Department of Economic and Social Affair

Childcare Facilities

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The nursery operates under the official license and supervision of the Ministry of Education, ensuring its adherence to safety and care standards. The university's Self-Investment and Development Fund partially finances the nursery's operations to maintain nominal fees suitable for students. Coordination with the University Security Department ensures safe entry and exit for children and their parents. This demonstrates that the nursery is an effective, administratively and financially supported facility, ensuring its continuity and quality of services.imamu.edu.sa

As an extension of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University continuous pursuit of development and in line with its institutional commitment to work-life balance, the university's nursery and kindergarten is a pioneering initiative that provides an integrated educational and nurturing environment for the children of female students, staff, and faculty members. The nursery is based on a clear vision to "build an ambitious, social, and active child in their community" through an educational and cognitive mission focused on creating a stimulating environment for the child's holistic development in its physical, psychological, cognitive, and social dimensions. imamu.edu.sa/Child Care Vision and Goals

The nursery aims to achieve several key objectives, including:

• Instilling moderate religious values in the child's personality.
• Developing social behavior and building psychological and behavioral balance.
• Fostering pride in national identity and belonging.
• Equipping the child with life skills and knowledge appropriate for their age.
• Providing a healthy and safe environment that meets early childhood needs.
• Accommodating individual differences and providing educational care according to each child's need 

The nursery's services stem from a system of institutional values based on excellence in performance, continuous learning, encouraging creativity and innovation, and a commitment to justice in treatment and care. This enhances the quality of services provided and supports the university's role in building a conscious and responsible generation from its earliest years.

The nursery and kindergarten facility includes a qualified educational staff, comprising an educational supervisor, a learning corners supervisor, and specialized teachers for the Holy Quran, Arabic, mathematics, and English. The nursery provides care for the children of female students and staff under the supervision of qualified caregivers. Educational programs are delivered according to age-appropriate stages, including:​

• Early Care/Daycare: (from 3 months to 3 years)
• Level 1 - Nursery: (from 3 to 4 years)
• Level 2 - Junior Kindergarten: (from 4 to 5 years)
• Level 3 - Senior Kindergarten: (from 5 to 6 years)

 ​The curriculum covers religious, linguistic, and mathematical aspects. The Holy Quran and Prophetic Hadiths are taught in a manner suitable for each level, with a focus on values and ethics. The Arabic language curriculum includes the gradual teaching of letters and numbers, from recognition and coloring to writing and usage in words. English is also taught at all stages through interactive and enjoyable activities and songs that develop the child's language skills. imamu.edu.sa/Child Care

The nursery is located in a secure building on campus and is equipped with care rooms, beds, and recreational and educational corners, supervised by qualified educators. It operates from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM to accommodate students' schedules. It also provides healthy meals and a mini-educational program to develop children's skills. The university has confirmed that registration priority is given to the children of female students and staff.

Since the nursery opening, the number of applications each semester often exceeds capacity. Therefore, the university is currently considering expansion by opening another branch or increasing the capacity of the existing one, especially after its notable success and positive feedback from beneficiaries. A 2021 survey showed that 92% of users were satisfied with the on-campus nursery services and requested its continued support.

where feasible, to accommodate their childcare responsibilities, and colleges have shown flexibility in this regard when needed. These measures send a clear message that the university is mindful of the circumstances of student mothers and ensuring that academic challenges are proactively managed through practical support.

Integration of Childcare Services with Maternity Leave Policies

The establishment of the nursery complements the Maternity Leave policy Maternity Leave After the maternity leave ends and the student or employee returns to her studies or work, she finds childcare services readily available for her child. The General Supervisor of Kindergartens at the university, Ms. Huda Al-Huwairini, stated that this achievement was realized through the guidance and follow-up of the university's senior management, demonstrating the leadership's belief in the importance of supporting mothers. The on-campus location of the nursery also makes it easier for a mother to visit her child during the day if needed (e.g., for breastfeeding during breaks).​

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster a flexible and supportive work environment, Imam University pays special attention to empowering working mothers and providing facilities that help them balance their family and professional responsibilities. Although the full on-site work system has resumed post-pandemic, some university units apply informal flexible practices. These allow female employees, when necessary and in coordination with their direct supervisor, to work partially remotely during specific periods, such as their children's final exams, reflecting management's understanding of mothers' circumstances. The presence of an on-campus nursery supports for flexible work policies, whether by utilizing the nursery or working remotely, depending on work requirements and the mother's convenience.

