The first prize to be awarded by presidents and rectors of the universities and higher education institutions in the GCC States hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University at its first session under patronage of H.E. Minister of Education Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh. On Wednesday, 17th Safar 1441 AH, the awards ceremony of presidents and rectors of universities and higher education institutions in the GCC States entitled (belonging and development) was held and hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University at its first session to honor the winners of the award. The ceremony was chaired by H.E Prof. Einas bint Suleiman Al-Eisa, Secretary General of the award in her capacity as the Rector of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and membership of a number of vice-rectors of the universities and higher education institutions of the GCC States, and the attendance of a number of their Highnesses, Excellencies and leaders of the community.
On this occasion, His Excellency Minister of Education highlighted that this qualitative initiative is a continuation of projects of higher educations' plans, as well as developing horizons of scientific research. In view of realizing the importance of university education development and linking its priorities with objectives of the development plans, confirming that the high quality of scientific research and strength of its output and employing its outcomes represents an indicator that reflects the level and nature of economic and scientific development in public and private sectors, in light of the global competition that focuses on ensuring the quality of education and scientific research.
The Rector of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Secretary General of the Award), Prof. Einas bint Suleiman Al-Eisa has delivered a speech at the ceremony, in which she congratulated the winners in different branches of the Award, hoping for- and with them- more achievements, excellence and giving. In addition, she pointed out that numbers show that some GCC States have allocated up to twenty percent of their budgets for education, which gives us a momentum to assume our responsibilities towards education and its issues, common concerns and challenges. While looking forward to high quality education, its competitiveness, sustainability and the ability to innovate and create in a world of knowledge based economy''.
Dr. Adel Khalifa Al Zayani, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs pision at the General Secretariat of GCC States, delivered a speech in which he stated that the GCC States are very proud that their qualified national cadres are leading education march efficiently and effectively. As they are responsible for success and excellence and have been up to our expectations and trust. Today, we celebrate honoring a number of highly qualified educational and academic cadres in universities and higher education institutions in the GCC States in recognition of their vital role in education, building and development.
In a speech delivered by the Vice-Rector of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghadeer (Deputy Secretary General of the Award) stressed that the purpose of this Gulf gathering is to achieve qualitative steps in the march of higher education and scientific research in the GCC States. As this is based upon the responsibility of the universities toward upgrading the higher education system, as well as participating in activating national development programs and building knowledge based economy through boosting capacities, skills enhancement and investing in human resources. He indicated that the Committee comprised of presidents and rectors of universities and higher educational institutions of GCC States has launched this award, which is hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, at its first session to honor faculty members of the GCC universities in three fields: scientific research, education, and community service. While paying due concern to the executive regulations of the award to comply with the international, regional and domestic levels for the purpose of achieving fair competition among the staff of GCC universities in three branches of the award, in an effort to revive the spirit of scientific production and enhancing the role of scientists.
At conclusion of the ceremony, His Excellency Deputy Minister of Education for Universities, Research and Innovation, Dr. Hatem bin Hassan Al Marzouqi, on behalf of Minister of Education, honored winners of the award in all fields of it. As Prof. Suleiman Al Khattaf, the current Deputy Head of petrochemicals, technology and innovation research center, has been placed for the first class award for the research paper entitled (Study of the reactions of the conversion of staining and methanol to parazayline by zeolite catalysts using the volatile reactor). And the second place for a research paper prepared by consultant of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Prof. Tariq Ahmed Abdul Qader Madani, entitled (A guide to transmission of coronavirus causing the Middle East respiratory syndrome from camels to humans). While Prof. Marwan bin Ali Al-Harbi, Professor of Educational Psychology Department, College of Education, University of Jeddah, came in the third place for his research entitled (Distinctive psychological and cognitive characteristics of lack of desire of innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs to develop their innovative, creative and entrepreneurial ideas within business incubators and technology channels). As for the field of education, Dr. Naima Al Hosani, Associate Professor of Geography and Urban Sustainability and Head of Department of Geography and Urban Sustainability at United Arab Emirates University, for her research entitled (Using of online smart technologies in integrated university education curricula- course development project).
The ceremony also included video presentation about the University and another about the award entitled (belonging and development) and the inauguration of the concomitant exhibition by the Deputy Minister, in order to introduce the history and establishment of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and the most prominent works of students of the college of Art and Design at the university.
