Dammam – September 16, 2025
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University hosted a working session with the University of Turku, Finland, at the Deanship of Academic Development. The session took place within the framework of the ongoing academic partnership between the two universities, established in 2018.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Abdullah M. Almuhaideb, Vice President for Academic Affairs, while the University of Turku was represented by Mr. Ari Koski, Director of International Partnerships. Attendees included Dr. Mohammed S. Alkathiri, Dean of Academic Development, vice deans and unit directors, as well as the Vice Dean of E-Learning and Distance Learning, the Director of the Center for Continuing Education, and the Chair of the Professional Fellowship in University Teaching and Learning (PFUTL) Committee.
Discussions focused on areas of academic cooperation and a review of the partnership’s key achievements over the past years. Both sides also agreed to implement new initiatives and joint projects for the 2025–2026 academic year, with the goal of advancing higher education and promoting the exchange of expertise.
Commenting on the session, Dr. Almuhaideb stated: “This partnership with the University of Turku represents a successful model of international cooperation. It aims to enhance the quality of higher education through knowledge exchange and the development of joint programs in line with the university’s strategic goals.”
Dr. Alkathiri added: “This meeting reflects the university’s commitment to building effective global partnerships and drawing on leading international practices in teaching and learning, thereby preparing graduates to compete both locally and globally.”
This session is also aligned with the strategic plan of the Deanship of Academic Development, which identifies as one of its core objectives the establishment of effective partnerships and the expansion of impact locally, regionally, and globally, particularly with leading academic institutions, in the fields of innovation and educational development.
