His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, appreciated the approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah safeguard him), to form the first Council for University Affairs in the Saudi Kingdom after the issuance of the New University System.

He added that the addition of officials from the Excellencies in the relevant ministries of the state as well as those with experience to the membership of the council proves the interest and care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince (may Allah safeguard them), to support university education and its outcomes, in line with the strategies of the Saudi Vision 2030.

His Excellency affirmed that this council represents a service for universities towards upgrading their educational, academic and research outcomes. The council was also established to accelerate the wheel of the universities' development to keep pace with science and knowledge in advanced universities and educational institutions, and to contribute to developing the country and serving the society through the programs it provides in accordance with the needs and requirements of the labor market.

His Excellency the University President noted the efforts of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh, towards developing university education programs, and his supervision of the implementation of the New University System, which is characterized by its independence with regard to financial resources and regulations. This will positively reflect on the quality of academic, research and innovation performance of the universities.