Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid development and a swift transformation under its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to reshape the Kingdom's public sector, diversify its economy, and build a more globally connected society.

"Saudi Vision 2030 has also brought major changes to the education sector," chairperson of the Shura Council of the Indonesian Students Association in Saudi Arabia (PPMI Saudi Arabia), Muhammad Ridho Sastrawijaya, said during the opening ceremony of Saudi Education Expo (SEE) 2026, here on Friday (July 31).

To realize the goals of the Vision 2030, he explained, Saudi Arabia is no longer solely recognized as a destination for Islamic studies.

The Kingdom has significantly expanded opportunities in a wide range of academic disciplines, including science, technology, healthcare, economics, business, and many other fields.

According to Ridho, the interest among Indonesian students in pursuing higher education in Saudi Arabia is remarkably high.

However, "the desire to study in Saudi Arabia is greater than the availability of accurate information on how to apply and what the admission requirements are."

He added that information circulating among the public regarding university admissions and academic life in Saudi Arabia is often inaccurate or incomplete.

"The Indonesian Students Association in Saudi Arabia is not only committed to serving Indonesian students currently studying in the Kingdom, but also acts as a bridge for prospective students in Indonesia who aspire to pursue their education there," the King Saud University alumnus said.

Organized by PPMI Saudi Arabia, Saudi Education Expo 2026 marks the second batch of the event following the successful inaugural expo in 2025, which attracted around 2,000 visitors.

The opening ceremony was attended by CEO of Iqra Arabia at Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University, Dr. Abdullah Bawazier, and chairperson of Indonesia’s Saudi Universities Alumni Association, Ustadz Bachtiar Nasir, Lc.

"This year's growth has been extraordinary. Visitor numbers have reached 15,000, with more than 20 universities running information and consultation booths, while over 41 tenants are participating in the exhibition, representing fashion, culinary, and educational services," said Muhammad Habibul Muiz, chairperson of the SEE 2026 organizing committee.

The Islamic University of Madinah student emphasized that the expo is expected to become a ‘ta'awun’ (mutual cooperation) community initiative that expands public access to reliable information about studying in Saudi Arabia.

"With the tagline 'Explore, Educate, Inspire: Breaking Boundaries to Saudi,' we hope this event would inspire the emergence of thousands of future Islamic scholars, intellectuals, and leaders who will contribute to the well-being of the nation, society, and the Muslim community," he said.

Among the Saudi universities participating in the exhibition are the Islamic University of Madinah, King Abdulaziz University, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Jouf University, Majmaah University, and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Saudi Education Expo 2026 is held at SMESCO Convention Center in Jakarta, from July 31 to August 2.

Reporting by Indonesia Window