Riyadh school selected as one of world’s top 100 for 2025

Since its launch in 2020, the Spear’s Schools Index has garnered growing recognition in a range of national and international media and established its reputations as a definitive index of the world’s 100 leading private schools. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 March 2025
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Riyadh school selected as one of world’s top 100 for 2025

  • BISR is one of just 100 schools from around the world selected for inclusion in the top tier of the Spear’s Schools Index

RIYADH: British International School Riyadh has been named in the Top 100 Independent Schools in the World list in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index, a guide to the world’s most prestigious schools.

Its dedication to student excellence, state-of-the-art educational facilities, high academic results and hyper-tailored teaching programs all combined to secure the honor.

As well as the intellectual support on offer, the accolade recognizes BISR’s commitment to nurturing enthusiastic and kind global citizens through comprehensive pastoral schemes.

The full list will be announced at a launch event in London on March 15, where leaders from the best schools around the world will have the opportunity to network and celebrate their continued efforts in education.

Since its launch in 2020, the Spear’s Schools Index has garnered growing recognition in a range of national and international media and established its reputations as a definitive index of the world’s 100 leading private schools.

BISR Director of Schools Helen Olds said: “We are incredibly honored to be awarded this recognition. This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty and staff. We remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that fosters growth, innovation and excellence in every student. We extend our gratitude to our entire school community for making this possible.”

Edwin Smith, Spear’s editor-in-chief, said: “BISR is one of just 100 schools from around the world selected for inclusion in the top tier of the Spear’s Schools Index. This selection directly reflects the judgement and insights of the leading educationalists on our expert advisory panel, who took into account factors including academic attainment, social, cultural and pastoral considerations, standing, reputation and character.

“BISR thoroughly deserves its place. Its inclusion is testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching and holistic development of its students.”


Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
Updated 15 February 2026
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Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

  • Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do

DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.

This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)

The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.

FASTFACTS

• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.

• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.

Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”

Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema. 

“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.

By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.