Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: Reforms, Challenges and Priorities

Abstract

The government of Saudi Arabia has recognised, in both policy and practice, the necessity of developing its university system to world-class standard and of significantly increasing access to and participation in higher education across a range of traditional and non-traditional disciplines directly relevant to the future social and economic growth of the country. Saudi Arabia currently supplies 60% of the world's oil and can be expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, ways of decreasing dependence on oil for the supply of energy are at the forefront of research and government policy worldwide. Strategies and opportunities for the future economic, social and political development of Saudi Arabia are, therefore, of immense relevance and interest to Saudi businesses, industries, academics and students operating in a rapidly changing and increasingly global business world. This book provides scholarly descriptions and analyses of the major elements of the Saudi higher education system, including its history, aspirations, structure, governance, strategic planning approaches, teaching and learning culture, research productivity, quality assurance processes (including accreditation), progress towards internationalisation, initiatives to improve access for women and the emergence of a private university sector.