On behalf of the Minister of Education and Chairman of the UQU Council, Dr. Ahmad bin Muhammad Al-`Isa, the President of UQU, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, chaired the 2nd  meeting of the university council for the academic year 1439/1440 A.H. on Thursday Rabi` Al-Awwal 14, 1440 A.H., in King Faisal Hall at the university campus in Al-Abdiyyah .

 
Prof. Bafail started the session by referring to the speech delivered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud - May Allah protect him - during the inauguration of the third year of the 7th Session of the Shura Council, saying that it provided a clear roadmap for building and developing people’s skills and preparing the generations for the jobs of the future.  Such directives confirm the belief of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince of the importance of looking to the future and developing the necessary plans to achieve Saudi Vision 2030 by creating a balanced economy commensurate with its international and regional capabilities, in addition to continuing its efforts to deal with the crises of the region and the Islamic and Arab worlds. 
 
He referred to the political issues outlined in the king's speech, which clearly highlighted the Kingdom’s position at the local, regional, and international levels. He then praised the support provided by the wise leadership for the educational and research process at the university that contributes to providing national interest in serving the nation and boosting development.  

 
Prof. Bafail congratulated Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim Samman on his appointment as Dean of the College of Islamic Finance and Economy and for joining the university council and the higher consultative committee. He also extended his thanks to the previous dean of the college, Dr. Essam bin Hashim Al-Jafrry, and wished success and progress for everyone.  
 
The UQU Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research and Secretary General of the University Council, Dr. Thamer bin Hamdan Al-Harby, said the council discussed several topics listed on its agenda related to administrative, scientific, and academic affairs, and made the following decisions: 

- To approve the request for granting bachelor and diploma degrees to students expected to graduate by the end of the first semester of the academic year 1438/1439 H from all university colleges, institutes in Makkah, and their branches in Al-Lith, Jamoum, Adhm, and Al-Qunfudhah provinces.
- To approve the proposed formula of the "MSc Program in Electrical Engineering" submitted by the Department of Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture;  
- To approve the proposed formula of the "PhD Program in Chemistry" submitted by the Department of Chemistry in the College of Applied Sciences;  
- To approve the request for appointing and extending the appointments of a number of academic staff to be members in the councils of some colleges and institutes for two years.

The council also discussed several academic and administrative issues and made appropriate recommendations on them.