The University of Jeddah received a high-level delegation from the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), headed by its President, Eng. Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua, accompanied by the Vice President for Empowerment and the Vice President for West Coast Operations, as part of an official visit aimed at enhancing areas of mutual cooperation and activating strategic partnerships between the two sides.
The delegation was received by the President of the University of Jeddah, Dr. Obaid bin Ali Al-Mudhif, along with several deans and academic leaders
The visit included an extensive meeting during which opportunities for joint cooperation were reviewed, and avenues for integration between the academic sector and the ports and shipping sector were explored.
This aims to better align educational outcomes with labor market needs and support national development objectives.
Strengthening alignment between education and industry needs
At the conclusion of the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties to establish an effective strategic partnership that contributes to the development of the shipping and logistics ecosystem, and to strengthen human and research capabilities, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including collaboration in logistics and shipping , as well as in planning, development, environmental, economic, social, investment, engineering, educational, and technical fields. It also covers cooperation in teaching, training, consultancy, research, innovation, and documentation in accordance with applicable regulations, in addition to the exchange of scientific and practical expertise, and the conduct of joint studies and research.
Expanding collaboration in research, training, and specialized programs
Furthermore, the agreement includes the development of specialized programs and initiatives serving the maritime transport sector, and coordination to launch specialized academic programs, including diploma and Executive Master’s degrees in port management and the maritime sector.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including collaboration in logistics and shippingt, as well as in planning, development, environmental, economic, social, investment, engineering, educational, and technical fields. It also covers cooperation in teaching, training, consultancy, research, innovation, and documentation in accordance with applicable regulations, in addition to the exchange of scientific and practical expertise, and the conduct of joint studies and research.
Expanding collaboration in research, training, and specialized programs
Furthermore, the agreement includes the development of specialized programs and initiatives serving the maritime transport sector, and coordination to launch specialized academic programs, including diploma and Executive Master’s degrees in port management and the maritime sector.
Additional areas of cooperation include supporting research initiatives to address developmental and sectoral challenges, organizing joint conferences, seminars, and workshops, collaborating in e-learning in line with best practices, and providing opportunities for both parties’ staff to participate in development programs and scientific events. The agreement also includes the exchange of information to enrich cooperation, the design and implementation of training programs to develop talent in both the public and private sectors, strengthening cooperative training programs for university students, and expanding into further areas of collaboration to be agreed upon in the future.
Both parties emphasized that this MoU represents a strategic step toward strengthening integration between the academic and ports sectors, contributing to the development of national talent, supporting innovation, and enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness in shipping and logistics at both regional and international levels.
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