Riyadh: The history of education in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region is a story of remarkable progress. It began in 1361 AH in the historic palace of King Abdulaziz in the village of Laynah, where Sheikh Abdullah bin Dulaim taught students the Holy Quran and basic literacy using simple wooden tablets. This "kuttab" stage laid the foundation for the region's educational system.
According to Saudi Press Agency, in the 1370s AH, education for girls was pioneered by teacher Hana Al-Maghribi, who transformed her home in Arar into the first girls' school, teaching 35 students. Her initiative marked the beginning of formal education for girls in the region, and she later became the first principal of Arar's Girls' Elementary School.
Today, Northern Borders Region is a testament to this legacy. With the start of the new academic year, over 100,000 students are returning to 426 schools, taught by more than 8,500 teachers. The opening of 11 new schools this year highlights the continued expansion and development of the region's educational system, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.