The Institute of Consulting Research and Studies was established as per a decision issued by the Higher Education Council in its session No. 54, dated Jumada Al-Awwal 14, 1430 A.H., corresponding to May 9, 2009 A.C. The decision stipulated converting the Center of Consulting Research and Studies at Umm Al-Qura University into the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, by virtue of Decision No. 26/4/1430 A.H., which was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – also the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Higher Education Council – through Decision No. 4882/M, dated Jumada Al-Awwal 29, 1430 A.H., corresponding to May 24, 2009 A.C. Since its establishment, the Institute has been working to provide full-time and part-time consulting services. Such services have been provided by professors and experts with academic and professional specialization in their knowledge and domains, from the distinctive academic staff widely known for their competence at Umm Al-Qura University. The Institute also provided additional services for the consulting services unit at the Vice Deanship for Development and Business Implementation. Those services are represented in the establishment of expertise offices that aim to promote the roles of the university’s academic staff in the professional life and linking them to investment and commercial aspects. This is by sharing with the community in which they live their expertise, advice and knowledge beyond the boundaries of the university in a proper manner that does not interfere with their primary role as teachers and mentors. To achieve that, the academic staff are given the opportunity to establish expertise offices in their academic fields to serve students (males and females), the university and the external investment entities in a systematic manner, under regulated investment rules and contracts, and with agreed-upon financial ratios. All this is under the umbrella of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies at Umm Al-Qura University. Moreover, the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies provides services that support professional accreditation. This is done through providing a number of carefully selected, specialized courses and workshops that prepare individuals for labor market requirements. The courses and workshops were given by competent academic staff for the purpose of improving the quality of life in all areas, benefitting from information, applying technology, and utilizing the human mind. These courses were also utilized in a way that serves the society and its members, addresses labor market needs, and contributes to the global economy as a significant element of the social system. The Institute provided the trainees with certificates approved and certified by local and international professional accreditation entities. The Institute has been proactive in reviewing its vision, mission and strategic objectives in a way that enhances its role in promoting Saudi Vision 2030. The Institute’s new vision will ensure the Institute becomes a leading institution in the production, transfer, and localization of knowledge and technology to achieve the goals of sustainable development in the Kingdom. This vision was formulated based on the vision of our leaders for the advancement and glory of our country, home of the Two Holy Mosques, and so that the Kingdom would become a successful, leading example in the world at all levels. Effective contribution to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 was and will remain the ultimate goal of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies. What sets our hearts at rest is that the new vision of the Institute goes to the heart of Saudi Vision 2030. That is because our vision concentrates on three axes constituting the pillars of comprehensive sustainable development. In the forefront is the social axis, which focuses on building a vital society with deeply rooted values, fertile environment, and solid structure. The second is the economic axis, which works on building and developing a thriving economy with fruitful opportunities, effective investment, attracting competitiveness, and exploited location. The third is the institutional axis, which is building an ambitious homeland with effective institutions adopting the culture of performance and working with high standards of transparency and accountability, as well as responsible citizens seeking to attain the achievements and gains that will come only when each of them bears their responsibilities in life and works for themselves and their family, community, and country. Work Methodology: We work closely with our partners in the public and private sectors and society. We share with them work, building and development to find the suitable solutions through a clear methodology based on the following: 1 Analysis that is based on facts and evidence. 2 Convenient operational methods 3 Facilitating holding internal and external partnerships with beneficiaries in a way that achieves their aspirations. 4 Finding implementable solutions. 5 Offering the required training and needs to support the professional accreditation. Message from the Dean ________________________________________ In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Praise is to Allah, the Almighty. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah, his family, companions and followers. Dear, Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU); May Allah protect you! UQU Vice- Presidents, Deans, Ladies, gentlemen and colleagues, May peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you! Every achievement has fruit; and each season has harvest. Today, here we are harvesting what we have sown for a whole year. It has been a year of different branches, ripe fruits and obvious achievements, thanks to Allah. Such achievements have chased ambition, embraced endeavors, and flown successfully until they have become a visible tangible reality. In this regard, the most significant achievement in this year has been the launch of Umm Al-Qura Consultancy Oasis by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Emir of Makkah Region, may Allah save him! The Oasis is considered the star of this year’s harvest in the field of training units, consulting contracts, research studies and expertise offices of sophisticated academic potential. Stemming from our concern with continuing in the light of the Saudi Vision 2030 and through our mission that embodies leadership in the production, transfer and localization of knowledge and technology, the Oasis comprised SAFE Center. The Center’s mission has been to provide consulting and training experts in the domain of safety systems in industrial, constructing and general projects. It is worth mentioning that the largest share of support was allocated to SAFE by the Ministry of Education among the National Transformation initiatives nominated by UQU. In the same context, the initiative of constructing and operating Faran Center for Rehabilitation and Hospitalization has been launched. It has aimed to be the first building block in an ambitious project to build and develop an integrated city for medical rehabilitation, particularly for people with physical disabilities. In addition, such city of Islamic characteristics has been designed to be on the blessed land of Makkah next to the Holy Mosque as a global investment initiative. Through such integrated oasis we aspire to build a bright future for consultancy services and studies in addition to Professional Accreditation support services. This is in line with the needs of individuals, society and homeland, and via integration and interdependence with the stakeholders to achieve growth and prosperity towards the knowledge-based and technical economy. Thus, we cannot but extend deep thanks and gratitude to Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, UQU President and first supporter for the Institute towards more and continuous achievement and brilliance. Moreover, thanks and appreciation should be extended to UQU Vice-Presidents and all the Institute’s vice-deans, affiliates, employees, consultants, unit supervisors, trainers, as well as expertise office heads of sophisticated academic potential. To conclude, I wish that Allah, the Almighty would crown our efforts with unending success and prosperity. Praise is to Allah! Identity of the Institute Vision Becoming a leading institution concerned with the production, transfer, and localization of knowledge and technology to achieve the goals of sustainable development in the Kingdom. Mission Promoting Umm Al-Qura University’s transformation programs to become a world-class, leading university. Values:  Transparency  Empowerment  Encouragement  Accomplishment  Perfection Core:  Commitment Promise:  To acquire skills Personality:  Competence  Responsibility  Positivism  Professionalism  Leadership Objectives 1. Promoting the role of Umm Al-Qura University in achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 in building a thriving economy, and an advanced knowledge society capable of performing its duties and engaging in global competition. 2. Leading and managing the initiatives and activities of the production, transfer, and localization of knowledge and technology, and contributing to Umm Al-Qura University’s programs of leading transformation in order to build and develop a world-class, leading university. 3. Forming and developing specialized centers and units in partnership with the colleges, departments, and institutes of the University, to constitute a globally renowned national reference, and promote the role of Umm Al-Qura University in the third mission of Saudi universities. 4. Developing and providing consulting studies and services; contributing to the research and development efforts aiming at economic and social development; building and developing an integrated system at the University for professional education and training for the public and private sector and society.