UAE-led Almasar Alshamil Education, a subsidiary of DFM-listed Amanat Holdings, has announced the signing of a head of terms agreement with Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University to establish Heriot-Watt University Saudi Arabia. The move marks a major expansion for both the Gulf education provider and the 200-year-old Scottish university, which already operates successful international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.
The new partnership aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s higher education landscape in line with Vision 2030, expanding access to globally recognised academic opportunities for local and international students.
Expanding Access to Global Education
Last week, Almasar Alshamil Education received approval from Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul).
The agreement with Heriot-Watt University was signed in London in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Chargé d’Affaires and government representatives from Saudi Arabia, Britain, and Scotland. It remains subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.
Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt University serves more than 25,000 students across five global campuses and ranks first in Scotland and second in the UK for graduate employability.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of Almasar Alshamil Education said:
“Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University represents a significant milestone in Almasar Alshamil Education’s ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality education across the GCC.”
A Partnership Driving Innovation and Skills
Under the partnership, Almasar Alshamil Education will provide financial and strategic support, while Heriot-Watt University will lead the academic and institutional framework.
Students enrolling at the Saudi campus will benefit from Heriot-Watt’s renowned “Go Global” initiative, which allows learners to study across any of the university’s international campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, and Scotland.
The university also collaborates with more than 200 partner institutions worldwide and is home to Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre and the National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and AI research.
Bruce Pritchard, Chair of Court at Heriot-Watt University said:
“This partnership will build on our many years of experience in transnational education and is aligned to our newly developed Strategy 2035. Together, we plan to deliver high-quality education, to enhance research opportunities, and to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.”
For more details about Heriot Watt University, please visit:
Further Reading:
- Saudi Cabinet Approves University of Strathclyde Branch in Riyadh to Boost Higher Education Sector
- Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University Rises Over 250 Places in 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings