The UQU President, Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas, has handed out certificates of the Fundamental Course for staff of the Mass-Gathering Organization and Management Institute at the Department of Public Security, those who participated in the course (14 employees). A ceremony was held on this occasion at the Institure on Sunday, Rabee' II 17, 1438H, at King Abdulaziz Secondary Historical Auditorium at Abidiya Campus.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Muhammad A. al-Zahrani, dean of the Institute, Dr. Thamer H. al-Harbi, UQU Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Col. Khaled al-Humaidan, Vice Dean of the Institute, and Dr. Hamza A. Ghalman, Dean of the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture and Acting Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, as well as a number of Publich Security senior officials.

After a brief Quranic recitation at the outset of the ceremony, the Col. Dr. Muhammad al-Zahrani, director of the Institute, delivered an address, in which he reiterated the Leadership's keen interest in serving pilgrims who hail to this blessed land. He pointed out that such training and qualifying courses aim at hone the Institute staff's skills and stimulate their capabilities.

He praised Umm al-Qura University (UQU) for hosting this course, which lasted over three months, that familiarized participants with new skills and experiences that would help them assume their responsibilities to perfection, by organizing and managing mass-gatherings during Hajj and Umrah seasons. He extended sincere and profound thanks to Dr. Assas for patronizing the ceremony, and handing out certificates of the first fundamental course to the Institute staff, as well as honoring all who contributed to the success of this event.

It followed that Sgt. Fares A. Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the graduates, delivered an address in which he thanked UQU, and all who contributed to qualifying and enriching them over the course period, as well as reinforcing them with the theoretical knowledge that would help them do their job to the most, and enable them to partake in serving pilgrims.

He mentioned that it is a great honor for them that their graduation coincides with the second anniversary of King Salman's rise to power. On this occasion, they renewed pledge of allegiance to the King of 'decisiveness' and 'hope', and to the Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince, may Allah protect them and perpetuate stability and prosperity of this country.

After that, the UQU President, Dr. Assas, delivered his address in which he lauded the gracious patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as well as the Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince, for pilgrims. They shown keen interest in removing all obstacles faced by pilgrims, and providing all means that would help them perform pilgrimage easily.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia, with the guidance of Allah in the first place, and with all human and technological capabilities, has managed to manifest itself as the pioneer of mass-gathering management and organization worldwide, by achieving outstanding success in managing Hajj and Umrah seasons. He took the chance to commend role of security men to preserve safety of citizens, visitors, and pilgrims.

Within the same vein, he reiterated that UQU would spare no effort to provide its academic and research experiences, and enhance their community role in serving citizens and the homeland. By organizing such courses, he added, UQU seeks to qualify the youth of this country general, and security men in particular. This is regarded as part of the university's mission and national duty, serving as a scientific beacon, underpinned by its 'noble knowledge and holy place'. He called on everybody to assume their role in serving the homeland and the Ummah. May Allah protect the leadership of this country, and perpetuate its prosperity.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Assas handed out certificates to graduates of Mass-Gathering Organization and Management Institute who participated in the course. Besides, he honored all authorities that contributed to brining success to the first fundamental training course for staff of the Institute. For his part, the Institute director presented a souvenir to Dr. Assas.