RIYADH: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced that three additional Saudi cities have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen lifelong learning and advance sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.
According to UNESCO’s 2025 official portal, Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra have joined the network after meeting international criteria promoting the integration of learning into everyday life—across schools, workplaces, public spaces, and homes.
UNESCO noted that the newly added cities are dynamic hubs of learning, offering opportunities for workforce retraining, skills development, and continuous education tailored to the demands of evolving labor markets.
They also focus on improving literacy for individuals who missed formal schooling, supporting citizens in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence, and fostering entrepreneurial culture.
With this new recognition, the total number of Saudi cities in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities has risen to eight, which now include: Jubail, Yanbu, Madinah, Al-Ahsa, King Abdullah Economic City, Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra.
