GCC Goes Green: Sustainability Becomes a Core Subject in Gulf Classrooms

Education ministries across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are joining forces to embed sustainability into their national curricula, aiming to raise an environmentally conscious generation ready to tackle climate change and global challenges.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain have launched initiatives to integrate environmental education from early childhood, with hands-on activities like school gardening, energy audits, and recycling drives becoming commonplace in classrooms. The Saudi Ministry of Education has even partnered with global sustainability organizations to roll out “Green School” certifications — incentivizing eco-friendly infrastructure and curriculum-based sustainability practices.

In Oman, a new pilot program teaches children about marine biodiversity and water conservation, addressing key local environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Qatar Foundation has expanded its “Eco-Schools” program across private and public schools, encouraging a culture of accountability and environmental stewardship among students.

UAE’s neighbors aren't just talking the talk — they're walking it. Kuwait's Ministry of Education is developing a national e-learning platform focusing on environmental sciences and sustainable development, accessible to both students and educators.

This region-wide initiative reflects a shift from traditional textbook education to experiential learning, rooted in real-world applications. It also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where education for sustainable development (ESD) plays a key role.

By cultivating eco-conscious mindsets and green skills early on, the GCC is not only preparing students for future careers — it’s preparing them to become changemakers in an increasingly uncertain world.