In line with its commitment to strengthening academic and research cooperation among universities and higher education institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Jouf University hosted on Monday, October 20, 2025, the 28th Preparatory Meeting of the Committee of Vice Presidents and Deputies of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in GCC Countries.
The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Prof. Hamed bin Manawer Al-Shammari, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Jouf University, with the participation of esteemed Vice Presidents from GCC universities and Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubai, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat.

Prior to the meeting, His Excellency Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, President of Jouf University, warmly received the participating delegations, welcoming them to the university and expressing his great pleasure at their presence and participation in this significant event, which embodies the depth of Gulf relations and the unity of educational and research goals.
He emphasized that hosting this meeting is a source of pride for the university and its community, reflecting its commitment to presenting an exemplary image that befits the Kingdom’s stature and its universities’ distinguished standing. He added that Jouf University constantly strives to be a model in organization and hospitality and a hub for dialogue and Gulf cooperation in higher education and scientific research.

The meeting discussed several key topics of mutual interest, including the implementation of resolutions of the GCC Ministers of Education, the follow-up on the outcomes of the 27th meeting of the Committee of University Presidents and Directors, and the development of the GCC Information Database (JISR). Other agenda items included digital transformation and cybersecurity in higher education, initiatives for launching specialized academic programs aligned with current and future labor market needs, and the GCC Educational Communication Platform (Khaliji Education).

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants adopted a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing Gulf integration in higher education and scientific research, to be submitted to the 28th Meeting of University Presidents and Directors, scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Jouf University.

Several GCC university vice presidents expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to Jouf University for its outstanding hosting, praising the high level of organization, warm hospitality, and generous reception that reflected the university’s excellence and the professionalism of its staff.
They also voiced their great satisfaction with the cordial welcome extended by President Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, affirming that such generosity reflects the authenticity and hospitality that characterize Jouf University and the region, and its dedication to the success of GCC-level events it hosts.