RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that the state would bear value-added tax due on private educational services provided to citizens.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said that this will include school expenses, including the value of textbooks sold by private and international schools that are subject to tax and approved by the Ministry of Education.
The authority said it is implementing a royal decree, which stipulates that the state would shoulder VAT for citizens benefiting from the private education sector.
It also said that the educational services include assistance provided by private universities (for undergraduates) that fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.
Educational and training programs supervised by the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training will also be covered.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education will start implementing skills enhancement tests on Sunday in schools at all levels.
Students will undergo the tests through an electronic central platform to measure the skills and knowledge that students acquired during the previous academic year in basic subjects, such as Arabic, mathematics, science and English.
The tests will help provide information to teachers about the achievement of each student to address weaknesses, enhance and invest in strengths, and develop teaching plans to improve their skills.
Saudi authorities to pay VAT on private educational services
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Saudi authorities to pay VAT on private educational services
- It will include school expenses, including the value of textbooks sold by private and international schools that are subject to tax
- Ministry of Education will start implementing skills enhancement tests on Sunday in schools at all levels
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
