A delegation of the UQU deanship of preparatory year participated in the 2^nd National Conference for Preparatory Year in Saudi universities titled “The Integration of The Preparatory Years Roles with the Labor Market Requirements” held at Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University during the period from 9-10 Jumada al-Thani 1438H.

The delegation was led by Dr. Saad bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Dean of Preparatory Year, in presence of Vice-Dean of the Preparatory Year Dr. Ahmed bin Bakr Khusheim and Vice-Dean of the Preparatory Year for the Scientific and Administrative Streams Prof. Aliaa bint Abdullah Al-Gindi.

This comes within the framework of the interest of His Highness Dr. Bakry bin Matuq Assass, Umm Al-Qura University President, in the UQU participation in all scientific and academic events organized at Saudi universities.

Al-Ghamdi appraised the conference proceedings which discussed a number of pivots and topics aiming at developing the relationship between preparatory programs at Saudi universities and education from one side and scientific departments at beneficial colleges from the other side with a view to reaching more coordination and integration between preparatory programs and both general and academic education, particularly, concerning qualifying graduates of Saudi universities to keep up with labor market requirements within the framework of achieving the Saudi 2030 National Vision.

In the same context, Al-Ghamdi appraised the conference recommendations which included several constructive visions and ideas which can be adopted to develop the preparatory year. This includes, inter-alia, turning the preparatory year deanship to a college, so the latter will have flexibility in developing its programs and coordination between Universities and those who are responsible for curricula at general education to activate extended programs to ensure integration of roles for students’ acquisition of necessary skills required for labor market and to create a joint work program between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labor and Social Development for this objective.

Al-Ghamdi stressed the importance of the continuous support by Assass along with continuous follow-up by his Excellency UQU Vice-President for Educational Affairs Prof. Abdulaziz bins Rashad Sirouji which have a great effect on adopting several educational plans and applying qualitative initiatives that enabled the deanship to gain satisfaction of beneficiaries, either international and externally, and achieve excellent rank and reputation among preparatory years in Saudi universities.