Today, His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, inaugurated the workshop of the strategic plan "Tamkeen (Empowerment) 2023." The workshop was organized by the planning team of the Advisory Board Council under the title "Streams and Initiatives Resembling the Future" and was based around 14 main themes. It was held at Al-Jawhara Hall, Holiday Inn Hotel, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

His Excellency stressed that all participants should contribute initiatives, ideas, and visions that contribute to serving the university and its community and help it to reach the level of advanced international universities. He indicated that Umm Al-Qura University is distinguished from other universities by its geographical location; beside the Sacred Places. This location motivated the university to consider the service of pilgrims as one of its strategic goals by making use of scientific research and qualifying graduates in the areas needed to develop the systems for Hajj, Umrah, and visitors.

His Excellency praised the support of the wise leadership (may Allah grant it success) for the educational and research process, which has greatly contributed to creating a suitable educational and research environment. He indicated that the Empowerment Plan seeks to develop a clear and well-defined vision for the strategies on which the university will depend during the coming five years. This plan will help the university to carry out its scientific, research, and community roles. He also praised the efforts of the Vice President for Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Hani bin Uthman Ghazi, and all those working on the plan.

The team leader of the Empowerment Plan 2023, Dr. Ayman Jawahirji, pointed out in a presentation on the stages of the strategic plan that the plan has 14 main themes. The most important of these themes are that Umm Al-Qura University should have an advanced international rating, offer a quality education, have professional scientific research, meet the needs of Hajj, Umrah, and visitors, and endorse communal responsibility and voluntary work.

Dr. Ayman Jawahirji added, "The plan seeks to achieve diversified investment and an innovative knowledge economy. It aims to provide a sustainable institutional structure with a smart nature, and attractive scientific environment. Moreover, it seeks to form active and cooperative partnerships and gain high quality academic accreditation nationally and internationally to make Umm Al-Qura University a pioneer university through its creative works. The plan also aims to market the products and educational outcomes of the university."

At the end of the workshop, more than 90 executive initiatives reached by the Advisory Board were reviewed. Then, his Excellency the President of the University thanked those who participated in the workshop.