In Saudi Arabia, the government appropriated SR204 billion ($54.4 billion) for education in its budget for 2013, from SR168 billion ($44.80 billion) in 2012, and SR150 billion ($40 billion) in 2011. Investment in human capital has become a top priority for the Saudi government, as spending on education has more than tripled since 2000. The budget includes plans to build 610 new schools in addition to the 3,200 already under construction.
