Makkah, November 6, 2025 — The Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Jeddah, Ruslan Kospanov, paid a visit to the holy city of Makkah, where he met with Professor Moaddi bin Muhammad Al Madhab, the President of Umm Al-Qura University — one of the largest and most prestigious higher education institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of cooperation in the humanitarian, cultural, and educational fields. Professor M. Al Madhab spoke about the university’s history and present activities, emphasizing plans for further expansion with a focus on attracting more international students.

According to the university administration, around 10 Kazakhstani students are currently enrolled at Umm Al-Qura University and have distinguished themselves through high academic performance and exemplary conduct.

For his part, the Kazakh diplomat briefed the President on measures undertaken in Kazakhstan to enhance the quality of secondary and higher education, as well as to promote the development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, where young citizens are expected to play a vital role.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed readiness to explore opportunities for organizing mutual visits between higher education representatives of Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

The history of Umm Al-Qura University dates back to 1949, when the College of Sharia (Islamic Law) was established in Makkah. By Royal Decree, the institution was granted university status and the name “Umm Al-Qura University” in 1981. Today, the university offers a wide range of programs — from classical Islamic sciences (Sharia, Arabic language, Da’wah Islamiyyah) to engineering, medicine, applied, and social sciences. According to university data, approximately 30,000 students are currently studying at its main campus in Makkah. Among its distinguished alumni is Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim, former Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), who earned his PhD at Umm Al-Qura University.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-jeddah/press/news/details/1101412?lang=kk