Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), the Deanship of Faculty Affairs organized the Honorary Ceremony for 285 UQU retired staff members, administrative and technical employees, and Non-Saudi affiliates with terminated contracts. This was in the presence of Dr. Sarah bint Omar Al-Khouly (UQU Vice-President for Female Students’ Affairs), Dr. Hala bint Saeed Al-Amoudy (Dean of University Studies for Girls), as well as a number of deanship and college vice-deans and employees. It is worth mentioning that the event which was transmitted via TV network at Al-Jawhara Hall in Al-Zahir, was held on Wednesday, 23rd Shaaban 1439H at King Abdulaziz Historical Hall in the Abediyah-based University City. 

The ceremony started with a Quranic recitation followed by the speech of Mr. Saeed Al-Salmy, Head of the Deanship of Faculty Affairs. He extended thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all who contributed to building competencies and distinguishing achievements among UQU retired affiliates. In addition, he thanked Dr. Abdullah Bafil for his support and concern. He also thanked all contributors to the service of UQU, wishing everyone guidance.

Then, Wafeer Program, which was presented by the Deanship of Faculty Affairs, was pointed out to. This included the introduction of the program’s main objectives and advantages by visiting the Deanship’s website.

In the same context, Mr. Muhammad Al-Nahary gave the speech of employees. He expressed all appreciation and gratitude to all retirees, adding that it was the honor of UQU to be served by them. He also said that he was totally proud to belong to such grand edifice, i.e. UQU, and extended deep thanks to the President and the dear guests.   

Within the same framework, Dr. Nour Qarout gave the speech of retired academic staff. She started with praise, appreciation and thanks to all the blessed efforts in the service of UQU. She also appreciated the honesty of the affiliates during their long journey of giving, hard work, excellence and fruitful achievement.

This was followed by the speech of Dr. Abdullah Bafil in which he appreciated the honorees’ efforts and services. He stressed that such honoring event represented gratitude towards their effort and role in the service of UQU. 

In the same context, a video of the gift by UQU to the living and dead honorees was presented. The gift was a project to dig a well and ablution basins in an Indonesian village.

On the other hand, Dr. Sarah Al-Khouly gave a speech full of thanks and appreciation to all female retirees. She said that retirement was the harvest of great days and fruitful achievements through the provision of scientific and practical experiences to serve the nation and its citizens. She also wished that Allah would grant everyone lifelong health and guidance.

Afterwards, participations followed each other. Under the title, “Experience,” Dr. Effat Khoqeir, Associate Professor of English Literature, shed light on the retirement experience and role to enrich the retired with more skills and hobbies. Moreover, the representative of the Public Pension Agency explained the main regulations, laws and services provided by the state to the retired.

At the end of the event, Dr. Sarah Al-Khouly awarded the female retirees memorial shields and appreciation certificates. Then, a cake was served to celebrate the occasion.