Imam Abdulrahman University: 426 students receive professional certificates
In a move reflecting the strategic shift in higher education outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University the graduation of an exceptional class of 426 students who earned internationally accredited professional certifications. This took place during the inaugural annual meeting of the "Professional" initiative, in the presence of the university president, Professor Fahd bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, and the director of the Eastern Province branch of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), Abdulaziz Al-Yousef.
National context and ambitious vision
This achievement is not a fleeting event, but rather a central component of the radical transformations underway in the education sector in Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The Human Capability Development Program—one of the Vision's initiatives—focuses directly on bridging the gap between theoretical university education and the demands of the rapidly evolving job market. Professional certifications are now considered the global gold standard for measuring competence, giving graduates a significant competitive advantage and confirming their readiness to immediately enter professional work environments without the need for lengthy training periods.
Details of the "Professional" initiative and its objectives
This celebration culminated the efforts of the "Professional" initiative, which officially launched on April 1, 2025, reflecting the university's commitment to enhancing the skills of its graduates. Dr. Al-Harbi emphasized that the initiative is a practical implementation of plans to build a qualified human capital capable of competing locally, regionally, and internationally. The event included a panel discussion titled "From Student to Professional," which showcased real-life success stories of faculty members and graduates who transformed their degrees into successful career paths.
Economic importance and impact of professional certifications
On the economic front, integrating professional certifications into university curricula has a significant impact on reducing unemployment rates and increasing the productivity of the national workforce. Major international and local companies now prefer to hire individuals with professional certifications (such as PMP, CPA, SOCPA, and others) to ensure high-quality performance. This underscores the importance of the partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), which conducted a specialized workshop during the meeting to explain the mechanisms of financial and logistical support, thus encouraging students to pursue these international certifications with generous government backing.
Numbers and exceptional distinction
Dr. Taghreed Al-Muqaitib, Director of the Assessment and Testing Quality Center, revealed remarkable figures, noting that 37 students distinguished themselves by obtaining two to three professional certifications in record time, reflecting their high level of dedication. Excellence awards were granted to all 426 students, and seven colleges that successfully implemented the initiative were recognized. For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Muhaidib, Vice President for Academic Affairs, described the initiative as a qualitative leap that reinforces the culture of "lifelong learning.".
