The Institute of Research and Consultation Studies at Umm Al-Qura University recently concluded a cooperation referendum with the Saudi Spine Society in training fields and health counseling as a part of its participation in Umm Al-Qura Oasis for Counseling during the Startup Saudi Arabia Forum held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jeddah.

In signing the referendum of understanding, the two sides were represented by the Dean of the Institute of Research and Consultation Studies, Dr. Ali bin Muhammad Al-Sha`iri, and the Chairman of the Board of the Society, Dr. Sami bin Ibrahim Al-Iysi, in the presence of the UQU Vice-President for Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. Hani bin Uthman Ghazi, the University Vice-President for Branches Dr. Abdul-Majid bin Said Al-Ghamidi, and the Vice-Dean of the Institute of Research and Consultation Studies for Development and Business Implementation, Dr. Abdul-Rahman bin Abdulaziz Majrashi.

The Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Spine Society pointed out that the society is concerned with many fields related to health issues, and seeks to promote and develop health care for spine diseases in the Kingdom. He added that the society comprises all fields of specialization related directly to spine diseases, which include surgery, pain therapy medicine, rehabilitation medicine, radiation medicine for spine diseases, complementary medicine to treat spine diseases, and physiotherapy. He indicated that the referendum contributes in developing the skills of the society's staff in their health and medical specializations.

On his part, the Dean of the Institute of Research and Consultation Studies, Dr. Ali bin Muhammad Al-Sha`ir, praised the support and directions of His Excellency the President of the University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, and His Excellency the Vice-President of the University for Development and Entrepreneurship for the activities and programs of Umm Al-Qura Oasis for Counseling, which was established to be the cognitive and technical arm of the University and aims to build a knowledge-based economy and sustainable development. He pointed out that this agreement is related to offering training and counseling services to meet all the needs of the Saudi Spine Society. He also added that the Society was keen on this kind of cooperation because of the efficient personnel Umm Al-Qura Oasis for Counseling enjoys, who are well-qualified and who have technical abilities that contribute in developing cognitive skills for the bodies that have cooperation partnerships with the Institute, in all fields of specializations, whether medical, engineering, administrative, technical geographic or artistic. This is in addition to the technical and geographic specializations, crises and risk management, and professional safety it boasts of.