A formal Saudi educational system was established in the early 20th century. King Saud University began in 1957 and was the country's first university. Primary education in Saudi Arabia begins at age six; early childhood programs accept students who are at least three years old. As the pursuit of education spreads throughout Saudi Arabia, the government is making more investments. In February 2007, the King Abdullah Project for the Development of Public Education will provide over five billion riyal to improve educational facilities and technology.
Early childhood education can help integrate children so that they develop social, cognitive and language skills. Lessons might include activities that describe Islamic or cultural traditions, such as Ramadan. Program environments often vary based on the program's location. One heavily populated community in Saudi Arabia might support early childhood greatly, while another might not even maintain one local program.
In 1987, the Saudi government established the Arab Council for Childhood and Development. The council consists of neighboring Arab countries like Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. A central goal is to address Arab children's needs and rights, including education. Saudi Princess Al-Johara is working to improve education, too. The princess supervises King Abdullah University's women campuses, which are being expanded throughout the country. Increased universities for women will help young girls who excel in early education classes in setting higher educational goals.
According to an article in the "Arab American News," early childhood development programs represent great potential in the Arab community. Children and their mothers benefit because children participate in activities to stimulate their education; mothers might attend empowerment training activities. Another advantage relates to the technological exposure that childhood classes can establish, particularly for low income families. Childhood classes present opportunities for Saudi families to improve their health by participating in sports or physical activities.
Various criticisms of the Arab education system exist. For instance, in an Al Arabiya news article, Raja Kamal highlighted the irony that Arab countries like Saudi Arabia have great amounts of wealth through valuable oil and gas, yet education systems focus on teaching "what to think instead of how to think." Attacks also have been made on the lack of educational opportunities that are provided to women. A family that intends to arrange a marriage for its 8-year-old daughter will unlikely enroll her in early childhood education.