About Us
Learn about SAUT Down Syndrome Association and our journey in empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families
1986
Year of Founding
First early intervention centre in Riyadh
Arabic Curricula
First in the Arab World
First specialised educational curricula in Arabic
2000
International Recognition
First model centre in the Middle East
Our Vision
A supportive and empowering community for individuals with Down syndrome
Our Mission
Empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families through specialised programmes and services
About SAUT
SAUT was established in response to an urgent need in Saudi society for specialised services for individuals with Down syndrome, initiated by HRH Princess Reema bint Sultan, to become today's leading institution in the region.
Our Vision & Values
Our Vision
A supportive and empowering community for individuals with Down syndrome
Our Mission
Empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families through specialised programmes and services
Our Values
Transparency, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, and Innovation
Our Goals
Providing comprehensive and integrated services that contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome
Numbers that reflect four decades of giving
Educational Team Members Trained
Students Served
Graduates Who Achieved Independence
Educational Programs
Students Benefiting from Services
Years of Service
Training Lectures for Specialists and Parents
Trained Teachers
Consultancy Visits from Global Universities
Awards & Recognition
International and local recognition reflecting SAUT's excellence
NDSS 31st Annual Conference Recognition
NDSS — New York
Recognition for pioneering care for individuals with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia
Princess Steet Award for Social Work
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Audio Reading Programme won this prestigious award
Princess Steet Award for Social Work
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Audio Reading Programme won this prestigious award
King Khalid Award (Third Place)
King Khalid Foundation
Excellence in the non-profit sector
World Health Organization Award
WHO — Eastern Mediterranean Region
Recognition for excellence in Down syndrome research and education in the Middle East region
Our Journey
Key milestones in SAUT's journey
The Beginning
Under the direction of HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan, Mrs. Erika Kovroth Al-Sabaan submitted a request to establish an early intervention center in Riyadh due to the lack of specialized services for individuals with Down syndrome.
The Beginning
Under the direction of HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan, Mrs. Erika Kovroth Al-Sabaan submitted a request to establish an early intervention center in Riyadh due to the lack of specialized services for individuals with Down syndrome.
First Classroom
With the initiative of HRH Princess Sara bint Faisal and HRH Princess Moudi bint Khalid, the first classroom for children with Down syndrome opened at Al-Nahda Women's Association with just four children.
First Classroom
With the initiative of HRH Princess Sara bint Faisal and HRH Princess Moudi bint Khalid, the first classroom for children with Down syndrome opened at Al-Nahda Women's Association with just four children.
Rapid Expansion
Enrollment at the early intervention center in Al-Wurud reached 40 children within two years, expanding to include infant services and preschool programs.
Rapid Expansion
Enrollment at the early intervention center in Al-Wurud reached 40 children within two years, expanding to include infant services and preschool programs.
Relocation & Naming
The center relocated to the Diplomatic Quarter and was named Al-Nahda Schools for Down Syndrome.
Relocation & Naming
The center relocated to the Diplomatic Quarter and was named Al-Nahda Schools for Down Syndrome.
International Academic Partnership
Patricia Oelwein from the University of Washington visited and agreed to provide ongoing consultancy to develop a specialized educational program through six model programs.
International Academic Partnership
Patricia Oelwein from the University of Washington visited and agreed to provide ongoing consultancy to develop a specialized educational program through six model programs.
Specialized Training Begins
Formal training began by physical therapist Mary Tatarka and special education consultant Patricia Oelwein under the leadership of Fatima Malek.
Specialized Training Begins
Formal training began by physical therapist Mary Tatarka and special education consultant Patricia Oelwein under the leadership of Fatima Malek.
Expanded Grade Levels
A new campus was added for middle school, high school, and vocational training for girls. Student enrollment rose to 76, and a speech-language specialist joined the advisory team.
Expanded Grade Levels
A new campus was added for middle school, high school, and vocational training for girls. Student enrollment rose to 76, and a speech-language specialist joined the advisory team.
Curriculum Completion
Arabic-language curricula were completed for all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
Curriculum Completion
Arabic-language curricula were completed for all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
Third Building for Boys
A third kindergarten building opened, housing the boys' section for middle school, high school, and vocational training.
Third Building for Boys
A third kindergarten building opened, housing the boys' section for middle school, high school, and vocational training.
Model Training Center
The schools became the first model training center for Down syndrome in the Middle East, aligned with Saudi culture and environment.
Model Training Center
The schools became the first model training center for Down syndrome in the Middle East, aligned with Saudi culture and environment.
First Arabic Specialized Book
The book "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome" was translated into Arabic, becoming the first of its kind in the Arabic language.
First Arabic Specialized Book
The book "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome" was translated into Arabic, becoming the first of its kind in the Arabic language.
Full Capacity & Need for Expansion
Enrollment reached 171 students with 805 on the waiting list, making expansion critical. McKinsey conducted a strategic analysis to help SAUT reach 45% of individuals with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia.
Full Capacity & Need for Expansion
Enrollment reached 171 students with 805 on the waiting list, making expansion critical. McKinsey conducted a strategic analysis to help SAUT reach 45% of individuals with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia.
WHO Award
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean awarded SAUT the Down Syndrome Research and Education Award in recognition of its outstanding work.
WHO Award
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean awarded SAUT the Down Syndrome Research and Education Award in recognition of its outstanding work.
Hittin Campus Construction
Construction began on the first strategic plan campus in Hittin, Riyadh, with a capacity of 300 students.
Hittin Campus Construction
Construction began on the first strategic plan campus in Hittin, Riyadh, with a capacity of 300 students.
Vocational Training Graduates
The vocational training-to-employment program graduated 12 employees.
Vocational Training Graduates
The vocational training-to-employment program graduated 12 employees.
Honorary Presidency & School Naming
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef assumed honorary presidency, with all schools named after him. HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan was selected as Board Chair.
Honorary Presidency & School Naming
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef assumed honorary presidency, with all schools named after him. HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan was selected as Board Chair.
NDSS Partnership Agreement
A cooperation agreement was signed with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to advance Down syndrome services in Saudi Arabia.
NDSS Partnership Agreement
A cooperation agreement was signed with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to advance Down syndrome services in Saudi Arabia.
International Honor in New York
SAUT was honored at the 31st Annual Gala of the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City.
International Honor in New York
SAUT was honored at the 31st Annual Gala of the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City.
Strategic Plan Update
The association's strategy was updated to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and address emerging needs and developments.
Strategic Plan Update
The association's strategy was updated to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and address emerging needs and developments.
Our Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan aligns the goals of Vision 2030 with SAUT's initiatives to empower individuals with Down syndrome educationally, professionally, and socially.
“Be the Solution, Not the Exception”
Our Official Documents
Our Official Documents
View the commercial registration of SAUT Down Syndrome Association
Our Partnerships
Become a Partner
Join our partners and help empower people with Down Syndrome