Umm Al-Qura University held the First Virtual Arts and Design Forum, which was organized by the College of Designs and Arts, on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forum, which was held under the auspices of the President of Umm Al-Qura University, was entitled, "Vision of a Designer", and aimed to highlight the richness of designs and arts and their relationship with economic, social and cultural development.

The Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Amer Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the university is keen to hold the forum during this exceptional period, sensing its scientific and educational responsibility and its role in taking the initiative in holding such forums. Thus, the UQU has become an incubator for innovators and art pioneers, a foothold for the exchange of scientific experience between researchers and interested parties, and a supporter of community partnerships. This is in order to provide a good educational and scientific environment through creativity and scientific production.

On her part, the Dean of the College of Designs, Dr. Rania Abdul-Rahman, noted that the diverse arts and cultural activities represent an important component that contributes to the vitality and brilliance of the society and the improvement of the quality of life. She also stated that the forum is based on a variety of topics, starting from the role of designs and arts in achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 in several areas.

During the forum, 21 scientific papers were reviewed and workshops were held, distributed over 5 sessions. The papers were submitted by the participants of researchers and interested groups. The forum also focused on studying successful experiences aiming to preserve the national identity, presenting the applications and methods of advertising, introducing the technology employed in the design and art field, and explaining the role of designs and the arts in achieving visions and leaving an impact on society.

The forum was concluded by discussing the time of achievements and seeking to raise the efficiency of scientific artistic and cultural products through intergenerational cooperation, to be partners in growth and creativity. The forum sessions were enriched with the participation of a number of academics specialized in the fields of designs and arts from within the university and from other universities of the Saudi Kingdom. These include King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah University, Princess Nora bint Abdul-Rahman University, University of Hail, in addition to Jeddah International College.