Role of KFUPM in KSA development lauded

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif has praised the King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and praised the university for its role in serving community and conducting researches and studies to solve several developmental and environmental issues.
Prince Saud made these observations during a visit to the university recently. The governor was received by KFUPM Rector Dr. Khaled bin Saleh Al-Sultan, vice rectors, college deans and chairmen of the academic departments. He was taken on a tour of the academic buildings, faculty and students’ housing and Dhahran Techno Valley.
In his meeting with students, Prince Saud assured them of his support to the KFUPM in developing its academic and research programs, and for discharging its role in helping students qualify.
He welcomed students’ suggestions serving the Eastern Province and showed interest in their issues, as well as his keenness to provide them with activities that suit their hobbies and develop their talents.
The university rector, Al-Sultan, who welcomed Prince Saud, expressed his gratitude for visiting the university.
Al-Sultan said the visit reflects the governor’s generous support to the university’s efforts to contribute to national development.
“KFUPM is a Saudi university with global standards and ambition, and its achievements are because of the generous support given by the government’s wise leadership,” he said.
“The university sends out 1,500 graduates every year, who are equipped with knowledge, skills, values and good conduct, and capable of meeting the needs of the employment sectors,” he added.
During the visit, Dr. Omar Al-Suwailem, Dean of College of Engineering Sciences, gave a visual presentation on the achievements, projects, developmental initiatives and academic and research activities of KFUPM.
He said: “KFUPM accounts for 68 percent of patents registered under the name of Arab universities in the US Patent Office, and 75 percent of patents registered under the name of Saudi universities.”
Dr. Zain H. Yamani, Director, Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, gave a presentation on the vision, mission, work scopes, and goals of the center including building specialized human resources in Nanotechnology and developing the required infrastructure of scientific research in this vital field.