Jeddah’s Effat University explores new horizons as it builds up global ties

Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University.

Effat University has strengthened its global links by joining the Association of Arab Universities (AAU), which includes 330 universities from 22 Arab countries.
The move highlights Effat University’s commitment to international standards by expanding its association with educational institutions and universities in the Arab world. It will also strengthen the university’s agreements with universities and partners such as Georgetown University, Syracuse University, Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, Auburn University, Tisch School of the Arts, the University of Western Sydney and Tokai University — a private university in Tokyo, Japan.
Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University, said: “Becoming a member of the association is a mark of recognition that will be added to the list of achievements by Effat University, especially since the university’s membership has increased the number of Saudi members in the association to 26, which testifies to the Kingdom’s progress in advancing and developing higher education.”
The AAU, chaired by its secretary-general, Dr. Sultan Abu Orabi, visited Effat University to review procedures for the evaluation of its membership. The delegation also reviewed the university’s facilities, laboratories and faculties, as well as the records of faculty members and their specializations.
“We, at Effat University, are contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation into a productive society in line with Vision 2030, and it is certain that this noble goal aligns with the main objective of the Association of Arab Universities, which is to support and coordinate the efforts of Arab universities to prepare individuals capable of serving our Arab nations and contributing to preserving their unity in terms of culture and civilization,” said Al-Lail.
The AAU was founded in 1964 and is an independent Arab institution based in Amman. Member universities operate to control the quality of university and higher education, promote excellence and creativity among students, and encourage the establishment of research centers.
Effat University was established in 1999 as the first non-profit educational institute specializing in higher education for girls and today is renowned as a center of excellence.