SAT Test Centers and Dates in Saudi Arabia

topschoolsintheusa March 19, 2019

According to the College Board, there are 44 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Saudi Arabia. Please note that before you register either of the SAT exams, you should choose your test date and test location. Each testing location is affiliated with an educational institution, such as high school, community college, or university. The following test centers administer one or more of SAT tests in Saudi Arabia.

SAT Testing Centers in Saudi Arabia

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Saudi Arabia

Students in Saudi Arabia planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year will have the following opportunities to do so:

• March 8, 2025
• May 3, 2025
• June 7, 2025
• August 23, 2025
• October 4, 2025
• November 1, 2025
• December 6, 2025
• March 14, 2026
• May 2, 2026
• June 6, 2026

These test dates are subject to change, so it is essential to check with the College Board or local test centers for confirmation. Students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred test dates and locations.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Saudi Arabia

The SAT fees for the 2025-2026 period in Saudi Arabia follow the international fee structure. The breakdown of the costs is as follows:

• SAT without Essay: $104
• SAT with Essay: $120 (if available, as the essay section is being phased out in many regions)
• Late Registration Fee: $30
• Change Fee: $30 (for test center or date changes)

Students can pay these fees through the College Board website using credit or debit cards. Registering early ensures that students avoid late fees and secure a spot at their desired test centers.

How to Register for the SAT in Saudi Arabia

Registering for the SAT in Saudi Arabia is a simple process that can be done online via the College Board website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a College Board Account: Visit the official College Board website and create an account if you don’t already have one. This will be used to manage your registration and access your scores.
2. Select Test Date and Center: Choose the appropriate SAT test date and select a test center within Saudi Arabia, such as in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam.
3. Fill in Personal Information: Enter your personal details, including academic information, ensuring accuracy.
4. Upload a Photo: You will need to upload a passport-style photo that adheres to SAT guidelines. This photo will appear on your admission ticket.
5. Pay the Fees: Complete the registration by paying the necessary fees using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
6. Print the Admission Ticket: Once registered, print your admission ticket, which you must bring to the test center on the day of the exam, along with an acceptable form of identification.

It is recommended to register early to avoid late fees and ensure a place at your chosen test center.

Saudi Arabia Country Overview

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 36 million (2024 estimate)
• Capital: Riyadh
• Largest Cities:
  • Riyadh
  • Jeddah
  • Mecca
  • Medina
  • Dammam
• Official Language: Arabic
• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
• ISO Country Codes:
  • Alpha-2: SA
  • Alpha-3: SAU
  • Numeric Code: 682

Geography

According to Saudi Arabia Directory, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, located on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. Saudi Arabia is surrounded by both the Red Sea on the west and the Persian Gulf on the east.

• Area: Approximately 2.15 million square kilometers
• Topography: The country is characterized by vast deserts, such as the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest continuous sand desert in the world. There are also mountain ranges like the Asir Mountains in the southwest. The country’s coastline along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf is dotted with coral reefs and port cities.
• Climate: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The coastal regions tend to be humid, while the interior is arid with occasional sandstorms. The Asir region in the southwest has a more temperate climate, with some rainfall during the year.
• Natural Resources: The country is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which form the backbone of its economy.

Saudi Arabia’s vast and diverse geography, from its deserts to its coastlines and mountains, plays a significant role in the country’s economic and cultural life.

Education

Education is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce the country’s reliance on oil. The country’s education system is comprehensive, with significant investment in both traditional subjects and modern STEM fields.

• Primary and Secondary Education: Education in Saudi Arabia is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The system is divided into three levels: primary (6 years), intermediate (3 years), and secondary (3 years). At the end of secondary school, students take national exams that determine their eligibility for higher education. Many students also attend private and international schools, particularly in urban areas, where the curriculum may include the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British GCSE/A-Level systems.
• Higher Education: Saudi Arabia is home to several world-renowned universities, including King Saud University in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a leading research institution. The government has invested heavily in higher education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and medicine. Additionally, many Saudi students pursue higher education abroad through government-funded scholarships, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries.
• Vocational and Technical Training: As part of its Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia has been expanding vocational and technical education to equip its youth with the skills needed for the workforce. Institutions like the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) offer specialized training in fields such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.

The education system is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts, with a growing emphasis on STEM education and innovation.

Transportation

Saudi Arabia has a well-developed transportation network that connects its major cities and regions, making travel within the country convenient and efficient. Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of high-speed railways and new airports, are part of the Vision 2030 initiative to enhance the country’s connectivity.

• Road Network: Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of highways that link all major cities, including the Makkah-Madinah Highway and the Riyadh-Dammam Highway. The road system is modern and well-maintained, with a significant amount of traffic concentrated around the major cities. Cars are the most common mode of transport, and taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem, and rental cars are widely available.
• Railways: Saudi Arabia’s railway system is rapidly expanding. The Haramain High-Speed Rail connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, with stops in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, reducing travel time significantly. The Saudi Railway Company (SAR) operates other long-distance routes, such as the Riyadh-Dammam line. Future expansions include a planned railway linking the capital, Riyadh, with the Red Sea coast.
• Airports: Saudi Arabia is home to several international airports, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam serving as the primary gateways for international travel. Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, provides domestic and international flights, along with other carriers.
• Public Transport: Major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are developing modern public transport systems, including metro networks. The Riyadh Metro project, once completed, will be one of the largest metro systems in the world, designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable urban transportation.

Saudi Arabia’s expanding transportation infrastructure is essential to its economic growth and plays a critical role in enhancing domestic and international travel.

Major Landmarks

Saudi Arabia boasts a rich history and a diverse range of cultural and natural landmarks, many of which are of global significance. From ancient archaeological sites to modern marvels, the country offers a unique blend of tradition and progress.

• Mecca and Medina: As the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina are central to the spiritual life of Muslims around the world. Mecca is home to the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram, where millions of pilgrims gather each year for the Hajj pilgrimage. Medina houses the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque. These cities are closed to non-Muslims but remain the most significant religious sites in the Islamic world.
• Riyadh: The capital city, Riyadh, is a modern metropolis that combines traditional Saudi architecture with cutting-edge skyscrapers. The Kingdom Centre Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views from its sky bridge. Diriyah, a historic district on the outskirts of Riyadh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the original seat of the Saudi royal family.
• AlUla: Known for its stunning desert landscapes and ancient rock formations, AlUla is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Madain Salih. This archaeological site features rock-cut tombs from the ancient Nabatean civilization, similar to those found in Petra, Jordan. AlUla is becoming a key destination for cultural tourism, with initiatives aimed at preserving its historical significance.
• Jeddah: The port city of Jeddah is known for its blend of old and new. The historic district, Al-Balad, features traditional architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jeddah is also famous for its seaside location on the Red Sea, offering popular waterfront attractions such as the Jeddah Corniche and the towering King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world.
• Edge of the World: Located near Riyadh, the Edge of the World is a dramatic cliff that overlooks the vast desert below. This natural landmark is a popular destination for hiking and camping, offering stunning views of Saudi Arabia’s expansive desert landscape.
• The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali): The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. It spans across several countries, including Saudi Arabia, and is known for its towering sand dunes and extreme isolation. The desert is a popular destination for adventurous travelers seeking to experience its vast and untouched beauty.
• Abha: Situated in the Asir Mountains, Abha is a city known for its cooler climate and lush landscapes. The city is a popular destination for domestic tourism, offering attractions such as Jabal Sawda, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, and traditional souks.