95 عاماً من الوحدة والتنمية والإنجازات المتواصلة

On the occasion of the ninety-fifth National Day, we proudly recall the historical journey filled with achievements led by the founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God rest his soul – and his loyal men, who made great sacrifices to unify this blessed land and build its entity under the banner of monotheism.

This cherished anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the past and recall its glories, to appreciate what has been achieved in the present through comprehensive renaissance, and to envision the future with promising ambitions and horizons. The Kingdom has continued its blessed journey with confident strides under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – witnessing, thanks to God, unprecedented qualitative transformations in various fields, enhancing its regional and international standing, and contributing to achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.

Education and scientific research are at the forefront of these transformations and the comprehensive renaissance being witnessed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The establishment of the Council of Universities Affairs has played a major role in overseeing university affairs and organizing their academic and research activities, enabling them to develop their capabilities and enhance their competitiveness. In recent years, Saudi universities have made significant progress in global rankings and indicators, playing an active role in localizing knowledge, enhancing innovation, and linking research outcomes with national development priorities. This progress is a direct reflection of the ambitious vision that has given special attention to research, development, and innovation as a strategic pillar for achieving economic diversification and enhancing regional and international competitiveness.

The Kingdom, with the support and empowerment of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect him – has adopted the restructuring of the research, development, and innovation system, forming a high-level committee chaired by him to oversee the sector and determine its national priorities and future aspirations, ensuring its growth and prosperity, and positioning the Kingdom among the world’s leaders in innovation. The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority was also established to serve as the national reference that organizes and empowers this vital sector through the development of policies and legislation, the creation of programs and projects, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and enhancing the integration of roles among institutions and research centers. This has focused efforts on strategic areas with a pivotal impact, including human health, environmental sustainability and basic needs, leadership in energy and industry, and future economies, alongside launching several qualitative initiatives to support researchers and talented individuals, as well as innovative incubators and accelerators, in line with the Kingdom's developmental objectives and enhancing its scientific presence globally.

These blessed efforts have resulted in an increase in published research in globally ranked journals, a growth in research partnerships with prestigious international centers and institutions, and the advancement of Saudi universities in global rankings, embodying the wise leadership's support for scientific research and innovation as the foundation for building a bright future and a thriving knowledge-based economy.

Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University takes pride in being a major contributor to this national journey by supporting scientific research and innovation, transforming ideas into knowledge products of economic and social value, in service of the religion and the homeland.

We ask the Almighty – Exalted be He – to bless the sincere efforts to support the path of development and prosperity, to protect our wise leadership, and to maintain the security and stability of our dear homeland.

* Vice President of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research