https://arab.news/bsya2
Hayah International Academy, one of Egypt’s leading academic institutions, announced plans to open its first international campus in Riyadh and signed a strategic STEAM partnership with the U.S.-based Fulton Science Academy. The agreement was formalized during a pre-launch event at Bab Samhan in Diriyah, attended by senior Saudi university leaders, education officials aligned with Vision 2030, and members of the education and financial press.
Founded in Cairo in 2003 by Abeya Fathy and Mohamed Magdy, Hayah International Academy has built its reputation over 22 years on the belief that character formation and academic rigor must go hand in hand. An IB World School accredited by Cognia, Hayah serves nearly 2,000 students at its Cairo campus and is widely recognized for its character-centered educational philosophy. The Riyadh campus is scheduled to open in September 2027.
“For 22 years, we have built Hayah around a single conviction — that character is not taught as a subject but cultivated within a community. Bringing Hayah to Riyadh is not an arrival in a new market; it is the next chapter of a story about the kind of young people we are forming together,” said Abeya Fathy, founder and head of school.
The partnership with Fulton Science Academy will integrate advanced STEAM expertise into Hayah Riyadh’s academic offering. Fulton is considered one of the United States’ most decorated STEM-focused independent schools, with students consistently ranking among the top performers in national mathematics, science and engineering competitions.
Under the agreement, Fulton will provide curriculum support, teaching methodologies and educator development in STEM and STEAM fields. Hayah’s character education program — developed over more than two decades — will remain central to the school’s identity.
“Fulton is honored to walk this road with Hayah. Our role in this partnership is clear and complementary: we bring the inquiry-led methodology and STEAM rigor that define Fulton Science Academy, while Hayah brings the character-led model that defines them. Two strong schools, each contributing what they do best, building one institution worthy of the families who will trust it,” said Dr. Kenan Sener of Fulton Science Academy.
The launch of Hayah Riyadh comes as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places increased emphasis on character development and human capability as pillars of national progress. The National Character Enrichment Program and the Human Capability Development Program both identify character formation as a strategic priority for the Kingdom’s education sector. Hayah’s arrival, supported by Fulton’s STEAM expertise, is positioned to contribute to these goals.
“Hayah is the kind of school that defines its market by virtue of its seriousness. MindSpire is privileged to bring Hayah to Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Fulton Science Academy, at a moment when Vision 2030 has invited exactly this kind of school into the conversation,” said Ahmed Wahby, CEO of MindSpire Education, the convening host of the event.
Hayah Riyadh is expected to open in September 2027. Admissions information will be released through the school’s regional website ahead of the application window.