As part of the ongoing journey of Gulf cooperation in higher education and scientific research, Jouf University hosted, on Tuesday, 29 Rabi’ Al-Akhir 1447 AH (corresponding to October 21, 2025), the 28th meeting of the Committee of Their Excellencies and Highnesses, Presidents and Directors of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, President of Jouf University and current Chair of the Committee, in the presence of Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, along with presidents and directors of universities and higher education institutions from all GCC countries.

The participants discussed several vital topics, most notably the implementation of the resolutions of GCC Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, digital transformation, and enhancing cybersecurity in Gulf higher education institutions. They also reviewed the outcomes and recommendations of the Committee of University Vice Presidents and Higher Education Institutions, including the work of various joint technical committees, and made key decisions that will further strengthen GCC cooperation in education, research, and innovation.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, President of Jouf University, welcomed the participating delegations and esteemed guests, expressing his great pleasure at the university’s hosting of this important Gulf gathering. He affirmed that this event reflects the university’s commitment to supporting higher education and strengthening the Kingdom’s presence in regional academic forums.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Al-Shaya conveyed the delight of the university’s faculty and staff in hosting distinguished guests from across the GCC, noting that Jouf University is honored to serve as the venue for a meeting that brings together leading academic figures from the Gulf, symbolizing unity of purpose and shared destiny, and reflecting the depth of fraternal and academic relations among Gulf higher education institutions. He emphasized that the meeting embodies the collective commitment to advancing high-quality education and impactful research that meet the aspirations of Gulf societies, as well as the unity of vision and integration of efforts among GCC universities.

He further noted that this gathering illustrates the deep scientific and academic bonds among Gulf institutions and underscores their commitment to supporting sustainable development and building the capable Gulf citizen who contributes to a prosperous future.

As part of the meeting’s program, Jouf University organized a scientific symposium titled “University Differentiation: Reality and Future Visions.” The symposium was led by Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al-Ghamdi, Assistant Minister of Education; Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, President of Jouf University; and Dr. Waleed bin Mohammed Al-Saleh, President of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission.

The symposium addressed several key topics, including:
• Future transformations in higher education and their impact on university differentiation.
• The role of differentiation in enhancing universities’ positions in global rankings.
• The importance and opportunities of digital transformation in strengthening institutional distinction.
• The role of innovation and entrepreneurship in achieving university differentiation.

The session witnessed strong engagement from participants, who discussed strategic insights contributing to the development and global competitiveness of Gulf higher education.

It is noteworthy that Jouf University was keen to present itself in a manner befitting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s prestigious reputation in higher education, providing a high-level organizational and hospitality environment that reflects the university’s values and commitment to institutional excellence.

Several attending university presidents and directors expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Jouf University for its warm reception, generous hospitality, and outstanding organization. They praised the professionalism and meticulous preparation that characterized the event, reflecting the dedication of the university’s staff and their commitment to ensuring its success.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of enhancing joint Gulf cooperation in education, research, and innovation, and supporting academic initiatives aligned with the GCC Vision 2030, in line with the aspirations of Gulf leaders to build a competitive and creative knowledge-based society.