Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, launched the 'Rifada' Center for Tourism and Hospitality. This took place in a celebration organized yesterday, Wednesday, at the Hilton Jeddah, in partnership with local pioneers in the food industry and catering entrepreneurs of Makkah and the holy sites.

In its endeavors to develop the system of services provided to the guests of Al-Rahman, the university looks forward to making the 'Rifada' Center one of the leading centers in the Saudi Kingdom as regards the programs of consultation, development studies and professional development in tourism and the hospitality industries. It also aims to contribute to enriching knowledge production in order to serve the business sectors and government agencies based on international technical standards.

His Excellency the President of the University, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, stressed the necessity of harnessing the professional potentials and employing the support system and educational programs to qualify the Saudi youth and provide them with skills that keep pace with the current and future needs of the labor market fields.

On his part, the Dean of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri, stated that the 'Rifada' Center is an important institution for the development of the system of services provided to the visitors of the Sacred House of Allah. The Saudi Kingdom, thanks to its wise leadership (may Allah support it), is keen on providing these services in accordance with the highest standards that befit the guests of Al-Rahman. This is achieved through professional advice and applications that experts in the fields of hospitality and tourism work to implement, in cooperation with the business sector and international partners.

During the ceremony, two memoranda of understanding were signed by the Dean of the Institute Consulting Research and Studies, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri. The first memorandum was signed with the catering entrepreneurs of Makkah, represented by their leader Mr. Ahmad Al-Sharif, and the other was signed with one of the leading national companies in the food industry.

The first memorandum included cooperation in all academic, scientific and research fields, as well as providing development studies for the system of catering professions and their employees by providing a professional diploma in the healthy production and the safety of food and organizing training and qualification courses for practitioners in this field.

The second memorandum focused on providing advisory services and developing vocational qualification programs to meet the needs of the food industry.

To watch the video of the celebration launching the Rifada Center, click here.