His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, today, on Tuesday, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies at Umm Al-Qura University and Qoot Restaurant & Cafes Association. The agreement aims to achieve knowledge and scientific exchange in the field of educational and research services, in addition to enhancing advisory and training services.

The CEO of the Qoot Association, His Highness Prince Walid bin Nasser Al Saud, explained that the association is concerned with supporting and developing the restaurants and cafes sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is also concerned with developing legislation related to this field, contributing to support small and medium enterprises, providing jobs for the nation's youth, and qualifying them through training courses and specialized professional diploma programs.

He added that the association works to support strategic agreements and expand community services for the restaurants and cafes sector. Work is also underway to improve this industry and raise the level of work efficiency in it, in order to achieve customer satisfaction, meet their needs, and fulfill their desires.

On his part, the Dean of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri, stated that the agreement is evidence of the integration of efforts between Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Institute for Research and Consulting Studies, and the private sector, represented by the "Qoot" Association for the services of the restaurants and cafes sector. He pointed out that the agreement included advisory services and specialized professional development programs, as well as educational and community programs related to the sector. It also involves enhancing the effective contribution in the field of industry and tourism to serve local content.

Rifada Center is one of the investment hubs of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies that develops the services sector in the field of hospitality, tourism and subsistence, whose objectives align with those of "Qoot" Association. This makes the memorandum a starting point for more consultative and professional achievements in this field.

The Director of the Cooperation Project with Qoot Association, Dr. Sultan Al-Harbi, explained that this memorandum opens the way for a series of pilot and qualitative projects, and enhances the role of Umm Al-Qura University in building broad partnerships with the private sector working in hospitality services. This is in addition to qualifying effective national staff capable of assuming their responsibilities and proving their professional and practical presence in various international institutions.