In a unique step to create academic specializations in occupational health and safety, and risk and crisis management, His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, represented by SAFE Center for Safety, Risk, and Crisis Management, and the General Directorate of Civil Defense. The signing, which occurred in Prof. Bafail's office, aims to provide educational, research, and consulting services and training programs that qualify workers in the relevant sectors.

The MoU signed by the Dean of the Consulting Research and Studies Institute, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri, and the representative of the Civil Defense Directorate in the Holy Capital, Major General Ali Al-Muntashiri, provides engineering and technical consultation in the field of risk management, safety, and fire prevention, and creates academic majors that fall within the College of Engineering, in accordance with the academic rules and regulations approved by the university. The MoU also aims to qualify workers in the fields of safety within the terms of scientific and practical training cooperation in research, the provision of technical services and consultancy, and the implementation of academic courses to benefit from specialized personnel.

His Excellency the Dean of the Institute, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri, stressed the excellence of the university in providing scientific and research expertise through its different deanships and specialized academic centers in the fields that serve the various governmental sectors. Moreover, he placed special emphasis on the pivotal role that the SAFE Center for Safety, Risk, and Crisis Management plays in training, qualification, consulting, simulating risks and crises, and ensuring the protection of life and property in the work environment.

The Assistant of the UQU Acting Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ayman Johargy, referred to the importance of security and safety in serving the Hajj and Umrah system, providing consulting services, and introducing academic majors and vocational rehabilitation programs to develop the security and safety profession.

The Dean of the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Ahmad Al-Ahmadi, stated that professional development is one of the most important services of the SAFE Center, as it is a specialized and accredited professional and reference organization in the field of safety, risk and crises management. In addition, it provides studies and consulting research by qualified and specialized experts.

The SAFE Center has launched two educational academic diplomas, an Executive Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety in the Construction Field, and an Executive Diploma in Occupational Safety and Risk Management, in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture. The center also provides seven training programs specialized in risk management and firefighting, and prepares practitioners and professionals in occupational health and safety in the work environment, in addition to the Occupational Health and Safety program for healthcare professionals.

The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, said he valued the role of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies in signing the Memorandum of Understanding, as it will have a beneficial impact on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and its service for the benefit of individuals and society.