​The event, sponsored by H.E. Rector of the University, Prof. Ahmed Al-Ameri, took place on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri Hall in the Conference Building at the University Campus.

In his speech delivered on this occasion, H.E. Rector of the University, Prof. Ahmed Al-Ameri, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that quality is a strategic choice based on the continuity of updating institutional plans, providing qualitative initiatives, utilizing technology and future tools, enhancing sustainable innovation, envisioning the future, building promising generations, equipping human resources, developing national talents, shaping future leaders, investing in minds, and harnessing potentials and capabilities in their appropriate positions.

H.E. also emphasized that achieving the concept of comprehensive quality in the university requires a shift towards institutional work and systematic planning to enhance our performance, excel in our outcomes, continuously update our system, and comprehensively develop our programs to achieve the highest levels of performance quality. This includes improving competencies, evaluating achievements according to the best global policies and academic procedures, and meeting the highest professional standards in order to be among the globally distinguished universities.

Furthermore, H.E. clarified that the achievements and accomplishments of the university in its national journey confirm the keenness and support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and HRH the Crown Prince, the Prime minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman - may Allah protect them - towards the education sector. They firmly believe in the crucial and pivotal role this sector plays in building and advancing the nation, driving its development and progress. H.E. extended his gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership - may Allah protect them - and prayed that Allah Almighty assists them and rewards them with the best for their efforts towards this noble nation, and he invoked blessings for the enduring grace of security, prosperity, and stability upon our beloved country.

In conclusion, H.E. expressed his gratitude to the university staff for their efforts in elevating the university to levels of excellence and leadership. He also thanked all the members of the Deanship of Quality and Development for establishing a distinguished quality assurance system and their significant contributions in serving the university's entities, which have reflected on the development of academic performance and the achievement of accreditations in various quality domains.

On his part, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Shaddi, the University's Vice Rector of Planning, Development, and Quality, pointed out that this year's quality slogan, "Quality: Realizing Your Competitive Capabilities," was a response to the aspirations of beneficiaries and the constant need to remain competitive. Dr. Al-Shaddi stated, "Quality is a vital requirement for a successful institution and an essential part of the university's strategy." He mentioned that with the support of H.E. Rector of the university and the efforts of its staff, the university has taken significant steps in institutional work, adopting best practices, and meeting academic standards, whether at the national or international level. This has resulted in numerous achievements, including obtaining full institutional accreditation, advancements in the development of nationally and internationally accredited academic programs, as well as improvements in administrative units.

Dr. Al-Shaddi further explained that, in terms of fostering competitiveness, excellence, innovation, and honoring high achievers, the university has launched the Excellence Award. This award is directed at the university's faculty members and staff. There is also an a award for institutional excellence targeting the university's units, including colleges, institutes, and departments. The award's criteria have been built according to best practices towards excellence, innovation, and exceeding the beneficiaries' expectations.

Dr. Al-Shiddi concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to H.E. Rector of the University, its leaders, and staff for their support, dedication, and outstanding achievements that reflect local and international excellence.

The Dean of Quality and Development, Dr. Khaloud bint Jamal Sunduqah, said, "The university has succeeded this year, 2023, through continuous efforts from its staff, in obtaining accreditation for 16 academic programs and converting two programs from conditional accreditation to full academic accreditation. This raises the number of accredited programs in the university to 35 academic programs. The remaining 68 programs are actively working towards accreditation, demonstrating dedication and diligence. This means that all programs at the university are either accredited or in the process of academic accreditation.” 

Dr. Khaloud further stated, "Today, we take pride in the presence of our esteemed university in prestigious positions within global rankings. The university has secured the first national ranking in the education index and the third position in the infrastructure index. Additionally, the university has positioned itself third among Saudi universities and 401st globally in the Times Higher Education ranking for the year 2024. Moreover, the university excels in five academic disciplines within the same ranking. The Engineering and Computer Science disciplines achieved the first national ranking in the education index, while the Physical Sciences discipline secured the second national ranking. Furthermore, the Medicine discipline continues to hold the second national ranking in the education index within the Times ranking."

Dr. Sunduqah emphasized that the Deanship of Quality and Development is following this roadmap with the support of the university's leadership, aiming to shape a new vision for a prosperous future that caters to the needs of every individual within the university. The goal is to ensure the provision of advanced and accredited educational programs of high quality, with the aspiration to soon announce the university's presence among the top 100 universities globally.

Dr. Sunduqah congratulated H.E., Rector of the University, on the significant academic and research advancements achieved by the university across various fields and disciplines.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.E.,  Rector of the University, honored the faculties that obtained academic accreditation, as well as the partners who contributed to the success in the field of quality and academic accreditation.