As part of the “Green Makkah” campaign launched by the Makkah Region Development Authority, Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Administration of Voluntary Work and Social Responsibility, launched the “Green Umm Al-Qura” initiative in coincidence with the 91^st National Day. The UQU initiative was launched during a workshop which was held at the headquarters of the General Administration in Al-Abdiyyah, in collaboration with the Holy Makkah Municipality and Al-Birr Charity Association in Jeddah.

The UQU Vice President, Prof. Farid Al-Ghamdi, clarified that the university seeks to create an academic and educational environment which suits the staff members and the students. This includes giving attention to the classrooms and facilitating movement and transportation inside the campus, in addition to increasing and beautifying the green areas.

The UQU Vice President for Development and Community Service, Dr. Ali Al-Shairi, stated that the initiative aims to increase the green areas inside the university, to improve the university environment, to address any visual distortion in it, and to increase the scientific production related to environmental and community health. Dr. Ali Al-Shairi added that this initiative coincides with the directives of His Excellency the Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman (may Allah safeguard him), in relation to the “Green Saudi Arabia” and the “Green Middle East” initiatives.

The General Supervisor of the General Administration of Voluntary Work and Social Responsibility, Dr. Sumayyah Sharaf, stressed that this initiative includes a number of activities, the most important of which are forums, seminars, and specialized workshops and courses. Dr. Sumayyah Sharaf added that this initiative also includes conducting scientific research in the field of environmental health and cultivating areas prepared for this purpose, both inside and outside the campus. In addition, the initiative focuses on supporting volunteers, activating their participation in tree-planting, and improving the quality of life at the university.

Dr. Rabai Bazahir, an academic staff member at the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, stressed that the tree-planting process started with specifying some sites for this purpose inside the campus and discussing the possibility of collaborating with entities participating in the workshop to urge them to participate in the initiative. Dr. Bazahir added that the possibility of collaborating with the General Administration of Projects was also addressed, stating that this initiative coincides with the 91^st National Day.

The Vice Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah for Academic Affairs, Dr. Essam Khan, highlighted the institute's readiness and interest in offering studies and scientific research in the field of environmental and community health. This will be implemented by conducting research on renewable energy, waste recycling, environmental safety, and other pioneering fields related to creating an attractive environment for the guests of Allah.