Umm Al-Qura University

About

Umm Al-Qura University, situated in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is highly regarded for its exceptional programs in Islamic Studies, Sharia, and Arabic Language, reflecting its unique cultural and spiritual environment. Beyond these foundational areas, it also boasts strong faculties in Engineering, Medicine, and Education. For prospective international students, UQU offers a distinctive experience, notably through its dedicated Institute of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers, which provides intensive language training crucial for academic and cultural integration. The university actively supports its diverse international student body, fostering an environment that blends rigorous academics with the profound spiritual atmosphere of Mecca. Its location in the holiest city of Islam provides an unparalleled context for learning and personal growth.

Background

Umm al-Qura University (UQU; Arabic: جامعة أم القرى, romanized: Jāmiʿah ʾUmm al-Qurā, lit. 'Mother of All Villages') is a public university in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The university was established as the College of Sharia (Islamic law) in 1949 during the reign of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud before being joined by new colleges and renamed as Umm al-Qura through a royal decree in 1981. UQU started primarily as an Islamic university offering degrees in Islamic Law, Theology and Arabic language studies. It now offers more courses in such diverse subjects as Technology Management, Business Management, Islamic Economics, Marketing, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Education, Architecture, as well various Applied, Social and Engineering Sciences. In 2015, the UQU annual budget hovered around SR 3 billion (US$801,399,900).

Location

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