Umm Al Qura University جامعة أم القرى

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. History and Foundation 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. Colleges and 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. Medical Colleges College of Medicine College of Applied Medical Sciences College of Dentistry College of Public Health and Health Informatics College of Pharmacy College of Nursing Science and Engineering Colleges College of Sciences College of Engineering and Architecture College of Computers Shari'ah and Administration Colleges College of Shari'ah and Islamic Studies College of Da'wa and Islamic Theology College of Administration and Economy College of Judicial Studies and Regulations Humanities and Educational Sciences Colleges College of Arabic Language College of Education College of Social Sciences Makkah Community College College of Designs and Arts Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers English Language Center Moreover, UQU offers degrees at every academic level, including Bachelor's, higher diplomas, Master's, and PhD programs. Student Community UQU serves a large and diverse student body. The numbers speak for themselves: 57,000+ students enrolled across all programs 2,000+ international students from countries around the world 30+ colleges covering all major fields 150+ academic departments 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. Research and Innovation UQU places great importance on research and scientific output. The university houses several research institutions and resources. King Abdullah University Library: A major academic resource hub serving all students and faculty. Research Institutes: Specialized centers dedicated to advancing knowledge in various fields. Scientific Journals: Peer-reviewed publications that spread UQU's research globally. Research Chairs Program: Partnerships with leading experts to develop specialized research areas. 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. Digital Services and E-Learning 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. Key digital platforms include Academic Portal: A central hub for all academic services for students and faculty. E-Learning via Blackboard: A full learning management system for online courses and content. E-Workflows: A paperless system that automates all administrative forms and transactions. Administrative Communications (Masar): An electronic system for tracking and sending official transactions. Academic System (SIS): A comprehensive student information system. Wafi System and Wafi Services: Integrated platforms for HR and employee services. Unified Admission Portal: A single gateway for all admission applications. Training Letter Request System: Allows students to request internship letters online. Evidently, UQU has made every major service fully digital. This saves time, reduces paperwork, and meets the needs of a modern academic community. Key Achievements and Awards UQU has earned recognition on both the national and international stage. The following highlights show the breadth of its success: Won the Saudi Customer Experience Award 2026 Received the National Voluntary Work Award for the fourth consecutive year Earned the "Hayyak" quality certificate for beneficiary service centers Ranked among the top five universities in entrepreneurship enablement in Saudi Arabia Won 12 awards at the First Research Conference Received global awards in AI for education Won six awards at the International Commercial Arbitration Competition Achieved a major leap in the National E-Learning Index Won innovation awards in e-learning and digital training Received medals at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2026 Clearly, UQU is not resting on its history. It is actively building a future of excellence in research, technology, and education. Community Engagement 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. Why Choose Umm Al-Qura University? There are many reasons students and faculty choose UQU. Here are the strongest: Historic legacy dating back to 1369 A.H., making it the oldest university in Saudi Arabia Prime location in Makkah, the holiest city in Islam Over 30 colleges covering medicine, engineering, Islamic sciences, humanities, and more Strong research output recognized globally Comprehensive digital infrastructure aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 International student presence with 2,000+ students from around the world Consistent award-winning performance in education, innovation, and community service Full range of degree levels from undergraduate to doctoral program.