The Umm Al-Qura University celebrated honoring Dr. Bakri bin M'atooq Assas, its former President, on Wednesday evening Safar 1, 1440H, for his efforts during the period he was on board. It was attended by a number of presidents of universities, former Vice Presidents, a number of officials from the governmental and civil sectors in Makkah, UQU Vice Presidents, Colleges’ Deans and Affiliates. The celebration took place at King Abdul-Aziz Historical Hall at the University Campus in Abdyia.

The celebration started by Quranic recitation, followed by a speech for Dr. Abdullah bin Omar BaFail, the UQU’s current President, in which he lauded the efforts of Dr. Assas that were under the follow-up and consideration of the wise leadership for the education in all its stages and that of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the current Governor of Makkah Province, and Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region.

Dr. BaFail expressed thanks and appreciation for Dr. Assas for what he gave to the University, assuring that these efforts will continue in serving the country no matter what locations change and duties and responsibilities vary. This will be through the support given by the wise leadership to the University’s educational, academic, research and administrative process, according to the UQU’s plans that are in line with the Kingdom Vision 2030.

He then thanked the universities’ presidents and the attendees for their participation in this celebration, to which they added beauty and joy. He praised the efforts of who organized the honoring celebration in a way that suits the University's prestige.

After that, the presence watched a movie about the Dr. Assas and the accomplishments he achieved during the 8 years he was on board. Then the poet Mohamed Al-Sheikh (the UQU poet for 1434H) recited a poem about Dr. Assas’ efforts, moral and humanitarian qualities between his students.

Moreover, the former UQU President gave a speech in which he lauded the support the University is receiving from the wise leadership for the educational process and its administrative and academic environment. He then thanked the current President for his concern and loyalty and their excellencies for traveling to attend this celebration. He also thanked the University’s Affiliates, including Colleges’ Vice Deans and Deans, in addition to the academics and employees for the efforts they offered during the period he was on board.

At the end, Dr. BaFail honored Dr. Assas and memorial photos were taken with their excellencies, University;s board members and attendees.