Saudi Arabia Gradually Reduces Religious Studies in Universities Amid Higher Education Overhaul
Saudi Arabia Gradually Reduces Religious Studies in Universities Amid Higher Education Overhaul
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Saudi Arabia is undertaking a major overhaul of its higher education system, gradually phasing out religious studies programs in favor of disciplines such as arts, tourism, and theater, Shia Waves Persian reported citing multiple reports and leaks. The initiative is being implemented under the direct supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is accompanied by strict security measures.
According to sources cited by the publication Al-Jami’at and the Saudi whistleblower Mujtahid, secret sessions have been held in recent months to plan the restructuring. The plan includes merging all theoretical faculties, including religious studies, into a single “Humanities” faculty. Only a few universities, including Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Umm al-Qura University, and other selected Islamic institutions, will be permitted to offer limited religious programs.
The changes also stipulate that if universities resist, the Sharia discipline may be reduced to a small department within the law faculty, while some religious colleges will see their names and activities restricted. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Bunyan, formerly with the SABIC corporation, has been tasked with implementing the Crown Prince’s directives.
Experts and sources on social media have warned that this approach could weaken Saudi Arabia’s influence in religious education, potentially strengthening institutions in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and Malaysia. Critics have also questioned the government’s justification that the restructuring aligns academic programs with labor market needs, noting that large-scale investments in projects like NEOM and Trojena already strain university budgets.
The reform, emphasizing arts, music, and theater while diminishing the role of religious studies, has sparked significant debate in regional academic and religious circles. Observers caution that it may undermine the kingdom’s capacity to train future religious leaders, altering the landscape of Islamic education in Saudi Arabia.
