Forging strategic partnerships for global impact

In an interconnected world, regional and international collaboration plays an important role in universities’ growth and impact. At Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Saudi Arabia, partnership activities are guided by a well-defined framework and success metrics that align with national priorities. 

“The university takes a strategic and collaborative approach to forming partnerships with other institutions, corporations and community organisations,” says Wardah Abdullah Alasmari, vice-president for business development and community partnership at UQU. “We begin by identifying shared goals, such as improving educational outcomes, advancing research or contributing to social and economic development.” 

Potential collaborators are then evaluated based on their values, expertise and ability to support mutually beneficial outcomes. “Key performance indicators are defined and negotiated before the partnership is established,” Alasmari notes. UQU maintains open communication and clearly defined roles and expectations between partners to ensure that the collaboration delivers meaningful impact for students, staff and the wider community. 

One of its longest-standing national partnerships is with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, supporting the provision of high-quality services to pilgrims. This includes volunteering, consultancy, research support, workforce training and the use of UQU’s facilities. The university also offers advisory support to other government organisations, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It collaborates with several private sector entities, with UQU faculty members offering their expertise through consulting services and capacity-building programmes.

The university is building a global network of higher education institutions, prioritising student exchange and joint degrees and research. In 2024, UQU’s partnership with the Education University of Hong Kong facilitated a four-week student exchange programme designed to promote cultural understanding and knowledge sharing. 

UQU is building a strategic relationship with City St George’s, University of London in the UK to advance health sciences. Similarly, as part of UQU’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, the university has formed partnerships with leading institutions in global tourism, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland.

UQU’s International Advisory Council, established in 2025, features experts from several countries and is central to expanding the university’s global engagement. Alasmari explains that the university balances its local and international activities by ensuring alignment with strategic goals and measurable performance indicators: “Through clear objectives and strong communication, the university remains community-focused while maintaining competitiveness.” 

UQU’s strategic plan is divided into five tracks: education and learning; research and graduate studies; innovation and competitiveness; community partnerships and social responsibility; and institutional excellence and sustainability.

Every partnership is aligned with one of the tracks to strengthen academic quality, research impact and the university’s contribution to national and global goals. Working with industry and other institutions helps students build practical skills and employability through internships, field placements, scholarships and exchange programmes. For faculty, it offers a pathway to joint research, funding and professional development opportunities.

Partnerships also contribute to social and economic growth in local communities through support service programmes, healthcare initiatives and workforce development. Together, these enable UQU to make an effective contribution to national priorities and Saudi Vision 2030, says Alasmari: “The emphasis is on creating long-term, sustainable relationships that support innovation, knowledge exchange and positive community engagement.”

Find out more about Umm Al-Qura University.