Vision 2030 Initiatives

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University continues to make substantial efforts toward achieving its vision, mission, and strategic objectives amid ongoing developments and in alignment with the ambitious vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This annual report showcases these efforts by providing an overview of the University’s key achievements across diverse fields, thereby strengthening evidence-based and information-driven decision-making in line with both the University’s vision and Saudi Vision 2030.
 

Objective: Green University Initiative
University Strategic Objective: Strengthening the University’s position locally and internationally.
Saudi Vision–Level Objective: The Saudi Green Initiative launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Objective: Future Leaders Initiative
University Strategic Objective: Attracting and developing outstanding human capital.
Saudi Vision–Level Objective: Human Capability Development Program.

Objective: Child Safety in Cyberspace Initiative
University Strategic Objective: Developing programs that support social responsibility.
Saudi Vision–Level Objective: The global initiative adopted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in 2020 to enhance the protection of children in cyberspace.

Objective: Initiative to Establish a Talent Management Department at the University
University Strategic Objective: Empowering students to compete in the labor market and attracting and developing outstanding human capital.
Saudi Vision–Level Objective: The National Strategy for Talent, Creativity, and Innovation.
 

Accrual Accounting
A project to transition all government entities from the cash basis to the accrual basis of accounting, in support of the Financial Sustainability Program, one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, pursuant to Royal Order No. 13059, dated 16/03/1438 AH.
University’s Role:
The University implemented the transition in accordance with the enablers issued by the Accrual Accounting Center at the Ministry of Finance, and issued its financial statements on an accrual accounting basis.

Ministry of Finance Initiative
An initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance to support and develop financial control activities in line with the latest international best practices in financial oversight, while leveraging the technological advancements taking place across the Kingdom. The initiative also aims to improve the quality of financial accounts and enhance transparency through the development of the control environment within government entities, enabling them to perform their duties with greater efficiency and effectiveness. This comes in support of the Financial Sustainability Program, one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.

University’s Role:
The initiative was launched at the University, and the kick-off meeting was held between the University and the Ministry of Finance, represented by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Finance for Accounts and Reports.

Spending Efficiency
Royal Order No. 16380 stipulating the formation of spending efficiency teams across government entities, in support of the Financial Sustainability Program, one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.
University’s Role:
A Spending Efficiency Unit was established and is organizationally affiliated with the General Administration of Planning and Budget.
 

Vision Realization Program: Human Capability Development Program

Related Initiative: Percentage of Higher Education Students Enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Compared with Other Fields

Key University Contributions:

• Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University offers a wide range of academic programs in engineering, technology and applied sciences through several colleges. These include the College of Engineering, which offers programs in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering, as well as the College of Computer Engineering and Sciences, which offers programs in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Information Systems.
• The College of Computer Engineering and Sciences has achieved significant progress through the international accreditation of its academic programs by ABET. This reflects the college’s commitment to applying global quality standards, enhancing the reliability of its academic outcomes and strengthening its competitiveness in scientific and technological disciplines.
• The College of Engineering promotes a culture of sustainability by integrating the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into graduation projects and applied activities. Students work on innovative engineering solutions related to renewable energy, resource efficiency and quality of life, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
• The College of Engineering programs have also obtained ABET international accreditation, reaffirming the college’s commitment to global quality standards in engineering education and supporting the alignment of its programs with STEM requirements and labor market needs.
• The College of Science and Humanities further strengthens the university’s position in STEM indicators through specialized programs in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. These programs offer both foundational and advanced courses, supported by applied laboratories that contribute to developing students’ scientific and research skills. The college therefore serves as a key pillar in supporting the university’s scientific, engineering and technological pathways.
• The Department of Mathematics has also achieved notable recognition in research performance and international rankings. The university’s Mathematics discipline was ranked among the top 100–150 globally in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, reflecting the strength of faculty research output and the quality of internationally published research. This achievement enhances the university’s standing among globally ranked institutions in scientific fields.

Related Initiative: Percentage of Higher Education Students Enrolled in Arts Compared with Other Fields

Key University Contributions:

• The university supports artistic engagement through student clubs and activities, including the Arts Club at the College of Pharmacy, female section, which presents itself as a creative space for college students and highlights the role of art as an enriching component of university life.
• The university also organizes art competitions for students, such as the “Bil-Fitrah” art competition held by the Deanship of the Preparatory Year, female section, and the “Your Feeling from a Picture” competition organized by the Basic Sciences Club at the Deanship of the Preparatory Year.
• In addition, the university participates in delivering the Culinary Arts Diploma program launched by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with a number of Saudi universities, including Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, represented by the Applied College. The program offers academic training in culinary arts and skills, supporting the cultural and creative industries.
  These activities and programs reflect the presence of an artistic and creative pathway within the university, both academically and through extracurricular activities, contributing directly to increasing enrollment in arts-related fields.

