Quality Matters: Estimating Economic Impacts of Improving Education Quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Harry Patrinos (), Nayyaf Aljabri, Tomasz Gajderowicz, Maciej Jakubowski, Mahmoud Abduh Ali Elsayed and Mohammed Al-Qawba

No 11477, Policy Research Working Paper Series from The World Bank

Abstract: Quality education drives economic growth and equality. Saudi Arabia has achieved near-universal enrollment but still trails peers in learning quality, limiting workforce readiness. Using data from 97 countries (2000–19), this paper models how Harmonized Learning Outcomes affect gross domestic product growth, accounting for factors like resource income. A 180-point rise in learning—matching the world’s best—could raise Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product by 27 percent in 20 years, or $225 billion (in 2021 prices). Simulated scenarios yield gains of $125 billion to $156 billion, or 15 to 19 percent of gross domestic product, with front-loaded improvements offering faster returns. Strengthening teaching, curricula, early childhood programs and private sector engagement are key to realizing these gains.

Date: 2026-10-01
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