At Sequal, we believe our community is our responsibility — a value that guides how we work both at home and with our partners around the world. This belief is reflected in our ongoing involvement with the Abdullatif Alfozan Autism Center (AFAC) and the University of Auckland, who recently celebrated a new cohort of AFAC instructors completing an advanced autism-education programme, a collaborative initiative led by the University of Auckland, in a graduation ceremony on 10 November 2025.
This milestone has been several years in the making. Developing the programme, building relationships, and working across borders has taken time, which makes it especially meaningful to see the first cohort complete their training. Their achievement represents an important step forward in strengthening support for autistic children across Saudi Arabia. The graduation also highlights the value of collaboration across borders, combining New Zealand’s expertise in autism research with Saudi Arabia’s focus on growing local specialist capability.
AFAC, which opened in 2020, is the largest specialised autism centre in the Middle East. The centre provides comprehensive services for students with autism spectrum disorders. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, AFAC focuses on early intervention and supports students in transitioning into mainstream classrooms whenever possible. The centre fosters a supportive community where children and their families can learn, grow, and participate confidently in society. By delivering high-quality educational and psychological services, AFAC empowers children with autism to develop independence, self-reliance, and the skills needed to reach their full potential.
For us, involvement in this work is a no-brainer. “As our business expands, so too does our commitment to the communities we’re part of. Saudi Arabia is a key growth market for us — and our partnership with AFAC and the University of Auckland brings us together as one community, committed to helping young people achieve their aspirations,” – David Turner, CEO.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our purpose: to challenge, transform, and give more to the future through wood. This graduation represents real progress for us. Next year, we will double the number of AFAC instructors participating in the programme — creating more trained autism specialists, empowering more families, and opening up even more opportunities for children to reach their full potential.
Through the dedication and collaboration of AFAC and the University of Auckland to specialist training, inclusive education, and early intervention, meaningful and lasting change is happening across Saudi Arabia — and we are proud to be walking this journey alongside them.