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SAUT Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh. It was officially established in 2010, although its activity began in 1986 under the umbrella of Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women. The Association is among the first specialized entities for the care and education of people with Down syndrome in the region, housing the first specialized model educational schools and center pioneering across the Middle East, providing integrated services for people with Down syndrome from birth through employment-oriented training, in line with the highest international standards, under the supervision of international consultants and in cooperation with prestigious research centers in the United States. Today, the Association continues its pioneering role by offering educational, rehabilitative, and specialized programs and services, forging strategic partnerships across sectors, and developing innovative educational solutions, most notably the SAUT digital learning platform, contributing to empowering people with Down syndrome and their families and enhancing their quality of life and active participation in society.
Year of Founding
First early intervention centre in Riyadh
First in the Arab World
First specialised educational curricula in Arabic
International Recognition
First model centre in the Middle East
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
Consultancy Visits from Global Universities
We aspire to a future in which individuals with Down syndrome live independently, productively, and valued in society
Providing high-quality education and continuous support to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers
International and local recognition reflecting SAUT's excellence
King Khalid Foundation
SAUT achieved the highest score in the Strategy criterion (Standards Pioneers) of the King Khalid Foundation’s 2025 Nonprofit Organizations Excellence Award, affirming its excellence in strategic planning and maximising social impact.
NDSS — New York
The National Down Syndrome Society honoured the society at its 31st Annual Conference in New York, recognising its pioneering care for individuals with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The society’s “Saut for Reading” programme won the Princess Sayta bint Abdulaziz Award for its excellence in social work.
King Khalid Foundation
Third place in the Nonprofit Excellence category of the King Khalid Foundation, recognising its work in sustainable social development within the charitable sector.
WHO — Eastern Mediterranean Region
The society received the Down Syndrome Research and Education Award from the WHO Regional Office, in recognition of its distinguished work on Down syndrome across the Middle East.
Key milestones in SAUT's journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enrollment at the early intervention center in Al-Wurud reached 40 children within two years, expanding to include infant services and preschool programs.
Enrollment at the early intervention center in Al-Wurud reached 40 children within two years, expanding to include infant services and preschool programs.
The center relocated to the Diplomatic Quarter and was named Al-Nahda Schools for Down Syndrome.
The center relocated to the Diplomatic Quarter and was named Al-Nahda Schools for Down Syndrome.
Patricia Oelwein from the University of Washington visited and agreed to provide ongoing consultancy to develop a specialized educational program through six model programs.
Patricia Oelwein from the University of Washington visited and agreed to provide ongoing consultancy to develop a specialized educational program through six model programs.
Formal training began by physical therapist Mary Tatarka and special education consultant Patricia Oelwein under the leadership of Fatima Malek.
Formal training began by physical therapist Mary Tatarka and special education consultant Patricia Oelwein under the leadership of Fatima Malek.
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.
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.
Arabic-language curricula were completed for all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
Arabic-language curricula were completed for all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
A third kindergarten building opened, housing the boys' section for middle school, high school, and vocational training.
A third kindergarten building opened, housing the boys' section for middle school, high school, and vocational training.
The schools became the first model training center for Down syndrome in the Middle East, aligned with Saudi culture and environment.
The schools became the first model training center for Down syndrome in the Middle East, aligned with Saudi culture and environment.
The book "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome" was translated into Arabic, becoming the first of its kind in the Arabic language.
The book "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome" was translated into Arabic, becoming the first of its kind in the Arabic language.
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.
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.
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean awarded SAUT the Down Syndrome Research and Education Award in recognition of its outstanding work.
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean awarded SAUT the Down Syndrome Research and Education Award in recognition of its outstanding work.
Construction began on the first strategic plan campus in Hittin, Riyadh, with a capacity of 300 students.
Construction began on the first strategic plan campus in Hittin, Riyadh, with a capacity of 300 students.
The vocational training-to-employment program graduated 12 employees.
The vocational training-to-employment program graduated 12 employees.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef assumed honorary presidency, with all schools named after him. HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan was selected as Board Chair.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef assumed honorary presidency, with all schools named after him. HRH Princess Rima bint Sultan was selected as Board Chair.
A cooperation agreement was signed with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to advance Down syndrome services in Saudi Arabia.
A cooperation agreement was signed with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to advance Down syndrome services in Saudi Arabia.
SAUT was honored at the 31st Annual Gala of the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City.
SAUT was honored at the 31st Annual Gala of the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City.
The association's strategy was updated to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and address emerging needs and developments.
The association's strategy was updated to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and address emerging needs and developments.
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
Transparency
Review the association’s financial reports, disclosures, and regulatory documents
Our Official Documents
View the commercial registration of SAUT Down Syndrome Association
Our Partnerships
Join our partners and help empower people with Down Syndrome