cardiac events.
Additional reforms include the expansion of Chinese language instruction to second intermediate grade, with over 70 private schools participating in a phased rollout through 2029. English courses for grades five and six now feature interactive storytelling to enhance language and cognitive skills.
New teaching guides include a Qur’anic studies manual compatible with the Madrasati platform, and a Nursery Stage guide promoting play-based learning and family engagement.
Student activities have also been formally integrated into the curriculum, encompassing citizenship programs, science competitions (including AI challenges), sports, and cultural arts such as heritage design.
The NCC will continue to collaborate with private-sector partners to license international content and ensure timely textbook distribution, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a holistic, future-ready educational ecosystem.