Saudi Arabia's new rules require teachers to hold a valid teaching license.

As part of new rules to regulate the work of private teaching institutions, foreign schools operating in Saudi Arabia must also teach the kingdom's history and geography.

Saudi students will also be required to study national identity subjects in these schools, Okaz reported.

Private school regulations are set by the education sector in the kingdom to regulate engagement of the private and non-profit sectors in education, according to the paper.

As Saudi Arabia has opened up to the outside world and introduced massive socioeconomic changes, it has sought to emphasize identity affiliation.

According to Okaz, the regulations allow applicants for the license to be Saudi or foreign investors.

A previous disciplinary verdict excluding the applicant from government service or a private school is not acceptable. The license applicant must have a license from the Investment Ministry and previous experience in education services if he/she is not Saudi.

Violations can also result in school closure or revocation of licenses.

Infringements include violations of related stipulations, executive rules, and offenses against Islam, the kingdom, its leadership, public figures, and society's intellectual security or health and safety standards.

According to the report, students enrolled at the violating school during the academic year will be considered.

A penalty can be appealed within one month of issuance. The new regulations are not yet in effect.