When these initiatives are combined with the university's comprehensive family leave policies, including maternity and paternity leave in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development as a government institution, it emphasizes the university's dedication to fostering a family-friendly work environment.

Women's Leaves | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
This comprehensive package of policies and facilities directly contributes to enhancing the work-life balance for university employees and supports female staff members in balancing family responsibilities, particularly motherhood, without hindering their professional growth. This approach is part of the university's vision to invest in the quality of working life, based on the firm conviction that employee satisfaction positively impacts academic and administrative performance and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.​

Nursery Activities and Events

The General Department of Safety and University Security at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University conducted a periodic mock evacuation drill at the Nursery and Kindergarten building (H3) in King Abdullah City for Female Students. The drill was supervised by the Riyadh Civil Defense and involved relevant authorities. The Director-General of the department, Mr. Sultan bin Hussein Al-Bugami, explained that the administration is keen on providing comprehensive protection for individuals and facilities by preparing thorough emergency plans. Participants included the General Department of Technical Affairs, the University Medical Center, and the nursery and kindergarten staff.units.imamu.edu.sa/Child Care News                                                                           

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The nursery and kindergarten at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University held a celebration for the 94th National Day. The event aimed to cultivate a sense of patriotism and national pride among the children while educating them about the history and significance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The celebration included various engaging activities, including drawing, coloring, and constructing national symbols, in an interactive environment that provided enjoyment for the children and promoted the early development of national values. units.imamu.edu.sa/Child Care Events​

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The nursery and kindergarten at King Abdullah City for Female Students held welcoming events to greet new children at the beginning of the academic year. These activities aim to foster a positive relationship between the child and the teacher or caregiver and to strengthen the children's sense of comfort and belonging within the educational environment of the nursery. The celebration was conducted in a joyful and engaging manner, helping to psychologically prepare the children for a safe and reassuring start to their education. units.imamu.edu.sa/Child Care Events

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Parental Care Policies

Maternity Leave for Staff and Faculty

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on supporting working women, especially mothers, through regulations and legislation that guarantee their professional and family rights. This aims to achieve a balance between work and family life, enhance family stability, and ensure the healthy development of children. This is evident in the Saudi Labor Law and the Executive Regulations for Human Resources in the Civil Service, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which serve as the primary reference for regulating leave for women in the public sector. As a government institution, the university applies all relevant governmental regulations.

 According to these regulations, a female government employee is entitled to a paid maternity leave of 70 days, starting no more than 28 days before the expected delivery date, based on a certified medical report. This leave can be extended by an additional month without pay, bringing the total to 80 days if extended, providing the mother with sufficient time for primary care of her newborn without affecting her job status or salary. Women's Leave | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

 In line with legislative developments, Article 151 of the Labor Law was amended by a royal decree in 2023, extending the maternity leave to 12 weeks with full pay. This includes six mandatory weeks after childbirth and six weeks that can be taken flexibly before or after delivery, giving employees more choice in planning their leave. units.imamu.edu.sa/Leaves Regulations

 Furthermore, the regulations allow a female employee to request unpaid leave to care for her newborn for up to three years during her service, provided the child is below school age. This is an important option that allows mothers to fully dedicate themselves to childcare in the early stages if needed, without losing their job or future employment benefits. Executive Regulations for Human Resources . The regulations also consider the rights of breastfeeding mothers, granting them a one-hour nursing break daily during the child's first year, which is not deducted from official working hours.

As a government institution, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University affirms its full commitment to applying these regulations to its female faculty and administrative staff. The university works to implement them flexibly, considering both work interests and the employee's comfort, based on its belief in the importance of supporting working mothers and providing a stable work environment, enables them to balace their professional and famliy resposiblilities.​

Paternity Leave for Staff and Faculty

The Executive Regulations for Human Resources in the Civil Service, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, grant male government employees a paid paternity leave of three days upon the birth of a new child, to be taken within the first week of the birth. This measure is part of a package of policies aimed at promoting work-life balance and supporting Saudi families in their early stages. This leave applies to all civil and military public sector employees, based on a Council of Ministers decision in June 2022. Executive Regulations for Human Resources

In this regard, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, as a government entity subject to civil service regulations, confirms its full commitment to applying this provision to its male faculty and administrative staff. The university ensures that the procedures for requesting this leave are streamlined, enabling employees to benefit from it within the specified time. This leave is part of the university's efforts to foster a supportive work environment for families, reflecting a belief in the father's active role in welcoming a newborn, both in terms of providing psychological support to the mother and participating in childcare from the earliest moments. This policy also reflects the university's commitment to achieving family balance for its employees, which contributes to improving quality of life, job satisfaction, and institutional loyalty.

