SAGIA announces collaboration with GEMS Education

GEMS Education manages the largest global network of leading private international schools. This network encompasses 75 schools with over 75,000 students, and is spread across six countries. SAGIA will leverage GEMS international education expertise to create a world-class educational system for the Economic Cities. Such a system will ensure the delivery of quality, high performance primary and secondary schools within the Economic Cities.

The agreement comes as part of SAGIA's effort to execute a complete human resource strategy that will ensure that Saudi nationals are trained and ready to capitalize on the jobs created within the Economic Cities and to support the development of a knowledge-based economy in the Kingdom.

"We have targeted the best educational providers for our economic cities to ensure the highest international standards are met, as these cities will serve as global models of competitiveness in every aspect," stated His Excellency, Amr Al-Dabbagh, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. "This is implicit in our 10x10 goal, which aims to make the Kingdom amongst the top ten most competitive nations in the world by 2010. Our recent jump in the World Bank's 2008 Doing Business Report to number 23 globally and number 1 regionally, proves we are serious and capable of achieving this objective."

GEMS Education is renowned for having a visionary educational model that encompasses the latest in technology. GEMS 'State-of the art education solutions' will include the launch of learning gateways in GEMS Schools that will bring learning and teaching to a higher standard, one that is more reflective of the needs of the next decade.

The King Abdullah Economic City, located 100 kilometres north of Jeddah, will be the first of six multi billion dollar projects across the Kingdom. In addition to traditional residential, business and industrial zones, the King Abdullah Economic City will feature an education zone, a resort district, seaport and integrated airport.

The SAGIA GEMS collaboration will also support the Kingdom's drive to match the credentials and qualifications of high school graduates in the country to the requirements of reputable international universities locally and abroad, indirectly fuelling long term market growth through a highly skilled local work force.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this important new initiative and for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the education landscape in the Kingdom utilising our value based education and expertise in the region as a cornerstone," stated Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education.