In line with its commitment to advancing academic and research collaboration, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University welcomed a delegation from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The delegation was received by Acting University President Prof. Mansour A. Al-Haidari and was led by Farhan Nizami, accompanied by Sir David Clary. The meeting was attended by Dr. Naif M. Al-Otaibi, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research; Dr. Abdulhamid A. Al-Mishaal, Dean of the College of Sharia; Dr. Abdullah A. Al-Rouzi, Dean of the College of Fundamentals of Religion; Prof. Mohammed H. Al Al-Sheikh, Director of the Center for Islamic Studies; and several University officials.

     At the outset of the meeting, Prof. Al-Haidari welcomed the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to expanding its academic partnerships with distinguished higher education and research institutions. He emphasized that such collaborations support the University’s mission of advancing Islamic and Arabic studies, strengthening scientific research, and fostering international academic cooperation.

     The visit aimed to explore opportunities for collaboration between the University and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in ways that contribute to serving the Muslim community in the United Kingdom and promoting cooperation in education, scientific research, and Islamic studies.

     During the meeting, the University presented an overview of its research centers and highlighted their research programs and areas of specialization. The discussion also showcased the University’s research ecosystem, which includes eight specialized research centers covering Islamic and Arabic studies, humanities, and applied sciences, and their role in supporting scientific research, knowledge production, and community engagement.

     The two sides discussed several areas of future cooperation, including the application of artificial intelligence in advancing academic research, the exchange of research and academic expertise, reciprocal scientific visits for faculty members and researchers, expanding opportunities for British students to study Islamic and Arabic sciences at the University, and exchanging scholarly resources and academic references to enrich research and promote knowledge integration between the two institutions.

     The delegation also toured the University’s Museum of the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences and the Astronomical Dome, where members viewed the museum’s collections and multimedia presentations highlighting the scientific, cultural, and civilizational legacy of Islamic civilization. The tour also showcased the contributions of Muslim scholars across various scientific fields and the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.