King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Tops The Times Global Ranking

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. SPA file photo
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. SPA file photo
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King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Tops The Times Global Ranking

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. SPA file photo
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. SPA file photo

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) has topped universities in the Middle East and Africa in the Times Higher Education global ranking, becoming the number one institution not only in the Arab world but across the entire Middle East and Africa region.

This achievement surpasses all universities in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, Türkiye, South Africa, and other countries in the region.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman pledged that KFUPM would serve as a model not only for the Arab and Islamic worlds but also globally in terms of education. He emphasized that the university would set an example in both higher education and undergraduate programs, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s aspirations.

He added: “We used to say that our ambition knows no bounds except the sky. Now, seeing these tangible outcomes, we believe our ambition must reach the sky.”

KFUPM is a Saudi public university that was officially established by royal decree on Sept. 23, 1963.



Al Khateeb: Tourism Sector Tops Agenda at WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
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Al Khateeb: Tourism Sector Tops Agenda at WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb stressed on Monday that Saudi Arabia's participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, underscores its steadfast commitment to shaping the global dialogue on travel and tourism as key drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al Khateeb highlighted that tourism is a central focus at this year’s forum, with Saudi Arabia showcasing its achievements and fostering partnerships to drive the sector’s global growth.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented expansion under Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination with an ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually.

The minister noted that tourism currently contributes 5% to Saudi Arabia's GDP, with projections to double to 10% by 2030. This growth is fueled by strategic investments in groundbreaking projects such as the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, and Qiddiya, alongside numerous private-sector initiatives that are boosting tourism across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is leveraging its natural and cultural assets to establish a global benchmark for tourism-led economic development, he added.

Al Khateeb also highlighted tourism's vital role in the global economy, citing the 2023 Economic Impact Report (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which revealed that the global travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP—a 23.2% increase from the previous year.

He described Saudi Arabia's participation in Davos as an opportunity to amplify its achievements through collaboration with global leaders, strengthen public-private partnerships, and reinforce its role as a hub for international cooperation.