Aramco Government Schools 65 Years of Achievements
Since 1940, Saudi Aramco has been dedicated to providing high-quality educational services for the dependents of its employees. While the Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools (SAES) serve expatriate employees with an American curriculum, the Saudi Aramco-Built Government Schools Division (SABGSD) plays a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s educational landscape.
For over six decades, SABGSD has partnered with the Ministry of Education to deliver public educational facilities that meet international standards, fostering academic excellence for thousands of students in the Eastern Province. Our legacy is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and adaptation to global standards.
Vision
Embodying Excellence in Educational Facilities Management.
Mission
To deliver reliable, cost-effective, high-quality operation and maintenance for Educational Facilities through utilizing innovative technologies driven by our highly qualified workforce.
Historical Overview
The SABGSD legacy is rooted in a historic partnership. In 1953, an agreement was signed between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Aramco to build elementary schools for the children of Arab and Muslim Aramco employees in their residential communities. Construction began in 1954 with the inauguration of the First Elementary School in Dammam (now Al-Qadisiyah Elementary School) by His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz.
The first girls’ school was established in 1960, marking a significant step toward inclusive education. By 2005, the number of government schools built by Saudi Aramco reached 139, including 74 boys' and 65 girls' schools, distributed across the Eastern Province. Since then, the Division has grown substantially, now overseeing numerous schools across cities in the Eastern Province, including Ras Tanura, Safwa, Anak, Qatif, Dammam, Thuqbah, Khobar, Doha, Dana, Buqayq, Mubarraz, Muhasin, Hofuf, and Udailiyah. This extensive network reflects our enduring commitment to community development and educational equity.
Technical Development
SABGSD is committed to keeping pace with global educational trends by integrating advanced digital resources into the curriculum. This includes the widespread deployment of interactive displays, computer labs, and digital learning platforms that enable personalized and engaging learning.
To ensure these tools are used effectively, we invest in professional development. Our training programs equip principals and teachers with the skills to leverage technology for improved student outcomes, ensuring that innovation translates directly into classroom excellence.
School Facilities Management
SABGSD designs school environments that prioritize the holistic development of students, employing a proactive, technology-driven approach to facility management to ensure all buildings remain safe, functional, and supportive of our educational mission.
We maintain this standard through an electronic maintenance portal established in 2010, which receives over 15,000 requests annually. This digital platform streamlines submission and tracking, allowing the Maintenance Department and Operations Unit to actively monitor and address repairs and upgrades with rapid response times.
We continuously develop school buildings and enhance their environments by implementing a series of improvement projects. These include replacing legacy alarm systems with advanced technology for faster emergency response, and renovating air conditioning systems to meet international school design standards. We have also improved traffic safety around schools through cooperation with municipalities and traffic departments, developed new outdoor activity areas, and ensured accessibility by preparing entrances and facilities for people with special needs. Additional improvements include covering open courtyards to protect students from harsh weather, renovating and replacing waterproofing on all school roofs, developing modern science and computer labs, and upgrading information technology systems and educational aids.
Awareness Programs
SABGSD is dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of our students. We conduct comprehensive awareness programs covering essential health topics, including dental and oral health education, first aid and CPR training for staff, fire safety and emergency preparedness drills, and safe driving and road safety awareness.
These initiatives ensure that our students are not only academically prepared but also health-conscious and aware of their personal safety.
Achievements
The quality of education and environment in SABGSD schools has earned widespread recognition. Eight schools have so far received a total of 13 local and regional awards between them, including: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Educational Performance, Excellence Award from Ministry of Education, and Sheikh Abdulwahab Al-Mousa Award for Scientific Excellence.
Royal Patronage & Community Trust
We are proud that the establishment of many SABGSD schools have been marked by the generous patronage of His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, Emir of the Eastern Province and Ahsa Governorate. Notable institutions, such as the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Educational Complex for Girls in Dammam and various elementary schools in Hofuf and Qatif, stand as testaments to the strong support from Kingdom leadership and the trust placed in the SABGSD mission.
This legacy of trust and excellence continues to drive our efforts every day, along with the desire to see every student have the opportunities and support they require to succeed.