The growth engine that will diversify the Saudi Arabian economy begins with ensuring young Saudis are well-educated. In the heart of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is The World Academy (TWA), KAEC’s first K-12 school. TWA launched in 2012 to train 246 students to be tomorrow’s leaders. KAEC signed a SR 48.6 million contract with IHCC to finish the third phase of The World Academy.

IHCC specializes in the design and construction of hospitals, healthcare facilities, fitness gyms, wellness centers, schools, and other educational institutions. IHCC is the leading hospital construction company in the Middle East and Africa, providing turnkey solutions from conceptualization to completion.

The interior design will be the creative work of Innocad. Innocad is an award-winning architecture and design firm based in Grasz, Austria. The company delivers interior design services for residential, office, hospitality, healthcare, mixed-use and retail establishments. Recent projects include the design of the OBB Creative Lab in Vienna and interior and lighting design services at the History Museum at Schaudepot.

The extension of The World Academy will add new classrooms to the 31 classrooms and three science labs currently available and increase its capacity to 2,000 students.

In addition, the school will get a new Entrepreneurship Center; a robotics lab to add to the existing biology, chemistry, and design and technology laboratories; an academy for grades 9 through 12, amphitheaters to accommodate large groups, and an achievement center that students will be able to use to prepare for exams and standardized tests.

The World Academy is KAEC’s first completely wireless, interactive Smart School equipped with interactive whiteboards and computer access. The school’s campus is divided into a series of learning zones that include a black box theatre for performing arts, a multipurpose hall for sports and assemblies, a fully-functional medical clinic, a soccer/football field, and a swimming pool.

The World Academy exists to bring to realization Vision 2030, an economic plan to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil and diversify the Saudi economy.

To ensure the Kingdom has the human capital it needs to push the country forward, KAEC must focus its resources on providing young Saudis with a world-class education that embodies the values of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The World Academy endeavors to fulfill this mission.

“IHCC has always been a believer and a partner in KAEC, its purpose, vision, and strategy,” said IHCC CEO, Mr. Sultan Batterjee. “Innovative projects like TWA School are the birth of an inspired new generation.”