President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) Dr. Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Assas, received at his office in Abdiyah Campus, the President of Taif University, Dr. Hossam bin Abdulwahab Zaman, on Wednesday Shawal 15th, 1437H. The meeting was attended by UQU Vice President for Graduate studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Thamir bin Hamdan Al-Harbi,  UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Aziz bin Rashad Al-Srouji, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Hamza Ghulman, and the Dean of Scientific Research, Dr. Faisal Al-Allaf. 
 
In the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Al-Assas welcomed the President of Taif University and the accompanying delegation. Then the meeting discussed the latest expertise reached by Umm Al-Qura university in knowledge and research fields in general, and in innovation and entrepreneurship fields in particular.  
 
During the meeting, the Dean of Scientific Research, Dr. Faisal Al-Allaf, has presented a brief introduction about "UQU National Comprehensive Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation 2013" that sheds light on the global trends towards a knowledge and innovation-based economies through scientific research . It is largely regarded as a turning point towards transformation from the Kingdom's economy depending on oil and natural resources to a knowledge-based economy, by means of localizing and developing strategic technologies.

"The UQU's sought-after vision," he said, "is to develop, achieve and sustain measures of comprehensive quality assurance, and assess progress as per the key performance indicators (KPIs) defined by the National Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation. That is to be added to increasing the economic returns and social benefits, raising awareness, and facilitating awarding of research grants and scholarships."
 
For his part, the President of Taif University, Dr. Zaman expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Assas for the distinguished efforts he is exerting in the service of Umm Al-Qura University. He pointed out that UQU has a full range of expertise in research and innovation aspects to become a role model for the universities in this regard.  
 
After that, Dr. Assas and Dr. Zaman conducted a visit to Makkah Techno-Valley Company inside Abdiyah campus. They were  accompanied by UQU Vice President for Graduate studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Thamir bin Hamdan Al-Harbi,  UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Aziz bin Rashad Al-Srouji, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Hamza Ghulman, and the Dean of Scientific Research, Dr. Faisal Al-Allaf. They listened to a detailed presentation from the supervisor general of the public relations and media department in the company, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah about the experience of Makkah Techno-Valley Company and its products, research, e-sensors laboratories and startups.