Saudi to host expo for higher education

The Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia is set to organise an international exhibition for higher education in January that will see a number of international higher education institutions taking part alongside Saudi universities.

The expo will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz from January 26 to 29, 2010, at the Riyadh International Exhibition Center, said Saudi Minister of Higher Education Dr Khaled Bin Mohammed al Angari in a statement.

"The event will feature a number of international higher education institutions and relevant organisations participating alongside Saudi universities, higher institutes, and academic quality, measurement and accreditation institutes, in addition to e- learning, distance education, and research and studies centers."

He said the exhibition aimed at unifying the efforts of Saudi’s higher education organisations in capturing the benefits of international experiences and achieving effective joint co-operation with international universities and institutions.

"The expo is happening at a time when the Kingdom has witnessed massive progress and expansion in establishing universities and sending thousands of students to study abroad under the leadership of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the Crown Prince, and Second Deputy Premier," Al Angari noted.

According to him, the international exhibition for higher education represents a confirmation to the urgent desire for holding joint co-operation and partnership programs with internationally-renowned universities to carry on with the enhancement of higher education in the Kingdom.

"One of the main goals of this event is to accomplish full awareness and knowledge in all aspects of higher education and its organisations at world level, which will in turn contribute to keeping the Kingdom abreast with the rapid progress of this vital sector."

The exhibition will open up opportunities for the Saudi society, its organisations and individuals, to learn more about the leading international experiences and create a positive communication channel between the Saudi educational entities and their international counterparts, Al Angari added.