Paternity leave is a clear example of the wise leadership's commitment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to developing human resources systems in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This vision places supporting the family, and empowering both men and women to balance their family and professional commitments, at the forefront of its priorities.​

University's Commitment to Implementing Leave Policies

All male and female employees and faculty members at Imam University enjoy their full rights to maternity and paternity leave as stipulated by law. They can apply for these leaves through the "Wafi" system, an electronic platform dedicated to managing application processes for university affiliates and others.es.imamu.edu.sa/Wafi

The university's Human Resources Department follows up on any updates issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development or the Ministry of Education regarding these leaves and disseminates them immediately. For example, upon the issuance of the amendment extending maternity leave to 12 weeks, the university promptly informed its female staff of their right to the additional period via an internal circular.

Gender Equality and Anti-discrimination Policies

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on promoting gender equality and combating discrimination against women, based on the principles of Islamic Sharia, which emphasize justice and complementarity between men and women. This commitment is reflected in several policies and legislations aimed at empowering women and ensuring their rights in various fields. Within the legislative framework, Article 8 of the Basic Law of Governance states that "Governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on justice, consultation, and equality, in accordance with Islamic Sharia," confirming the Kingdom’s commitment to the principle of equality among all citizens without discrimination. laws.boe.gov.sa

National legislation guarantees full equality between men and women. A report by the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC) affirmed that the Kingdom's regulations, derived from Islamic Sharia, ensure equal opportunities and reduce inequalities by eliminating discriminatory practices. hrc - Equal opportunities  The report states that the definition of "discrimination against women" in the CEDAW convention aligns with the reality in the Kingdom, as its regulations do not contain any distinction or exclusion that undermines the recognition of women's rights. There is absolute equality between men and women in human rights in fields such as work, education, and health.

This legal framework constitutes a binding public policy of non-discrimination against women. hrc.gov.sa . The Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom monitors the implementation of policies related to women's rights and makes the necessary recommendations to strengthen these right. The commission also participates in international conferences and events to showcase the Kingdom's efforts in this area .

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) since 1976 and has ratified 19 conventions, including 8 fundamental conventions concerning basic labor rights. southsouthpoint.net

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched numerous initiatives and reforms as part of Vision 2030, aiming to empower women in the economic, social, and political spheres. These reforms have included:

• Empowering women in the labor market by enacting legislation that ensures equal opportunities and prevents discrimination in employment.

• Enhancing women's participation in public life, including allowing them to drive and hold leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

• Protecting women from violence by issuing the Protection from Abuse Law and providing mechanisms for reporting cases of domestic violence. Human Rights | GOV.SA​

These efforts demonstrate the Kingdom's commitment to achieving gender equality and promoting women's rights, in line with the principles of Islamic Sharia and international human rights standards.​

University Policy on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination​

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University applies the regulations of the Ministry of Education, which stipulate equality. The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for University Employees, issued by the Ministry, emphasizes respectful treatment of all individuals without unlawful discrimination. The Law of the Council of Higher Education and its executive regulations also state that no student shall be discriminated against in rights and duties for non-academic reasons, meaning no differentiation in treatment or opportunities based on gender. moe.gov.sa/Code of Professional Conduct

The university adopts a clear policy of non-discrimination between male and female students in admissions and services. The University President has affirmed that the university has made significant efforts towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality) to empower women and enhance their roles. These efforts include ensuring equal opportunities and providing female students with distinguished education in all specializations, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies. This demonstrates the university's commitment to a policy of non-discrimination based on gender in the educational process; female students receive the same quality of education and development opportunities as male students. imamu.edu.sa/News

the student as a learner, regardless of any other classification. imamu.edu.sa/Code of Professional Ethics for Faculty Members

The university's achievements in women's empowerment—such as appointing a female Vice President, deans, vice-deans, and department heads; increasing the number of female faculty members; and the implementation of equal financial rewards for male and female students—are all evidence of its non-discrimination policy. The university has achieved a qualitative leap in women's empowerment indicators, as recognized by the media, Media/Women's empowerment highlighting a fair environment. For instance, the percentage of Saudi female academics on the faculty has significantly increased, and several women have assumed leadership positions (deans of colleges such as Science and Humanities). This professional parity is a result of the institutional policy of non-discrimination.​​

