At his office in the Abediyah-based University City, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), gave directions to establish a service center for UQU students with special needs. This was during his meeting with Dr. Muhammad bin Muthry Al-Huwaiti (CEO of the Saudi Association for Special Education “GESTER” in Makkah), Mr. Muhammad Al-Zahrany (Deputy of GESTER CEO), as well as a group of UQU students with special needs. The meeting also witnessed the attendance of Dr. Hany bin Othman Ghazy (UQU Vice President for Development and Entrepreneurship) and Dr. Muwaffaq Uraijah (Dean of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship).

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Bafil welcomed Dr. Al-Huwaiti and the students with special needs. He pointed out that UQU would establish a center specialized in the service of students with special needs and build a community partnership with GESTER Makkah. He said that this was via the support given to the educational and academic system by the wise government, may Allah support it! Moreover, he added that this aimed to fulfill the wishes and demands of such precious category to the hearts of UQU affiliates.   

In the same context, Prof Bafil explained that he was looking forward to serving students with special needs. He added that this would be achieved by providing all the academic requirements they needed through the Center, and creating a friendly environment within UQU for them and their needs in order to contribute to the fulfillment of their wishes and aspirations. In addition, he hailed the efforts of GESTER to provide services for such dear category to the hearts of everyone.

In turn, Dr. Al-Huwaiti gave an introductory overview of GESTER. In other words, he explained that it was a non-profit scientific association concerned with educational studies and supporting services in the domains of special education. He also pointed out that it had 21 branches in the Kingdom. Besides, he confirmed that its role was related to the development of scientific thought, reinforcement of scientific partnerships, and achievement of communication among the GESTER members to serve its interests and scientific progress towards the service of persons with special needs. Moreover, he appreciated the concern and care provided by Prof. Bafil for meeting with GESTER members and a group of UQU students with special needs.    

In turn, Prof. Bafil was awarded the honorary membership of GESTER by Dr. Al-Huwaiti on behalf of Prof. Nasser Al-Ajamy, Chairman of GESTER.