Almasar Alshamil Education, a leading provider of specialist and private higher education in the GCC, has signed a non-binding heads of terms agreement with Heriot-Watt University for the establishment of Heriot-Watt University Saudi Arabia.
Founded in 1821 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heriot-Watt University serves more than 25,000 students across five campuses, including two international locations. The university is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions in its core disciplines of engineering, technology, business, and finance. With a strong focus on graduate outcomes, Heriot-Watt ranks first in Scotland and second in the UK for employability, while earning international recognition for its pioneering research in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, energy, and health care technologies.
The university is also renowned for its extensive partnerships and community engagement, maintaining long-standing collaborations with over 200 institutions worldwide, and housing Scotland’s national sports performance center Oriam, as well as the National Robotarium, the UK’s national center for robotics and AI research.
Under the agreed terms, Almasar Alshamil Education will serve as the financial and strategic partner for the project, while Heriot-Watt University will provide academic and institutional leadership. The partnership aims to deliver world-class higher education, foster innovation and research, and actively contribute to the ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Students enrolled at Heriot-Watt University Saudi Arabia will also benefit from access to the institution’s “Go Global” initiative, which allows students to study across any of the university’s global campuses. The HoT is non-binding and is subject to entry into definitive agreements and obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals.
The signing ceremony took place in London in the presence of Bandar Salman B. Alsudairy, chargé d’affaires A.I. at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the UK, alongside senior delegations from both institutions and representatives of the Saudi Arabian, British, and Scottish governments.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman of Almasar Alshamil Education, said: “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University represents a significant milestone in Almasar Alshamil Education’s ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality education across the GCC. As the region’s largest private provider of higher education — serving over 17,500 students through our leading institutions, Abu Dhabi University and Middlesex University Dubai — we are proud to deepen our impact through this strategic collaboration.
“In addition to our leadership in higher education, we are equally committed to inclusive learning across all stages of education. Through our business HDC, we are the leading provider of special education needs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivering vital support and tailored learning experiences to students with diverse needs.
“This partnership, alongside our broader portfolio, reflects our continued dedication to empowering learners of all backgrounds and creating inclusive, future-focused educational environments across the region.”
Bruce Pritchard, chair of court, Heriot-Watt University, added: “We are delighted to be working with Almasar Alshamil Education, a partner that shares our commitment to international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence. This partnership will build on our many years of experience in trans-national education and is aligned to our newly developed strategy, Strategy 2035. Almasar’s scale, expertise, and leadership in higher education make them an ideal partner. Together, we plan to deliver high-quality education, to enhance research opportunities, and to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a dynamic global landscape. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to shaping future-ready graduates who will contribute meaningfully to society both locally and globally.”
