Education reform and vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia: challenges and pathways

This study presents a comprehensive literature review and policy analysis of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its impact on the national education system. Guided by Institutional Theory and Implementation Science, it investigates the “implementation gap” between the ambitious policy goals and on-the-ground realities. The study synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research, government reports, and scholarly analyses published between 2017 and 2025 to map the strategic reforms, evaluate their implementation challenges, and identify emerging opportunities. The analysis identifies three key empirical gaps: (1) persistent curriculum misalignment with labor market demands; (2) significant disparities in access exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and teacher training; and (3) resistance to pedagogical change stemming from deeply rooted cultural norms. Crucially, it highlights the unintended consequences of rapid reform, including bureaucratic inefficiencies and the risk of cultural misalignment when adopting foreign models without sufficient localization. Key findings indicate that while significant progress has been made in infrastructure and policy formulation, sustained success hinges on overcoming implementation barriers. The most promising pathways involve leveraging technology for personalized learning (AI, VR/AR), fostering entrepreneurship education to drive economic diversification, and strengthening family and community engagement to create a holistic support ecosystem. The analysis concludes that achieving Vision 2030’s educational goals requires not just top-down policy but a fundamental cultural shift towards lifelong learning and data-driven decision-making, with equity and inclusivity as non-negotiable principles.