Related Initiative: Percentage of Graduates Entering the Labor Market Within Six Months of Graduation

Key University Contributions:

• The Deanship of Educational Services offers programs and initiatives aimed at preparing students for the labor market, including talent care and career readiness programs designed to support students’ employability and transition into the workforce.
• Cooperative training has been embedded as a mandatory course in the study plans of all academic programs, enabling students to gain practical experience before graduation.
• Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University is also listed among the cooperative training and Tamheer program entities in the lists of the National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Agencies, “Adaa”. This reflects the university’s contribution to connecting its students with government entities and labor market opportunities.
• The university implements career guidance programs and initiatives that introduce students to employment pathways and professional requirements, including the Career Guidance Program.
• Furthermore, the university works to integrate internationally recognized professional certifications into selected courses, including AWS, PMP, Cisco and ICDL.

Related Initiative: Average Number of Field Training and Professional Practice Days Before Graduation

Key University Contributions:

• The university provides a dedicated electronic service for student field training. This service emphasizes the importance of field training as a key stage in a student’s academic journey and connects students, supervisors and training entities through a unified digital platform.
• The university has introduced a six-month cooperative training period across all academic programs. This enables students to fully engage in real workplace environments, acquire advanced practical skills and build professional networks that enhance their employment prospects after graduation.
• The university has also implemented international cooperative training programs, including the 2023 summer international training program, through which students participated in training at Imperial College London. Such programs contribute to enhancing the quality and depth of students’ practical experience prior to graduation.

Related Initiative: Number of Non-Arabic Speakers

Key University Contributions:

• The university organizes events for international students that celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity, such as the “Cultures of Nations Tent” and the “Cultures of Nations Exhibition”. These events were held as part of the university’s celebration of International Students’ Day, with the participation of students from more than 20 countries. This reflects the presence of a clear segment of non-Arabic-speaking students at the university.
• University data also shows continuous growth in the number of international scholarship students. The number increased from 707 students in the academic year 1445 AH to 857 in 1446 AH, and then to 1,457 in 1447 AH, with a target of reaching 1,757 students in 1448 AH. This reflects a systematic expansion in attracting non-Arabic-speaking students.

Related Initiative: Percentage of Higher Education Institutions Accredited by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

Key University Contributions:

• Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University has obtained full institutional accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA).
• The number of accredited academic programs at the university has reached 30 programs, covering high-quality bachelor’s and master’s programs. This demonstrates significant progress in academic accreditation, quality enhancement and strengthening the confidence of regulatory bodies and beneficiaries in the quality of the university’s outcomes.
• The university has also signed accreditation agreements with the NCAAA for the remaining eligible programs after fulfilling the basic requirements, including the graduation of at least one cohort and other accreditation conditions. This reflects the readiness of these programs for external evaluation and the university’s commitment to completing the quality assurance cycle across all academic programs.
• In addition, the Deanship of Development and Quality operates an internal platform dedicated to institutional and program accreditation projects, supporting the coordination of quality and accreditation efforts across the university’s colleges and units.

Related Initiative: Supporting the STEM Pathway and Increasing Enrollment in Science, Engineering and Technology

Key University Contributions:

• The university offers a broad system of scientific and engineering programs through the Colleges of Engineering, Computer Engineering and Sciences, and Science and Humanities. These programs contribute to strengthening national labor market capabilities in technical and scientific fields.
• Programs at the College of Computer Engineering and Sciences and the College of Engineering have received ABET international accreditation, reflecting the university’s commitment to global quality standards.
• The university has integrated sustainability and renewable energy concepts into graduation projects, in line with national directions toward developing technology-driven industries.
• The Department of Mathematics was ranked among the top 100–150 globally in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, enhancing the competitiveness of the university’s outputs in basic sciences.

Related Initiative: Enhancing Graduate Readiness for the Labor Market and Empowering Human Capital

Key University Contributions:

• Cooperative training has been introduced as a mandatory course in all academic programs, with its duration extended to six months to strengthen students’ applied competencies.
• The university has implemented international training programs, including training at Imperial College London, to enhance students’ global competitiveness.
• Professional certifications, including AWS, PMP, Cisco and ICDL, have been incorporated into selected courses.
• The university has also been listed among the entities offering cooperative training and Tamheer opportunities through the Adaa platform.

Related Initiative: Attracting International Students and Expanding Diversity

Key University Contributions:

• The university has recorded steady growth in the number of scholarship students, increasing from 707 to 1,457 students over three years, with a target of reaching 1,757 students.
• It has also organized international events such as the Cultures of Nations Exhibition and International Students’ Day, with participation from more than 20 countries.

Related Initiative: Enhancing Education Quality and Raising Accreditation Standards

Key University Contributions:

• The university has obtained full institutional accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA).
• A total of 32 academic programs have been accredited, while the remaining programs are being prepared for accreditation upon fulfilling the required conditions.
• The university also operates an internal platform to support quality and accreditation processes.

