Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most respected public universities. It sits in the heart of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the holiest city in the Islamic world. The university carries deep historical roots and a strong academic reputation that spans nearly a century.
The university’s motto says it all: “Honor of Knowledge and Place.” This phrase captures two things at once. First, the pursuit of excellence in education. Second, the privilege of being located in the most sacred city on earth.
Clearly, UQU is not just an academic institution. It is a symbol of Islamic civilization and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education.
UQU’s history begins in 1369 A.H. (1949 A.C.), when the College of Shari’ah was established in Makkah. This was the first higher education institution in the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The university went through three distinct phases of growth. First, it operated as an independent college. Then, it became part of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. Finally, it was formally established as Umm Al-Qura University by royal decree of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz in 1401 A.H. (1981 A.C.).
Since then, UQU has grown steadily. Today, it stands as a comprehensive research university with a wide range of academic programs.
UQU is home to more than 30 colleges and over 150 academic departments. The colleges cover a broad spectrum of disciplines. They serve students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD.
Moreover, UQU offers degrees at every academic level, including Bachelor’s, higher diplomas, Master’s, and PhD programs.
UQU serves a large and diverse student body. The numbers speak for themselves:
The university welcomes students from both Saudi Arabia and abroad. Its location in Makkah makes it a natural destination for Muslim scholars and students from every corner of the globe.
UQU places great importance on research and scientific output. The university houses several research institutions and resources.
Most importantly, UQU has achieved notable recognition in global rankings. The university has secured advanced positions in several international classification systems. Furthermore, it won medals at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2026 and received multiple awards in artificial intelligence for education.
UQU leads in digital transformation, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The university offers a full suite of online services for students, faculty, and staff.
Evidently, UQU has made every major service fully digital. This saves time, reduces paperwork, and meets the needs of a modern academic community.
UQU has earned recognition on both the national and international stage. The following highlights show the breadth of its success:
Clearly, UQU is not resting on its history. It is actively building a future of excellence in research, technology, and education.
UQU actively engages with the wider community. The university regularly organizes workshops, training programs, and events that serve students, professionals, and the public.
For instance, UQU recently launched a training program to qualify 1,000 beneficiaries in collaboration with Al-Rajhi Company. Additionally, the university organized workshops on zakat, tax, and customs regulations to support professional development. It also hosted Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan for cultural visits, reflecting its commitment to Islamic unity and outreach.
Furthermore, UQU hosts the annual Career and Innovation Forum, focused on excellence and leadership in key sectors such as tourism and hospitality.
There are many reasons students and faculty choose UQU. Here are the strongest:
Leave a Reply