Saudi Arabia will integrate new subjects to the school curricula next year including digital skills, Islamic studies, national unity and self-defence , as well as independent and smart-learning tools.

Life and family skills, critical thinking, social studies, and English at the primary level will also feature in the new curriculum, the education ministry said.

“We look forward to Saudi graduates becoming global competitors,” Saudi Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammad Al-Sheikh said. “Change in the educational process will accelerate high school graduation. It would be more beneficial to dispense with some of the existing curricula.”

Educational reform is a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 program that comprises goals and strategies for the kingdom’s long-term economic success. Teachers will take development courses during the summer to enhance their training capabilities.