Today, Saudi Arabia's nationwide educational system comprises eight universities, more than 24,000 schools, and a large number of colleges and other educational and training institutions. Open to every citizen, the system provides students with free education, books and health services. A measure of the government's substantial commitment to this sector is the allocation of over 25 percent of the total budget for fiscal 2000 for education including vocational training, an amount totaling 13.17 billion U.S. dollars. Saudi Arabia prizes education because of its critical importance in developing the human potential of the country. As the leader of his nation, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz has often stressed how the youth of Saudi Arabia is the country's most valuable resource.
Education is a central aspect of family and community life.
Parents are deeply involved in their children's education, and the close links between home and school serve to reinforce the structure of the community and the nation.