The role and status of English in Saudi Arabia are examined, with attention directed to: (1) English within the education system; (2) teachers of English; (3) English outside the education system; (4) materials support; (5) British support for the teaching of English; and (6) English syllabi at intermediate, secondary, and higher education levels. English is the only foreign language taught at the elementary and secondary school levels. In all government schools, English is taught as a compulsory subject at the intermediate stage (from 12 to 15 years of age) through the secondary stage (15 to 18 years of age). In addition, English is taught at the following universities: The University of Riyadh; The King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah; The University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran; and The King Faysal University (Medicine, Architecture and Planning, Agriculture and Veterinary Science Faculties). The Riyadh Languages Institute is a commercial school that teaches both English and Arabic. In Saudi Arabia as a whole, there are currently about 150 British staff engaged primarily in English language teaching and/or materials production. Since very few of the Westerners and Asians working in Saudi Arabia have knowledge of Arabic, English is the medium of communication, and the ability to converse in English is likely to be helpful to the Saudi seeking employment. Most technical and military training courses undertaken overseas are preceded by English language courses. A report on visits to secondary and intermediate schools to assess language laboratories for English language teaching in Riyadh schools is appended. (SW)