Saudi Arabia to build new schools as part of public-private partnerships

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education and Tatweer Buildings Co. said that nine qualified investors will take part in the first phase of a public-private partnership program to build new educational facilities, Arab News has reported.

In the first phase, the private sector will finance, build, and maintain 60 schools (33 in Makkah and 27 in Jeddah) on contract, Education Minister Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh was quoted as saying.

“The executive program aims to increase the quality of infrastructure in the education sector and to create an attractive investment environment in accordance with best international practices,” the education minister said, according to Arab News.

“This first project will follow a build, maintain, transfer (BMT) model and will comprise contracting with the private sector to finance, build and maintain 60 schools 33 schools in Makkah and 27 in Jeddah on contract.

At least 57 companies applied to invest in the project, 22 of which are local and international firms and consortiums. Only five consortiums and four companies qualified, he added.

According to data compiled by Argaam, the Saudi cabinet approved on Dec. 4 an initiative to develop educational buildings with the participation of the private sector.

The cabinet approved a maximum annual budget of SAR 400 million to build at least 120 schools across the Kingdom over a 28-year period.