Home LearningDid You Know? Saudi Government Ministers to Speak at Digital Universities MENA 

Saudi Government Ministers to Speak at Digital Universities MENA 

by Eddie Rayner

HRH Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Riyadh province, Government of Saudi Arabia, and HH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Mohammad Bin Ayaf, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Prince Sultan University, are the guests of honour at Times Higher Education’s Digital Universities MENA 2023 hosted in partnership with Prince Sultan University. 

Ministerial speakers at the three-day event are HE Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, Government of Saudi Arabia, and HE Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and IT, Government of Saudi Arabia, which takes place from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 October 2023, at Prince Sultan University, Riyadh. 


More than 70 speakers and more than 300 attendees from higher education, industry, and government


Other top speakers include: 

  • Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO, Coursera 
  • Peter Wells, Head of Education for Southern Africa, UNESCO 
  • Yusra Mouzughi, President, Royal University for Women 
  • Mahmoud Hammad, Director, Centre for E-Learning and Open Educational Resources, Jordan University of Science and Technology 

More than 70 speakers and more than 300 attendees from higher education, industry, and government will be at Digital Universities MENA to discuss ‘Innovation for a technology-driven sustainable future’.  


“We aim to produce the next generation of graduates who will contribute to the progress of the Saudi Vision 2030”


There will be more than 30 sessions, including keynotes, interactive panels, live demonstrations, practical workshops, as well as networking opportunities. The event will feature the latest innovations and technologies that will transform universities and equip them with the skills to lead and accelerate transformation. 

Phil Baty, THE’s Chief global affairs officer, said: “The MENA region is undergoing vast reform to accelerate its place on the world stage and higher education will play a vital role in transforming the region. We are excited to see the Saudi government showing great leadership in preparing for a digital future and helping to put universities in the country at the forefront of the digital economy.  

“THE is very excited to be putting on its first-ever international event in Riyadh, in partnership with our wonderful hosts, Prince Sultan University. The event is one not to miss if you want to hear from, and network with, some of the region’s foremost digital leaders who are looking to find technological innovations that work best for the higher education sector, its community, and beyond.” 

Dr Ahmed Yamani, President, Prince Sultan University, said: “We aim to produce the next generation of graduates who will contribute to the progress of the Saudi Vision 2030. Our vision is to be a model of excellence in private higher education in the country and the MENA region and this event is a clear indication of our aspiration to be educators and leaders in the digital and technological spheres.” 

Tickets are available to buy here