The Princes School in Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, is one of the most historic educational landmarks in Saudi Arabia and is recognized as the Kingdom’s first government school. Construction began in 1937, and it was officially inaugurated in February 1941 under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Jalawi, then the governor of Al-Ahsa.
The school’s establishment was directly tied to King Abdulaziz Al Saud’s vision to modernize education across the Kingdom. It served as the cornerstone for organized education in the Eastern Province, producing generations of distinguished Saudi leaders and scholars.
Notable alumni include:
-
Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region.
-
Dr. Ali Al-Naimi, former Minister of Petroleum.
-
Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, former Minister of Labor and Saudi Ambassador.
Architecturally, the Amiriya School reflects traditional Eastern and Islamic styles, with its coral-brick walls, wide courtyards, and arched corridors that exemplify early Saudi architectural identity. The building has retained much of its original structure and is now preserved as a heritage site.
Today, the Amiriya School stands as a living museum showcasing the beginnings of formal education in Saudi Arabia. Visitors can explore classrooms that once shaped the minds of the Kingdom’s pioneers and experience a journey through the educational history of the nation.
With Wadi Trip, you can visit the Princes School as part of our Al-Ahsa tours and discover how this historic institution helped shape the foundation of modern education in Saudi Arabia.
