Shaheen International School Inaugurated in Riyadh

By: Mohammed Saifuddin, YaHind.Com
Riyadh: Shaheen International School is set to begin offering world-class education in Riyadh from the next academic year, following its grand inauguration ceremony held on Friday afternoon at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr.
The launching ceremony was attended by prominent community leaders, educators, and a large gathering of parents and students. With a legacy of more than 35 years in educational excellence, Shaheen aims to replicate its distinguished standards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shaheen was founded in 1989 by Dr. Abdul Qadeer in Bidar, Karnataka, with just 17 students. Over the years, it evolved into a nationwide educational movement, leading to the establishment of more than 45 institutions across 13 states in India. The Riyadh campus marks the institution’s first major expansion into the Middle East.
Addressing the gathering, the guest of honor, eminent Islamic scholar and founder of the Wahyain Foundation, Mufti Shamail Ahmad Nadwi, described the inauguration as “not merely the beginning of a school, but the laying of a foundation for the bright future of coming generations.” He cautioned that modern Western education systems often distance children from Islamic values and urged parents to closely monitor their children’s moral and spiritual development. He emphasized the need for a balanced education that integrates modern learning with Islamic ethos and character building.
Another guest of honor, noted educator, motivational speaker, and IAS coach Sameer Ahmed Siddiqui, highlighted the importance of preparing students to face contemporary challenges. He stressed the need to equip younger generations with skills in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and to counter misinformation on digital platforms. He also drew attention to the growing addiction to social media and called for better communication between parents and children in the digital age.
Chief guest and founder of Shaheen Group, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, said the institution’s mission is to nurture a generation that becomes “a source of solace and strength for society.” He explained that Shaheen seeks to revive the traditional system of imparting both modern and Islamic education under one roof. He noted that many Shaheen graduates have excelled in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, and law.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer announced that Shaheen International School, Riyadh, will follow the IGCSE curriculum, with a focus on preparing students for higher studies abroad. He also stated that the school will adopt a no-tuition-after-school policy and introduce a unique “Academic ICU” concept to provide special support for academically weak students.
Indian educationist and career counselor Dr. Mubarak Kapdi, and Executive Director of the Al-Wafi Program for Arabic, Shaikh Abdul Ahad bin Abdul Quddus, also addressed the gathering and underlined the vital role of quality education in shaping future generations.
Managing Director, Shaheen Middle East, Syed Wayez Ahmed, welcomed the guests and thanked the community for their support in bringing the Shaheen legacy to Riyadh. Vice President Operations (KSA) Mohammed Zaki, Mohammed Naveed Aslam and others looked after the arrangements.