In a significant update to Saudi Arabia’s education system, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism have jointly introduced Tourism and Hospitality as a new subject for third-grade secondary school students, starting this academic year. This development, aligned with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, marks a strategic effort to embed tourism knowledge and practical skills within the national curriculum, while several other disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, First Aid, and Fashion, have also been added as part of a comprehensive reform.
Tourism and hospitality now a core subject in final secondary year
The National Curriculum Center (NCC) has officially added Tourism and Hospitality to the curriculum for third-grade secondary students. This inclusion is part of a broader national initiative to cultivate a tourism-oriented culture and to prepare local talent for a rapidly growing sector. Developed in partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism, the subject follows a self-learning model, aiming to equip students with both theoretical understanding and applied competencies relevant to the tourism and hospitality industries. The curriculum is structured to support sustainability, innovation, and the broader aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. According to the NCC, the curriculum covers:
- An introduction to tourism and hospitality
- The impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on the tourism sector
- Tourism resources in Saudi Arabia
- Job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector
- Tourism marketing
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality
The goals of the curriculum are multifold:
- Deliver simplified and engaging explanations of tourism and hospitality concepts
- Demonstrate tourism’s role in diversifying and supporting the national economy
- Increase students’ awareness of the Kingdom’s natural, cultural, and heritage tourism assets
- Develop skills in tourism marketing and event planning
- Promote sustainable tourism techniques
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through project-based learning
As stated by the center, “This program will give students the knowledge and skills they need to support the growth of tourism in Saudi Arabia and help achieve the goals of Vision 2030.”
Education modernization aligned with Vision 2030
The inclusion of tourism studies is part of a comprehensive educational overhaul unveiled by the National Curriculum Center,this reform package introduces several new elective subjects and redefines how content is delivered in classrooms nationwide. In total, the new additions include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Fashion, Art and Design (for female students)
- First Aid
These reforms are described by the SPA as “a strategic modernization effort aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.” The NCC stated that the curricula were developed in collaboration with key ministries and national authorities, emphasizing technical skills, critical thinking, and innovative teaching methods. Importantly, the educational approach now extends learning beyond textbooks. As Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, CEO of the NCC, told Saudi Press Agency (SPA):“The curriculum is no longer confined to textbooks, but encompasses all student experiences, positioning books as just one tool within a broader educational environment.” This shift encourages integration of educational content across school activities such as morning assemblies, national celebrations, and project-based tasks, aiming to foster a holistic learning environment.
Highlights of the newly introduced subjects
Each newly added subject was designed in partnership with specialized authorities to ensure real-world relevance and sector alignment.
- Artificial Intelligence
Developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies along with the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the AI subject promotes self-learning and aims to build essential digital skills for the modern era. - Cybersecurity
Designed in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Authority, this elective focuses on digital protection, teaching students how to safeguard themselves and their devices in an increasingly connected world. - Fashion, Art and Design
Available to female secondary students, this elective blends global design fundamentals with practical training in marketing strategies and supplier engagement, enhancing both creative and business acumen. - First Aid
Created in partnership with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the new First Aid curriculum prepares students for real-life emergencies including burns, choking, and cardiac events, equipping them with practical medical response skills.
Expanded language instruction and additional initiatives
Other academic enhancements include the expansion of Chinese language instruction, now offered in the second intermediate grade after initial introduction last year. Over 70 private schools have already adopted the program, with plans to scale it further in phases through 2029. English education has also seen updates. For grades five and six, English courses now incorporate interactive storytelling to support both language acquisition and critical thinking development. Moreover, new teaching guides have been introduced, such as:
- A structured Qur’anic studies manual compatible with the Madrasati platform
- A Nursery Stage guide that focuses on play-based learning, with added family engagement manuals to encourage parental participation in early education
Student activities have also been formalized to include:
- Citizenship programs
- Science competitions, including AI-themed challenges
- Sports and cultural arts, with attention to traditional heritage design
To support all of these updates, the NCC has committed to establishing new private-sector partnerships to license international content and ensure efficient textbook distribution.
