In response to a generous invitation from HRH Prince Khaled al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Makkah and Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Dr. Hani O. Ghazi, UQU Vice President for Academic Development and Community Service, acting on behalf of Dr. Bakri M. Assas, the UQU President, has led the UQU delegation participating in a workshop for updating Makkah's ten-year strategic plan (2018-2028), in such a manner that makes it commensurate with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Participating in the workshop, organized by Makkah Region Emirate, were all public and private organizations of the region, with the aim to assess the giant projects recently or currently being implemented in the region under the Emir's auspices. The workshop aimed, also, to survey participants' views of the Meccans' aspirations.

About 100 strategic planning experts participated in the workshop, in addition to around 200 senior officials representing the various academic institutions, civil and military government agencies, as well as businessmen. The UQU delegation comprised 20 deans of UQU colleges and supporting deanships, in addition to vice-deans and strategic planning experts. 

The Vice President for Academic Development and Community Service lauded the urban renaissance that Makkah Region is witnessing under the gracious patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and under the supervision and close follow-up of the Emir.

Dr. Ghazi mentioned that the participation of the UQU delegation has been of particular importance, given that the university is located in the hear of Makkah, and is entitle to overseeing major projects associated with expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, not to forget the university's embracing of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, aside from several projects of great importance for inhabitants and infrastructure of the Region.