Jazan University in Saudi Arabia has announced a SR3bn ($799m) expansion plan that will included the construction of several new colleges.

The university is currently implementing 20 projects, including the establishment of four medical colleges, a college of business administration, several support projects and an electrical conversion station.

The expansion is one of a growing number of education-related construction projects under way in the kingdom. According to a World Bank report released earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian government has earmarked SR204bn for education in its budget for 2013, from SR168bn in 2012.

Investment in human capital has become a top priority for the Saudi government, as spending on education has more than tripled since 2000. The budget includes plans to build 610 new schools in addition to the 3,200 already under construction.