The training nucleus at the Royal Commission in Yanbu was established in 1981 with the creation of the Institute for Human Resource Development, aiming to qualify a technically skilled workforce that could meet the needs of local industries. At that time, the focus was limited to training technicians in electrical power and chemical analysis.  

In 1989, the institute evolved into Yanbu Industrial College, which led to the launch of new programs, including Electronics (1991), Instrumentation and Mechanics (1994), Industrial Management (1997), Computer Science (1998), and Geomatics (2003).  

Guided by a strategy that prioritized human capital development and quality of life in Yanbu, the quality of academic programs became a central focus. This vision was reinforced by securing international academic accreditations as early as 2005, including the **ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).**  

This strategy also paved the way for establishing a new academic institution that provides educational services for both male and female students, granting bachelor’s degrees to graduates. Yanbu University College was founded in 2005 and initially offered three bachelor’s programs for both genders: Applied Linguistics, Management Information Systems, and Computer Science.  

Over time, the programs expanded to include Computer Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Interior Design, and Supply Chain Management. Notably, the Supply Chain Management bachelor’s program was the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia when it was launched in 2015, earning multiple professional recognitions in 2016. Today, most of the college’s programs have secured international programmatic accreditations from **ACBSP, SHRM, CILT, and ABET.**  

In 2011, the increasing demand from industrial partners in Yanbu Industrial City for skilled technicians led to the establishment of a specialized technical institute offering training in chemical systems, electrical and electronic mechanics, and information technology. Initially tailored for industrial trainees, the institute opened to general admission in 2020, achieving institutional accreditation from **ACCET** and programmatic certifications from **City & Guilds.**  

To further enhance the quality of services across colleges and institutes, the English Language Institute was established in 2015, receiving international accreditations such as **EAQUALS** and **CEA.**  

Following the organizational restructuring of the Royal Commission in 2019, all educational units were unified under a single academic entity—**Colleges and Institutes**—which obtained institutional accreditation from the Education & Training Evaluation Commission in 2021. This achievement reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring educational quality and effective governance of its academic and training institutions.  

Currently, the Colleges and Institutes serve approximately **6,670 students**, including **1,900 preparatory-year students** and **4,770 students** enrolled in 27 academic and training programs. To date, the institutions have graduated around **15,300 students.** These services are delivered by about **505 faculty and trainers**, supported by nearly **100 administrative and technical staff members.**  

This has had a profound impact on the quality of life in Yanbu Industrial City, offering outstanding educational opportunities within close reach of residents. Moreover, the reputation of the Royal Commission’s colleges and institutes attracts applicants from across the Kingdom, as graduates enjoy strong career prospects in the labor market.  

As for General Education, its journey in Yanbu Industrial City began alongside the early establishment of the Royal Commission. In 1979 (1399H), the first educational institutions were founded: a kindergarten named *Al-Rawda Al-Oula*, an elementary school for boys named *Al-Baraem*, and a combined intermediate and secondary school named *Ibn Hayyan.*  

In 1980 (1400H), the first girls’ elementary school (*Al-Ibtida’iya Al-Oula*) and the first girls’ intermediate school (*Al-Mutawasita Al-Oula*) were established, followed by the first girls’ secondary school (*Al-Thanawiya Al-Oula*) in 1981 (1401H).  

The organizational structure of the General Education Administration at the Royal Commission in Yanbu consists of five main departments that work together to achieve the goals of both the administration and the Commission. The administration oversees and directly manages **21 boys’ schools.**  

Since 1986 (1406H), the Royal Commission has also provided education for adults, along with Qur’an memorization schools for boys and girls. Furthermore, international education is available in the city as needed, with several schools offering global curricula.  

Schools in Yanbu Industrial City have expanded in line with population growth, maintaining high-quality standards. As of 2022 (1443H), the city hosts **21 boys’ schools** managed by the General Education Administration of the Royal Commission, **20 girls’ schools** and **7 kindergartens** managed by the Yanbu Education Department in cooperation with the Commission, in addition to three private-sector kindergartens, international schools, and two charity-run kindergartens under the Commission’s supervision.  

The newest schools include *Umm Ayman Intermediate School for Girls* and *Safiyah bint Abdulmutallib Secondary School for Girls* (established in 2018 / 1439H), as well as *Ibn Al-Jawzi School for Gifted Boys (Elementary and Intermediate)*, founded in 2022 (1443H). In the same year, contracts were awarded for five early childhood education facilities to be developed by the private sector.