The Saudi Shura Council held its sixteenth regular session of the second year of its ninth term on Tuesday, chaired by His Excellency the Speaker of the Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh. The session included discussions of several annual reports and the issuance of a number of resolutions aimed at developing the university education system and enhancing the efficiency of government performance in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Enhancing digital transformation at the University of Tabuk and a strategic partnership with NEOM
In a move reflecting the focus on developing educational institutions in strategically important regions, the Council issued a resolution urging the University of Tabuk to enhance its digital transformation capabilities. This decision is particularly timely given the university's geographical location as an academic and developmental partner of the global NEOM project. The Council called on the university to explore adopting an integrated working model with NEOM University . This approach aims to facilitate the exchange of academic, research, and operational benefits, thereby strengthening the university's role in supplying major projects with digitally and scientifically qualified personnel.
The council also stressed the need to develop and diversify the university’s investments and endowments to ensure its financial sustainability, in addition to supporting the scientific participation of faculty members in international forums.
Saudi Electronic University: Institutional Identity and Financial Sustainability
In the context of enhancing digital education, the Council called on the Saudi Electronic University to develop a clear institutional identity that solidifies its position both locally and internationally. The resolution also emphasized the importance of building an effective investment system that supports the university's financial independence and operational efficiency, aligning with the modern trends of the new university system that encourage self-reliance and diversification of income sources.
The council also addressed the issue of student affairs, calling on the university to conduct a comprehensive study of the reasons for student difficulties and to develop practical solutions to improve the learning environment and increase retention rates, with a focus on attracting outstanding national talent.
International expansion of the Islamic University and governance for the universities of Bisha and Najran
Regarding the Kingdom’s soft power, the Council directed the Islamic University of Madinah to enhance its international presence by intensifying participation in international conferences, forums, and student exchange programs, in addition to studying the possibility of opening branches outside the Kingdom in coordination with the relevant authorities, which enhances the Kingdom’s noble mission of spreading science and knowledge.
Regarding Bisha University , the council called for strengthening the culture of strategic management and restructuring the health colleges in coordination with the Council of University Affairs. As for Najran University , the council urged it to prepare a systematic study of its institutional reality to identify and address challenges, and to complete its institutional identity in a way that reflects the comparative advantages of the Najran region.
International agreements to promote joint cooperation
The Council concluded its session by approving a number of memoranda of understanding and international agreements, including tourism cooperation with Hungary, media cooperation with the State of Kuwait, in addition to an agreement in the field of social services with Turkey, another for sustainable development with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a customs agreement with Nigeria, reflecting the Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen international partnerships in various sectors.
