According to the 2030 vision and the instructions of HE President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) for the continuous development of education in the University, and within the preparations for the AACSB and EFMD International Academic Accreditations, the UQU Business Administration College team led by Dr. Sultan bin Ayed Al-Buqami, the Dean, Prof.  Ahmed Al-Qarni, the Vice-Dean for Educational Affairs, Mr. Sultan Al-Harbi, the lecturer in the college who is currently at scholarship in Texas A & M University, and Dr. Yosri Nabil, Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Department, has succeeded to overcome many obstacles in the way to launch the joint educational project between UQU Business Administration College and Texas A & M University. This has been supported by the College’s Female Students Section which is represented by Ms. Naima Yarkindy, Vice-Dean for Admission and Registration, Dr. Salwa Al-Mahmady, Dean of University Studies at the Ree’ Dhakhir Headquarters, and Dr. Suzan Wazan, Vice-Dean for Female Section. Moreover, an outstanding technical support for such success has been given by the Deanship of E-Learning and Distance Education which is represented by Mr. Hatem Natto, the Vice Dean for Media and Educational Technologies Center and Mr. Ahmed bin Afif, the Deanship’s delegate for the support of the project. The BA College has also given technical support for the project through the efforts of Mr. Abdullah Al-Zahrani, the lecturer in the college who is responsible for the project’s international technical communication and Mr. Sultan Al-Ansari, the College’s Technical Affairs Coordinator.

Thanks to God, the joint lecture between Dr. Angela Dorroco from Texas A & M University and Dr. Yosri Nabil, from BA College, UQU and which has been attended by top staff of BA College (Male and Female Students Sections) has succeeded. Among the attendees have been 34 Saudi students from the College and 90 American students from Texas A & M University.  The lecture was held on Wednesday 18/01/1438H (19^th October 2016) at 4:00 pm. The male students have attended the lecture at the College Council hall (N) Building, Abediyah, while the lecture has been given to the female students at their headquarters in Ree’ Dhakhir.

Photo taking has marked the beginning of the event. American students have waived the flags of both Saudi Arabia and Texas. The BA College students replied with mass greeting to their American counterparts.

Prof.  Ahmed Al-Qarni, the Vice-Dean for Educational Affairs has given an opening speech to accentuate the support and welcome by HE President of the University for such educational project. The speeches also has confirmed the support by all the University's staff, especially the Dean of the BA College, for the project as it has been part of the College's serious steps towards international accreditation. Prof.  Al-Qarni has spoken about the leading position and distinguished programmes of UQU, while Dr. Suzan Wazan has welcomed the American staff and students and has explained to the female students the significance of the project.

On the other hand, Dr. Angela Dorocco has talked about tourism in Texas and the importance thereof to bridge the gaps among different cultures. She also has spoken about Texas A & M University, its students and programmes.  

Dr. Yosri Nabil has then given a lecture about tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the vision of 2030. He also has pointed the opportunities generated by tourism out through one of the business models which have been used in the distribution of one of the tourism products. He has used such model to clarify the opportunities to individuals, companies and countries in business leadership.

 A discussion has then been opened between Saudi and               American students on one hand and business administration professors on the other. The discussion has revolved around touristic attractions in KSA, investment chances in tourism, generosity of the Saudi people and the distinguished Saudi Arabian cuisine. As regards Texas, the attendees have talked about touristic attractions, the hospitality found in the reception of tourists, investment chances in tourism, safety of tourists, Americans’ acceptance of Saudi culture, and the possibility of Saudi students’ travel for educational and summer courses at Texas A & M University. Dr. Angela Dorocco has urged Mr. Sultan Al-Harbi to talk about his experience in Texas. The attendees have expressed their gratitude to him for his role in the project.

Saudi students have been innovative with reference to their questions and answers to both their American counterparts and Dr. Angela Dorocco. The students from both sides have also invited each other for visits. The lecture has been concluded by expressions of gratitude from business administration professors to UQU and Texas A & M University Leaders. In addition, Prof.  Ahmed Al-Qarni has invited the American side to visit both UQU and BA College, while expressing his gratitude to both business administration professors, for the great effort they have exerted with the students, and the students from America and Saudi Arabia, for their wounderful participation. At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Suzan Wazan has bidden farewell to the students and has invited both Dr. Angela Dorocco and her students to visit KSA.