Shura Council decisions today: Directives to Jazan and Umm Al-Qura Universities
The Shura Council held its seventeenth regular session of the second year of the ninth term on Monday, chaired by the Council’s Chairman, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh, to discuss a number of important national issues and issue vital decisions affecting the environment, higher education and international cooperation sectors.
Strategic decisions for Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park
At the start of the session, the Council issued a resolution urging the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park Foundation to expedite the preparation of its strategic plan. This resolution reflects the Kingdom's strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Riyadh, the capital, as the park is a major project aimed at increasing green spaces and enhancing environmental sustainability in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The council emphasized the need for environmental impact studies of the project area to identify suitable projects given the site's environmental sensitivity, and called on the organization to enhance integration with the "Green Riyadh" program to exchange expertise. These directives are of paramount importance to ensure the project becomes a global model in urban and environmental planning.
Strengthening international cooperation
On the international relations front, the Council approved draft economic memoranda of understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Regional Cohesion in Portugal, and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in Guinea, in addition to a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority and the Jordanian Ministry of Investment, which enhances the Kingdom’s economic presence and strategic partnerships.
University Education File: Jazan University Under Scrutiny
The council discussed Jazan University's annual report for the academic year 2024. Jazan University holds strategic importance due to its geographical location and its role in the development of the southern region. Council members urged the university to adopt an effective plan to attract and retain academic talent and to restructure its branches with specialized programs that take into account the comparative advantages of each province, thus contributing to bridging the skills gap in the local labor market.
Umm Al-Qura University: Investing in Spatial Privacy
Regarding Umm Al-Qura University, the council discussed its annual report, with members calling for the adoption of a strategic model for international students within the "Study in Saudi Arabia" program, to capitalize on Makkah's status as a global destination. The recommendations also urged the strengthening of research related to Hajj and Umrah to serve pilgrims, which directly aligns with the objectives of the Pilgrim Service Program, one of the ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives.
At the conclusion of the discussion, the Education and Scientific Research Committee requested time to study the members’ observations and return with its viewpoint at a future session, reflecting the Shura Council’s active oversight role in improving governmental and institutional performance.
