In a grand ceremony reflecting its prestigious academic standing, Umm Al-Qura University , one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrated the graduation of its 74th class for the academic year 1445 AH. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Governor of Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and in the presence of his Deputy, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the King Saud Hall in the university campus in Al-Abdiyyah.
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 12,649 students from various scientific disciplines and academic levels, who will be a valuable addition to the workforce and supporters of the Kingdom's comprehensive national development. This event marks the culmination of a journey of diligence and perseverance, and a new chapter in the history of the university, which stands as a beacon of science and knowledge, emanating from the holiest of places.
Historical background and scientific message
Umm Al-Qura University boasts a rich history, its first nucleus being the College of Sharia, established in 1369 AH (1949 CE), the first institution of higher education in the Kingdom. Since its establishment as a university by royal decree in 1401 AH (1981 CE), it has continued to fulfill its mission of providing distinguished education and conducting innovative research, benefiting from its unique location in the heart of Mecca. The university plays a pivotal role in serving the community, particularly in the fields of Islamic and Arabic studies, in addition to its research and community contributions to serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Details of the event and its contribution to Vision 2030
The ceremony began with a speech by the university president, Professor Dr. Maadi bin Mohammed Al-Mathhab, who welcomed His Highness the Deputy Governor of the region and expressed his deepest gratitude to the wise leadership for its continued support of the education sector. He affirmed that the university is steadily progressing towards contributing to the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by preparing qualified and globally competitive national talent.
For his part, the Dean of Admissions and Registration, Dr. Khalid Al-Thaqafi, announced that the number of male graduates reached 4,886, while the number of female graduates reached 7,763. The academic degrees were distributed as follows: 8,520 Bachelor's degrees, 831 Master's degrees, 182 Doctoral degrees, in addition to 3,054 Diploma degrees and 62 Higher Diploma degrees.
The ceremony included the honoring of His Royal Highness the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region for the innovative team of female university students who won the “Horizon” mini-satellite project in the “Sari” competition launched by the Saudi Space Agency. This reflects the excellence of the university's graduates in modern technological and innovative fields. The ceremony concluded with the graduates of the health colleges reciting the “Professional Oath,” pledging to serve their community and nation with sincerity and dedication.
Importance and future impact
The graduation of this distinguished group of young men and women represents a significant boost to the national economy, as these graduates will contribute to various vital sectors such as health, engineering, education, technology, and business. This event reinforces Umm Al-Qura University's position as a primary source of human capital driving development, not only locally in the Makkah region but also across the nation, serving the Kingdom's strategic objectives and enhancing its competitiveness on the international stage.
