As Saudi Arabia continues to redefine its education landscape under Vision 2030, global institutions are finding new ways to contribute to this transformation. Among them is EtonHouse Riyadh, part of the globally recognised Singapore-based EtonHouse Education Group. CEO Shaqeel Said sits down with Destination KSA to discuss how the brand plans to blend international excellence with Saudi culture, nurture future skills, and elevate education in the Kingdom.
Bringing Singaporean Excellence to Riyadh
“What excites me most is the alignment,” Said begins, highlighting how EtonHouse’s philosophy connects seamlessly with Vision 2030’s priorities,human capital development, global readiness, and education quality.
For EtonHouse, Saudi Arabia is not merely a growth market but a regional platform for educational innovation. Riyadh’s position allows the group to establish a long-term presence in the Middle East, serve education-driven families, and build local professional capability.
“The opportunity in Saudi Arabia,” he explains, “is not to import a model, but to co-create something meaningful.” EtonHouse Riyadh aims to offer an education that’s globally recognised yet deeply rooted in Saudi culture, preparing students to succeed both academically and socially in a rapidly evolving society.
Merging Global Best Practices with Local Values
Blending global education with Saudi identity begins with respect and listening. EtonHouse’s approach to localisation extends far beyond the curriculum, it shapes every aspect of the school’s culture. Arabic language, Saudi values, and local contexts are deeply integrated into inquiry-based learning.
“For us, global education and national identity are not competing ideas,” Said explains. “A strong sense of identity is what allows students to thrive globally.”
Real-World Learning and the Future of Work
In a world where many future careers don’t yet exist, EtonHouse Riyadh places strong emphasis on real-world learning. Inquiry-driven projects connect students to their communities, emphasizing problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.
A key feature of this model is the atelier, creative learning studios inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. These spaces might take the form of a pottery studio exploring Saudi heritage, a food atelier focused on sustainability, or a “FutureLab” aligned with Vision 2030 challenges.
Students also participate in community projects, job shadowing, and programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, ensuring they develop not only academic excellence but also empathy, ethical leadership, and adaptability.
A Leadership Approach Rooted in Purpose
With a background spanning finance, education leadership, and policy, Shaqeel Said brings a unique perspective to his role as CEO. “What has shaped my leadership most,” he reflects, “is understanding how systems, policy, and classroom realities intersect.”
He leads with the mindset that education should evolve continually to meet the needs of a changing world, guided by commercial clarity but anchored in educational purpose.
Filling the Gaps in Saudi Arabia’s Education Landscape
Said believes EtonHouse Riyadh is uniquely positioned to fill a critical gap: high-quality international education that is not exam-driven but truly future-focused. Key differentiators include:
- Fully owned and operated model, ensuring quality and accountability.
- Inquiry-driven, personalised learning, fostering curiosity and independence.
- Multilingual education with English, Arabic, and Mandarin.
- Singaporean academic rigour through programs like Singapore Mathematics.
- Reggio Emilia-inspired environments, designed for creativity and research.
- Membership in the Reggio Children International Network, offering professional learning and pedagogical exchange.
- EtonHouse Global Classroom, connecting students with peers worldwide.
Reimagining the Classroom Experience
At EtonHouse Riyadh, innovation starts by rethinking what a classroom can be. Every space is designed to promote collaboration, exploration, and creativity. Technology is used thoughtfully—as a tool for research, not distraction, and learning transcends the four walls of traditional classrooms, extending into the community.
“For us, innovation is about curiosity, engagement, and active learning,” Said emphasizes.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy in Saudi Education
In five years, EtonHouse aims to be recognised as a trusted contributor to Saudi Arabia’s education ecosystem, one that sets the benchmark for quality, creativity, and cultural authenticity.
For students, it means becoming confident, multilingual, and future-ready individuals. For families, it signifies a partnership built on trust, transparency, and shared growth. And for the broader ecosystem, EtonHouse aspires to drive capability-building, thought leadership, and collaboration across the Kingdom.
As Said concludes, “We do not just want to grow schools. We want to grow capability, confidence, and long-term impact.”
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