Related Initiative: Research Support Programs for Faculty Members

Key University Contributions:

• The university has launched a package of research support programs for faculty members, aimed at enabling competitive, creative and high-quality research and innovation. These programs are designed to address community and national needs, advance knowledge, optimize the use of human and technical resources, provide an attractive and stimulating research environment, build effective partnerships and promote leadership and excellence in research and innovation in line with national aspirations.
  The programs also encourage applied research that serves society, while supporting and motivating distinguished and highly cited faculty members to excel in scientific research. They aim to increase the field-weighted citation impact of university researchers and enhance the overall ranking of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. Key programs include:
• Support Program for Publishing Research in National Research, Development and Innovation Priorities
• Research Leadership Program
• Support Program for Publishing in High-Impact Fields
• Support Program for Highly Cited Researchers
• Interdisciplinary Research Support Program

Related Initiative: Self-Designed Academic Degrees

Key University Contributions:

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University is one of only 11 universities in the Kingdom to implement self-designed academic programs. These programs aim to enable higher education students at diploma and bachelor’s levels to design multidisciplinary study plans that include their core specializations.
This approach supports students’ academic interests and career pathways, while developing the diverse skills required by the labor market. The initiative has resulted in 56 academic programs, benefiting more than 4,800 male and female students.

Vision Realization Program: National Transformation Program

Related Initiative: Qualitative Projects Focused on Enhancing Digital Governance and Developing Technical Infrastructure

Key University Contributions:
In line with the objectives of the National Transformation Program, which seeks to enable comprehensive digital transformation and improve government performance efficiency, the university has adopted a number of qualitative projects aimed at building an integrated digital work environment. These projects promote transparency, optimize spending and deliver high-quality electronic services to all beneficiaries.
Key initiatives include:

• Establishing the Enterprise Architecture Office
• Establishing the Data Management Office
• Developing the Digital Transformation Strategic Plan
• Launching the Green Technology Initiative

Related Initiative: Promoting Sustainability in Education and Academic Initiatives

Key University Contributions:

• During the reporting year, the university was keen to strengthen sustainability principles within its educational and academic ecosystem, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program. This was achieved by integrating sustainability concepts into activities and curricula and activating qualitative initiatives that promote environmental awareness and social responsibility among students.
• Colleges such as Engineering, Science and Humanities, and Computer Engineering and Sciences incorporated topics related to renewable energy, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability into applied projects and practical training courses. This contributed to enhancing students’ practical knowledge and encouraging them to develop innovative sustainability-related solutions.
• The university also implemented student programs and workshops that promote sustainability culture and practices, including activities related to recycling, energy conservation and the use of sustainable technologies. These efforts were complemented by research initiatives in the fields of environment, water and energy, led by research teams within the university.
• These efforts have strengthened the university’s role as an educational institution committed to sustainability and enhanced its ability to prepare graduates who are aware of their responsibilities toward society and the environment, and who are capable of supporting the national transition toward a sustainable, knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

Vision Realization Program: Quality of Life Program

Related Initiative: Supporting Cultural and Creative Industries

Key University Contributions:

• The university participated in delivering the Culinary Arts Diploma program in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission. The program is among the initiatives linked to the cultural sector under Saudi Vision 2030.
• The university also organized artistic and creative competitions and activities, such as “Bil-Fitrah” and “Your Feeling from a Picture”, which contribute to increasing participation in artistic and creative pathways within higher education.

Related Initiative: Enhancing Cultural and Artistic Participation and Supporting the Creative Pathway at the University

Key University Contributions:

During the reporting year, the university contributed to the objectives of Vision Realization Programs, particularly the Quality of Life Program, by implementing a range of artistic and cultural activities that foster creativity and innovation and increase student participation in creative fields.
The university organized 39 cultural and social activities and 8 artistic activities, benefiting 657 participants. It also implemented qualitative initiatives such as the “Bil-Fitrah” and “Your Feeling from a Picture” competitions, established the Arts Club at the College of Pharmacy and participated in delivering the Culinary Arts Diploma in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission.
These programs contribute to strengthening cultural identity, building a university environment that encourages creativity and supporting the arts pathway as one of the components of Saudi Vision 2030.

Related Initiative: PSAU SDG 2030 Roadmap

Key University Contributions:
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University launched the PSAU SDG 2030 Roadmap as part of its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key components of this roadmap is supporting the achievement of the SDGs by funding research aligned with these goals through the RFP-SDG PSAU initiative.
The initiative aims to harness technological advancement to address challenges that hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also explores how technology can be used to address the five pillars of the PSAU SDG Roadmap: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships.
This initiative has resulted in the support of 68 research projects, with expected outputs of no fewer than 70 scientific papers aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals according to the Scopus database.

Vision Realization Program: National Industrial Development and Logistics Program

Related Initiative: Research Support Program Related to Livestock, Agriculture and Manufacturing Industries

Key University Contributions:
To support the development of industrial sectors, the university launched a research support program focused on livestock, agriculture and manufacturing industries in Al-Kharj Governorate. The program aims to provide solutions that contribute to advancing these sectors and achieving the development objectives of Al-Kharj through:

• Developing sustainable agricultural systems that preserve the environment and reduce the use of chemicals
• Improving environmental conditions in agricultural areas across Al-Kharj Governorate and combating epidemics
• Developing modern technologies in manufacturing industries
• Advancing food processing technologies to produce high-quality, value-added products
• Increasing productivity and efficiency across various manufacturing industries
• To date, nearly 25 research projects have been supported under this initiative.