Sahar Hamad Al Marzouki, Founder and Owner of Al Faris International School, Triumphs Over Challenges to Shape Business Success and Transform Young Futures”
In the early 2000s, when Sahar Hamad Al Marzouki established Al Faris International School, the landscape for businesswomen in Saudi Arabia was vastly different. Facing immense challenges as a female entrepreneur dedicated to delivering high-quality education, Al Marzouki’s determination prevailed. Despite the lack of support at the time, she built a thriving educational institution that is accredited by the International Baccalaureate as an IB World School, currently enrolling 2,275 students.
Reflecting on the past, Al Marzouki acknowledges the difficulties she faced two decades ago, emphasizing the scarcity of support compared to the present. The transformation in the environment for women in education is a testament to the progress made in Saudi Arabia. Al Marzouki expresses gratitude for the unexpected support from the government and His Royal Highness, considering it a dream come true.
One of Al Marzouki’s proudest achievements is securing full authorization for Al Faris International School as an IB World School, covering primary years, middle years, and diploma programs. Additionally, she takes pride in establishing the school as the first international school in the city of Al-‘Ula. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges globally, but Al Marzouki and her team successfully navigated the shift to online learning, ensuring continuity for their students.
While acknowledging the strength of online education, Al Marzouki emphasizes the irreplaceable value of in-person schooling, especially for lower elementary students. Looking ahead, she envisions a hybrid approach, combining online and face-to-face learning. Al Marzouki aligns her educational goals with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, remaining steadfast in her commitment to providing the best learning experience for boys and girls across the kingdom.
