King’s College Riyadh (KCR) proudly hosted leaders of the World Scouts Foundation and distinguished international guests for a historic event on 16 September 2025. The occasion underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to youth empowerment and the enduring partnership between Saudi Arabia and the World Scouts movement.
The gathering followed a milestone year for 20 King’s College Riyadh pupils who visited the UK in 2024, where they toured King’s College Taunton, explored London, and attended the World Scouts Gala Dinner. During that visit, they had the honour of meeting His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scouts.
Their participation was made possible through the support of HE Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muammar, partner of King’s College Riyadh for Downe House Riyadh and a board member of the World Scouts Foundation.
Distinguished Guests and Global Voices
The Riyadh celebration brought together an esteemed group of attendees, including:
- HRH Prince Guillaume, Crown Prince of Luxembourg
- Princess Sama Faisal Al Saud
- HE Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muammar
- World Scouts Foundation leaders John Geoghean, Mark Knippenberg, Siegfried Weiser and Yasmin Weiser
- Senior representatives from the British Embassy
- Messengers of Peace Scouts youth representatives
- Parents of participating pupils and pupils from Downe House Riyadh engaged in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The afternoon opened with a welcome from the Principal of King’s College Riyadh, Mrs Jacqueline Doran-McGuinness, followed by remarks from Siegfried Weiser, World Scouts Foundation Board Member. Inspiring youth representatives from Slovenia, Ecuador, and Zimbabwe shared their experiences, reinforcing the global impact of the Scouts movement.
KCR pupils also reflected on their London visit and presented a token of appreciation, before the programme concluded with remarks from HE Faisal Bin Muammar, who praised the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing globally minded young leaders.
Leadership Reflections
Speaking at the event, Principal Jacqueline Doran-McGuinness said:
“We are proud to welcome the World Scouts Foundation to our school. This visit highlights the importance of developing the next generation of leaders who are globally minded, socially responsible, and committed to serving their communities.”
The school expressed gratitude to HE Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muammar for his unwavering support of youth development and for facilitating this exceptional opportunity for its pupils to connect with one of the world’s most respected youth organisations.
About King’s College Riyadh
King’s College Riyadh is a premium British international school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11, offering a world-class education in the heart of Diriyah. Opened in August 2021 as part of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s International Schools Attraction Programme, it is the first British private school to establish a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with a prestigious UK school. Affiliated with King’s College UK, the school draws on over 145 years of academic excellence and tradition, delivering a British curriculum enriched with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Saudi Social Studies. King’s College Riyadh prepares pupils to achieve their full potential while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural heritage.
Read more about King’s College Riyadh at:
About Cognita
Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 20 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs over 22,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 100,000 students. Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, to develop all-round academic excellence – equipping young people with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a rapidly evolving world.
Cognita Middle East has 14 schools within its portfolio, including: RGS Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha and Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School in the UAE, Dasman Bilingual School in Kuwait, Downe House Riyadh and King’s College Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Downe House Muscat and Cheltenham Muscat in Oman, and King’s College Doha in Qatar.
Read more about Cognita at: