In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
No. 5 / 3 / 32 / 1488
From Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
To our esteemed brother Faisal — may God preserve him
Peace and God’s mercy be upon you.
In view of the fact that education in all sciences and fields of study is a duty we owe to our sons, and since the recent departure of our children abroad under the pretext of pursuing education has caused considerable harm to their religious and moral principles, we have therefore resolved—by God’s will and strength—to provide all means necessary for the success of students and the completion of their studies within the country.
Accordingly, we have ordered the opening of suitable schools, and indeed we have prepared them and they are near completion. Therefore, inform the Minister of Education to bring in specialized teachers in all fields of knowledge so that primary and secondary education may take place within the country at the beginning of the school year, with all preparations completed before its opening.
We further order that none of our sons or subjects remain in primary or secondary schools abroad, in protection of their interests and their creed. No one is exempt from this—neither young nor old—except one who wishes to renounce Saudi nationality, for he is free to do so. We do not permit anyone to educate his child outside the country unless the child is entering a foreign university to pursue advanced sciences that are not available domestically, provided that the moral conduct and creed of university students are verified before their departure.
Education for all shall be free at our expense, and stipends shall continue as before.
As Chairman of the Council of Ministers, you are instructed to implement this decree with utmost urgency—whether in bringing teachers and senior instructors, securing the necessary materials, or informing the public at the end of the school year so that everyone may prepare accordingly.
We ask God to grant them success and achievement in serving their country and their nation.
Peace.