His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, during a meeting at his office today, briefed the British Consul-General in Jeddah, Mr. Seif Usher, and his accompanying delegation about the university and its efforts in the scientific and research aspects in its different branches and streams.

He valued the visit of the delegation set to boost the relations with the UK universities. He explained the university's role towards the Muslim students it receives every year from about 40 countries around the world by providing educational opportunities for them in the Arabic and Islamic colleges as well as the Institute of Arabic Language for non-Native Speakers. This is through the scholarships offered to them by the government, represented by the Ministry of Education.

Prof. Bafail went on to explain that UQU welcomes many British students who receive their education at Islamic and Arabic colleges, adding that they all receive proper attention that allows them to continue their studies. He welcomed the cooperation with the British universities in a number of educational and research fields, in addition to creativity and innovation.

On his part, the British Consul-General extended his thanks and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality. He stressed the need for continued cooperation between the UQU and the British universities in the cultural, scientific and research fields, as well as continued participation and cooperation in the activities of joint interest. He also emphasized the great role of the Saudi Arabian universities, especially UQU, for everything they offer in terms of sciences in various fields, hoping that this cooperation and coordination increases between the university and the British Consulate.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency the UQU President presented memorial gifts to the British Consul-General and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Nouf Imam from the department of sciences and innovation, Mr. Sayed Soun, the training and education consultant, Dr. Hani bin Uthman Ghazi, the UQU Vice President for Development and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Abdulaziz Suruji, the UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Sarah bint Omar Al-Khuli, the UQU Vice President for Female Affairs, along with the deans of the supporting deanships, the medical and engineering colleges, and the research institutes and centers.