A promising start to linking academia with the labor market
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the integration between academic education and labor market demands, King Abdulaziz University, also known as the "Founder's University," launched the "Engineering and Urban Planning Day 2026" at the King Faisal Conference Center. This annual event, organized by the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture and Planning under the patronage of the University President, Dr. Tarif bin Yousef Al-A'ma, serves as a vital platform connecting ambitious students with leading companies seeking promising talent, with the goal of bridging the gap between educational outcomes and the actual needs of the engineering and urban planning sectors.
Background of the event and its importance in the context of Vision 2030
The “Engineering and Urban Planning Day” is more than just a job fair; it reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision focuses primarily on developing human capital and localizing talent in vital sectors. By providing a direct platform for communication between graduates and employers, the university contributes to accelerating the employment of qualified Saudi nationals and supporting the Kingdom’s massive development projects, which require a large number of innovative engineers and architects.
Strategic partnerships to ensure quality and excellence
The launch of the events witnessed the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding between the university and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), a step that reflects a deep awareness of the importance of quality and adherence to standards. This partnership aims to instill a culture of quality in students from their earliest years of study and equip them with the necessary knowledge of national and international specifications and standards. This will ensure the graduation of engineers who not only possess technical skills but also commit to the highest standards of accuracy and safety in their future projects, which is crucial for the reputation of the Saudi engineering sector regionally and internationally.
Job opportunities and student innovations all under one roof
The accompanying exhibition attracted over 40 leading local and international companies, which competed to offer hundreds of job and training opportunities for graduates and students. This strong corporate presence reflects the high level of confidence in the quality of King Abdulaziz University's graduates. The university's Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Kabli, toured the exhibition, visiting company booths and listening to presentations on innovative student projects that demonstrated their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to find practical solutions to real-world problems. Dr. Kabli also recognized the sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of this important professional event.
A comprehensive scientific program for honing skills
Over four days, the event extends beyond recruitment, featuring a rich scientific program that includes a series of tech hackathons, panel discussions with industry experts, and specialized workshops. These activities are carefully designed to hone students' practical skills, cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, and introduce them to the latest technological trends in engineering and architecture. The program aims to empower participants to develop their professional and personal capabilities and encourage them to transform their creative ideas into entrepreneurial projects that contribute to the growth of the national economy.
