Jouf University President Receives the University Delegation Participating in NAFSA 2026 and Commends Its Global Engagement
His Excellency the President of Jouf University, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, received the university delegation that participated in the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, held in Orlando, Florida, USA. Jouf University took part in the event as part of the Saudi higher education delegation at one of the world's most prominent forums dedicated to international education and academic cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Waleed bin Saad Al-Husaini, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and Head of the Delegation; Dr. Mohammed bin Fahed Al-Sarhani, Dean of the College of Business; Dr. Abdullah bin Falih Al-Sarhani, Dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences; Dr. Feras bin Abdulaziz Al-Afer, General Supervisor of Corporate Communication; and Mr. Najeh bin Al-Aswad Alruwaili, Director of Public Relations.
During the meeting, the University President reviewed a comprehensive report on the university’s participation and the outcomes achieved in terms of international visibility, academic and research networking, and exploring cooperation opportunities with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. The report reflected the university’s commitment to strengthening its global presence and expanding strategic partnerships that support its long-term objectives.
His Excellency emphasized that Jouf University’s participation in NAFSA 2026 reflects the continuous support provided by the Kingdom’s leadership to the higher education sector and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in advancing higher education, enhancing the global competitiveness of Saudi universities, and building a knowledge-based economy driven by research, innovation, and international collaboration.
He also praised the efforts made by the university delegation throughout the conference, noting that their participation showcased Jouf University’s academic and research excellence, innovative initiatives, and promising opportunities for collaboration in education, graduate studies, scientific research, energy, sustainability, and knowledge exchange.
According to the report, Jouf University’s participation spanned five days through an international exhibition booth representing the university’s academic and research profile within the Saudi pavilion. The booth highlighted the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, innovative projects, and international cooperation opportunities under the slogan:
The university’s booth welcomed more than 25 high-level visits from academic leaders, representatives of universities, and international educational and research institutions. These visits provided opportunities to introduce the university’s strengths and areas of distinction, while exploring future prospects for cooperation and partnership.
The participation also included three prominent official visits, including those of Prof. Hani bin Mohammed Choudhry, Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Universities Affairs, and Dr. Tahani bint Abdulaziz Al-Baiz, Cultural Attaché of Saudi Arabia in the United States, in addition to several international academic leaders who were introduced to the university’s programs, initiatives, and global engagement efforts.
Furthermore, the university delegation conducted more than 10 meetings and discussions with international universities and organizations to explore academic and research collaboration opportunities and identify shared areas of interest that support the university’s priorities and contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and research excellence.
Throughout the conference, Jouf University discussed more than six cooperation tracks, covering education, scientific research, innovation, energy, sustainability, and expertise exchange. The university also engaged with over 15 international entities, reviewing potential areas for future partnership and collaboration.
The participation resulted in the identification and follow-up of more than eight preliminary collaboration opportunities in academic programs, graduate studies, joint research projects, and knowledge exchange, paving the way for a new phase of cooperation with globally recognized educational and research institutions.
The report further highlighted that the university delivered its international message through four key thematic areas, focusing on academic programs, research initiatives, innovative projects, and international cooperation opportunities, reflecting the university’s continuous development and growing presence in education, research, and innovation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the University President expressed his appreciation to the delegation members, affirming that the outcomes achieved at NAFSA 2026 extend far beyond participation alone. Rather, they represent a strategic milestone in Jouf University’s journey toward greater internationalization, stronger academic and research networks, and the establishment of impactful global partnerships that support its future aspirations.
His Excellency reiterated that Jouf University remains committed to enhancing its international competitiveness and leveraging global engagement opportunities to foster meaningful collaboration, knowledge transfer, program development, and research innovation, in alignment with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. He emphasized the university’s role as a dynamic academic and research institution contributing to national development and the advancement of a sustainable knowledge economy.


