Umm Al-Qura University and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding in the "field of environment", for UQU to direct its research and studies towards environmental topics. Moreover, UQU, through this memorandum, will deliver relevant academic diplomas and bachelor's degrees, coordinate in implementing environmental awareness programs and disseminating knowledge concerning them, and provide technical consulting services in the fields pertaining to the agreement.

Umm Al-Qura University was represented in the signing by its Vice President for Educational Affairs, Prof. Abdul-Aziz Suruji, accompanied by the Dean of the College of Community, Dr. Essam Bazr`ah, and the Vice Dean of the Research Projects in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Dr. Mazin Al-Shamarani. On the other hand, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture was represented in the signing by its Vice President for Environment, Dr. Usama Faqiha.

The agreement that was signed last Thursday, 18 April, 2019, comes as recognition of the significance of cooperation between institutions, a desire to benefit from the local expertise, and a way of utilizing the available abilities and capabilities. Both parties agreed on the formation of a work team, under the presidency of Dr. Abdul-Rahman Hariri as a representative of the Ministry and Dr. Essam Bazr`ah as a representative of UQU, to lay down the executive plans and work on the fulfillment of the items of the agreement.