The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal Madh-hab, dubbed the "Human Capability Development" program launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah safeguard them), as a qualitative, ambitious program and a cornerstone upon which the universities rely to develop their education process, harness their potentials to improve education and intensify quality research production, support researchers and innovators in order for them to serve the nation and community, and develop the capabilities of their cadres and qualify them to compete at the international level. He underscored that Umm Al-Qura University is one of the cornerstones of the program within the higher education system, and that it will contribute to achieving the aims of the Saudi Vision 2030 in the field of academic programs and initiatives.

The statement of Prof. Moaddi came while presiding over the first session of the University Council for the academic year 1443 A.H. on behalf of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad Aal Al-Sheikh. The session was held last Monday in the presence of the Secretary General of the Council of Universities Affairs, Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saleh, the Secretary General of the University Council, and the deans and vice deans of the colleges and support deanships.

While launching the session, the President of the University extended greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, and his honest Crown Prince, Prince Muhammad bin Salman (may Allah preserve them), on the occasion of the 91st National Day. He praised the support of the wise leadership (may Allah support them) of the educational process and its educational environment, noting the commendable follow-up and interest of His Excellency the Minister of Education and Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad Aal Al-Sheikh, and also the support of His Excellency the Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation, Dr. Muhammad Al-Sudairi, and their support of the university's programs and plans in order to improve the academic outputs. Moreover, he welcomed all the attendees and the members who recently joined the council and extended his thanks to those whose membership in the council had ended.

The council discussed a number of topics on the session’s schedule: it approved adding a number of academic staff to the membership of the councils of some colleges, approved the details of the university calendar for the academic year 1443 A.H., which identified the beginning and end of the academic year and the official holidays, and informed the members of the council about the decisions taken by His Excellency the Minister of Education during the summer vacation for the academic year 1442 A.H., based on the University Council's authorization. In addition, the council discussed many academic topics related to various aspects of the university to ensure the progress and continuity of the educational process and its administrative and research environment.

The meeting also approved the draft of the university budget for the coming fiscal year 1443/1444 A.H. (2022 A.C.) and the plans to re-form the Standing Committee for Teaching Assistants, Lecturers, Language Instructors and Research Assistants. Furthermore, the council approved some memoranda of understanding between the university and a number of government and private bodies.