Dean of London Business School to (Maaal): Saudi Arabia ranks first in educational investment among the Gulf.. Expect an announcement of coming to Riyadh during the next period

By: Fahad Al-Talal

In light of the major transformations witnessed by the Kingdom in the education sector, London Business School is studying expanding in the region and coming to the Kingdom. This step comes within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to empower youth and develop future leaders through investment in education.

In an exclusive interview with (Maaal) newspaper, François Ortalo-Magné, Dean of London Business School, shared his vision for the future of education in the Kingdom and the Arab world during his participation in the annual Financial Academy Forum.

Regarding the college’s plans to open a branch in Riyadh, Francoise said: “We certainly have big ambitions for Saudi Arabia. We have been here since 2009. We have had a very fruitful partnership with key organizations in the country, and one of the reasons I am here today is that we are working to find out how best we can come to the country, and serve its institutions and its people. So you should expect an announcement from us in the coming period.

He continued, “You can expect an official announcement soon. We are committed to continuing our investment in the Kingdom and look forward to seeing more of London Business School’s presence here, ensuring that we operate in a way that serves the interests of the country, its institutions, and the individuals we collaborate with for their education.”

When asked about the impact of education on the development of countries and how to invest in education, François replied, “Currently, the Kingdom is the most invested in developing its people among the GCC countries. This is clearly demonstrated through conferences like the forum we are at today, where we witness strong participation from leaders, ministers, and education specialists. Everyone recognizes that the success of any country begins with empowering its people to thrive.”

London Business School is one of the most prestigious and prestigious educational institutions in the world, with a long history of academic excellence and innovation in the fields of management and business. The college is internationally recognized for its advanced programmers, distinguished faculty, and significant contributions to the development of business leaders worldwide. Over time, the college has become a global center for research and advanced learning, reinforcing its position as one of the best universities in teaching entrepreneurship and strategy.

Regarding the quality of education at London Business School compared to other universities, François said, “The first element that distinguishes us is our complete reliance on scientific research. Everything we offer in our curricula is based on recent, rather than traditional, research. This allows us to focus on the long term in our education. Secondly, we have a global presence in a city like London, which enables us to provide a rich educational experience that brings together students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This diversity enriches everything we offer, and we know how to maximize its benefits.”

He added, “At London Business School, we promote excellence through our constant willingness to listen, learn, and adapt with our educational partners. We always ask ourselves: How do we deliver our services today? And how can we improve them tomorrow?”

Regarding his vision for the future of education in the Kingdom, François said, “The big picture I see is the tremendous momentum from youth in the Middle East, especially in the Kingdom, who are eager to improve their skills and reach their full potential. This is the essence of education.” He emphasized the importance of creating an environment that enables people to thrive and exceed their aspirations. He affirmed that, thanks to the demographic composition, government ambitions, and significant investments in education, there is enormous energy flowing toward a bright future.

The London Business School Dean also noted the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Kingdom, stating, “It is exciting for us to come here regularly to see what is happening. We are proud to be a preferred partner, not only in supporting youth but also leaders in high positions, helping them to thrive and develop themselves.”