The UQU President, Dr. Bakri M. Assas, has commended the strides taken by the College of Computer Science and Information Systems. The college has carried out several innovative IT projects that would enhance the academic and educational roles of the college, and of the university by large. They would also stimulate its students and faculty members to embrace this path, which would, in turn, contribute to establishing emerging national IT businesses, for the advantage our country and people alike.

During his inspecting tour to the College of Computer Science and Information Systems on Wednesday, Rabee' I 29, 1438H, Dr. Assas reiterated his support to the college's students and faculty members, ongoing encouragement for all good efforts, and adoption of innovative projects. Meanwhile, he lauded the efforts exerted by the college's dean and officials for patronizing creative capabilities of the youth, honing their skills, and developing their technology-associated ideas. "May Allah help us all," he said.

Noteworthy, Dr. Assas paid a visit to "Swand Permanent Exhibition for Technological Progress and Innovation" at the college premises, accompanied by the college dean, Dr. Fahad M. al-Dossari, and vice-deans. He checked on innovative projects presented by students and faculty members. Dr. Assas and attendees listened to Dr. al-Dossari's explanation of the exhibition, deemed to be the first of its kind in Makkah, representing a center of gravity for IT innovators and pioneers, providing an appropriate environment for exchange of knowledge, and displaying the newest inventions of the college's faculty members and students. Moreover, it is an exhibition with renewable content; it includes corners for games developed by students who received courses on game development in 2015. 2D and 3D games were developed, in addition to game content for virtual reality glasses, designing robot plains, and many other e-platforms.  

For his part, Eng. Ghazi I. al-Otaibi, head of the Department of Innovation at the College of Computer Science and Information Systems, and head of Swand Initiative for Technological Progress, gave a presentation on "Swand" project, and its role in assisting the college community (students and faculty members alike) in achieving progress and excellence in technological inventions; such that would partake in knowledge economics, and bringing the Saudi Vision 2030 into reality, by means of creating a knowledge environment stimulating technological progress and innovation. He pointed out that, under Swand Initiative, 14 programs were provided over the academic year 2015/2016. In this spirit, students' skills were honed, games were developed, hologram and graphic designs were provided, in addition to animation, digital manufacturing (by using 3D printers), and IoT. As a result, 50 app developers, 50 game developers, 50 graphic designers and 50 animation and projection map designers were graduated. That is to be added to production of the first 3D game, virtual website for the college, aside from many other achievements.

Furthermore, the Dr. Assas checked on Swand Hall at the College of Computer Science and Information Systems, designed to host the college's events (seminars, workshops, etc.), as well as the Student Activities Hall at the Department of Computer Engineering.