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.”


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 13 sec ago
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Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 32 min 4 sec ago
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Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

Updated 52 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

  • Several senior ministry officials attended

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

 


Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

Updated 17 March 2025
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Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

  • Mosque is second oldest in region of northern Saudi Arabia
  • It will be expanded to accommodate 68 worshippers

RIYADH: The Al-Saidan Mosque is undergoing a restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.

The site is a significant landmark in Dumat Al-Jandal, the location of several battles in early Islamic history. It is the second oldest mosque in the Jouf region in northern Saudi Arabia, after the Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque.

It is currently undergoing expansion and restoration as part of the project, which focuses on preserving historic sites in the Jouf region.

Its area is to be extended from 179 to 202 sq. meters to accommodate 68 worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mosque was constructed by the Saidan tribe and features the Aba Al-Jibal well and an elaborate staircase leading to the ablution area. It used to be a place for Friday prayers, a courthouse, and a school for Qur’anic studies.