Almasar Alshamel CEO says financials powered by student growth, sees robust performance in 2026

Majed Al-Mutairi, CEO of Almasar Alshamel Education Co.

Majed Almutairi, CEO of Almasar Alshamel Education Co., described 2025 as a pivotal year for the Saudi-listed company, marked by the completion of its initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) alongside strong financial and operational performance.

The 2025 profit growth of 10% and the 22% revenue hike were driven by a near 20% increase in the company’s student enrollment, reaching 28,000 students and beneficiaries across higher education and special needs education, he added in an interview with Argaam.

The top executive attributed the overall student growth to the company’s success in attracting international students.

“International students currently account for around 50% of total enrollment at Middlesex University in Dubai, with similar growth trends observed at Abu Dhabi University and Liwa University. That niche has become a key growth driver, complemented by improved efficiency and elevated utilization at existing facilities,” he stated.

The CEO provided a breakdown of the company’s key figures, noting that Middlesex University's enrollment rose to 7,000 students (a 14% hike), while beneficiaries of special needs education hit 8,000 (a 16% jump). Furthermore, Nama Holding — in which Almasar Alshamel is an investor — posted a 24% surge in its student count, backed by the robust performance of Abu Dhabi University and Liwa University, particularly after the latter’s reclassification from a college to a university.

CEO Majed Almutairi says Almasar Alshamel currently operates across eight Saudi regions through 39 locations, after adding four new sites in 2025. The future roadmap includes preparing 20 additional locations during 2026, according to Almutairi.

He explained that expansion is strategically aligned with regional needs and population density, focusing on Riyadh as well as Western and Eastern Provinces, while continuing to scale in Northern and Southern Provinces.

Almasar Alshamel, according to the top executive, has obtained a license to operate shelter centers. Final procedures are being coordinated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, specifically regarding cost-calculation mechanisms and payment systems to cover beneficiary expenses, he added.

“We aim to maintain double-digit growth in 2026 for both revenues and student enrollment, backed by geographic expansion, increased capacity, and enhanced student recruitment across various segments,” said the CEO.

Earlier today, Feb. 11, Almasar Alshamil reported a net profit of SAR 130.4 million for 2025, a 9% rise from SAR 120.1 million a year ago.