Saudi Education Milestone: Riyadh, AlUla and Riyadh Al-Khabra Join UNESCO’s Learning Cities Network

UNESCO Adds Riyadh, AlUla & Riyadh Al‑Khabra to Global Network of Learning Cities

In a significant endorsement of Saudi Arabia's educational transformation, UNESCO has added three new Saudi cities to its prestigious Global Network of Learning Cities. The newly recognized cities—Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al‑Khabra—were included in December 2025, bringing the Kingdom's total to eight cities in the global network and marking a major stride toward the lifelong learning objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

What Defines a UNESCO Learning City?

A UNESCO Learning City is recognized for its commitment to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. This model integrates education across all aspects of community life—in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and homes. Key commitments include:

• Promoting inclusive education for all age groups.

• Facilitating adult education and continuous upskilling.

• Leveraging digital tools to expand access.

• Ensuring learning is a central pillar of sustainable community development.

Membership signifies adherence to global benchmarks in educational access, inclusivity, and innovation.

Spotlight on the New Saudi Learning Cities

1. Riyadh: The capital's inclusion highlights its vast educational infrastructure, including major universities and research centers. Riyadh's learning city framework focuses on smart and lifelong learning, integrating digital education, professional training, and aligning skills with the future job market.

2. AlUla: This is a unique addition that blends cultural heritage with modern education. AlUla’s plan emphasizes community-learning centers, digital skills training, and sustainability education, creating a model where tourism and heritage actively support inclusive, lifelong learning.

3. Riyadh Al‑Khabra: The inclusion of this smaller city demonstrates the nationwide reach of Saudi Arabia's learning city vision. It meets UNESCO benchmarks by integrating learning across its civic and social infrastructure, proving that the initiative extends beyond major metropolitan hubs.

Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030

This expansion is a tangible outcome of Saudi Vision 2030's focus on building a knowledge-based economy. By developing a network of learning cities, the Kingdom is systematically promoting:

• A future-ready workforce through upskilling and reskilling.

• Social inclusion via community-based education.

• Sustainable development driven by informed, engaged citizens.

The recognition also opens doors for international collaboration, allowing Saudi cities to exchange best practices with a global network of over 300 cities.

The Road Ahead: From Recognition to Implementation

The real work now begins for the newly recognized cities. The challenge is to translate this status into concrete programs, such as:

• Expanding community learning and vocational training centers.

• Launching targeted adult education and digital literacy initiatives.

• Fostering partnerships between government, educational institutions, and the private sector.

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For Saudi citizens, this network promises enhanced access to lifelong learning, better employment opportunities, and active participation in a rapidly evolving society. For the world, it signals Saudi Arabia's determined shift towards becoming a modern, resilient, and knowledge-driven nation.