His Excellency Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of Umm Al-Qura University, launched three updated electronic services on Monday, 8 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1440 A.H., corresponding to 14 January, 2019 A.C. The services include: “Ticket Systems”, “Appointment Bookings”, and “Workflows”. These services were launched with the aim of developing and harnessing technology to facilitate the transactions of the University's academic staff and employees. The meeting took place in the presence of the UQU Vice-President for Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. Hani bin Uthman Ghazi, the Dean of Information Technology Dr. Fahd bin Muhammad Al-Dusari, and the Vice-Dean of IT for e-Transactions Dr. Atif Al-Hijaili.

His Excellency stressed the importance of developing and building an e-services system to serve the research and academic environment. He said this comes in conformity with the University's strategic plan, which is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, to build an e-governance community.

The Vice-Dean of IT for e-Transactions, Dr. Atif Al-Hijaili, said that all sectors inside the University can benefit from the electronic ticket system to submit requests for technical support, or for general inquiries. It can also be used for following up on these requests. He added that the appointment booking system enables school community to book halls inside the University and coordinate visits. It also allows the service requester to follow up his request and the action taken concerning it.

He states that the e-workflow system enables all relevant bodies to automate and build e-workflows, with the ability to follow up the action and connect with any other system according to the authority granted in this regard. The Dean of IT, Dr. Fahd Al-Dusari, expressed his appreciation for the care and support provided by His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Omar Bafail, toward the automation of the University services. He explained that the Deanship seeks to employ technology in a way that is suitable for the type of service required by the colleges, supportive deanships, centers and departments. He confirmed that by the beginning of 2020, all services will be provided electronically.

The UQU Vice-President for Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Hani Ghazi, expressed his appreciation for the support given by His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University to the developmental program, particularly the technical aspects which will contribute to developing the educational and research environment and the academic programs in line with international standards.