The University's Policy on Protecting Those Reporting Discrimination

In 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enacted a law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims (Royal Decree M/148 of 1445 AH), which aims to encourage the reporting of violations and protect those who report any abuses. Under this law, any adverse employment action against a protected person is prohibited, meaning they are shielded from retaliation or discrimination for providing information. Within the university context, if someone experiences abuse or discrimination and reports it, they are protected from any action against them. This general legal framework fosters a safe environment for reporting any discrimination. System for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims

The law establishes a special protection program under the supervision of the Public Prosecution, which includes measures such as concealing data and identities, taking steps to protect the whistleblower in case of danger, and prohibiting any retaliatory actions. Specifically, the law prohibits any employment or administrative actions against the protected person and penalizes violators with imprisonment and fines. This decree provides a strong legal framework that can benefit anyone reporting discrimination in any entity, as it ensures they will not be harmed as a result of their report. As a government educational institution, the university fully adheres to and applies this law. The Public Prosecution/News

The university is committed to promoting the principles of justice, transparency, and equality in the work and study environment, and ensuring the right of all its members to submit a complaint when they are subjected to any unfair treatment or discrimination based on gender, race, or color.

The university has established a comprehensive system for receiving and handling complaints and grievances in accordance with approved regulations. It has several official and reliable channels that allow students, staff, and faculty of both genders to submit their reports and observations with complete confidentiality.

Key channels include:

• Huqooqi System: An electronic system for students to submit grievances confidentially. The complaint is reviewed by the relevant authority and is not closed without the applicant's approval, ensuring transparency. It allows for complaints related to student rights, including administrative abuses or academic/behavioral discrimination. es.imamu.edu.sa/Legal System
• Tawasul System: An electronic service for the university community to raise inquiries or complaints related to various university sectors, which are handled by the relevant authorities such as colleges and deanships. imamu.edu.sa/tawasul​​
• Complaints and Suggestions Form – Human Resources: The General Department of Human Resources provides an online form on its official website for receiving employee complaints, organizational feedback, and reports concerning unfair employment practices or violations of the professional code of conduct. Complaints and suggestions​

Women’s Access, Graduation Rate and Monitoring Schemes

Stemming from the strategic direction of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University towards building a fair, inclusive, and empowering academic environment, the university is committed to providing a comprehensive system of institutional programs and initiatives that support female students. This commitment aligns with its policy of promoting equal opportunities and achieving educational justice between genders. It is also part of the broader framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and the university's pursuit of the highest standards of institutional quality and excellence, as well as its efforts to align with the indicators of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, particularly concerning SDG 5. This is achieved by supporting women's participation in higher education and facilitating their academic and professional success within a stimulating and safe educational environment.

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Women's Access Schemes

The university provides specialized guidance services for female students through academic advising units in the Deanship of Admission and Registration and within the colleges. These services aim to:

• Guide new students in identifying and selecting a suitable specialization based on their interests and abilities, in line with labor market needs.
• Support students facing academic difficulties by providing guidance and helping them develop plans to improve their academic performance.
• Nurture outstanding students by monitoring their progress and offering programs that enhance their capabilities and support their continued excellence.
• Inform students about regulations and university bylaws to ensure compliance and optimal use of available services.
• Prepare students for graduation by assisting them in completing their requirements and guiding them toward post-graduation opportunities. units.imamu.edu.sa/Female Student Affairs

The Academic Guidance Unit at the College of Fundamentals of Religion at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University is a living example of a vital component that contributes to supporting female students' educational and psychological journeys. It plays a fundamental role in creating a stimulating university environment by providing guidance and counseling services that help students in adapting to academic requirements, overcome challenges, and develop their personal skills. The unit provides individual and group counseling to guide students in choosing their majors and study plans. It also monitors cases of academic failure or psychological and social problems and coordinates with the relevant authorities to follow up on them confidentially and professionally. In addition, the unit organizes workshops and awareness-raising courses that enhance students ' skills in time management, academic excellence, and building self-confidence. This contributes to raising achievement levels and achieving comprehensive university adaptation. This is in line with the university's vision of empowering female students and building an academically and behaviorally qualified generation. Student and Academic Guidance Unit

The University 's Vice deanship of Female Student Affairs plays a pivotal role in providing integrated services aimed at supporting female students academically and socially and enhancing their participation in university life. The Vice Deanship responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various student activities and programs that contribute to developing skills and honing talents, and providing the necessary support and care for female students with special needs to ensure their full integration into the educational environment. The vice deanship also oversees the management of services provided by the Student Fund, including loans and grants, and monitors the disbursement of rewards and allowances to ensure they reach those entitled to them on a regular basis. These efforts reflect the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive and stimulating educational environment that achieves a balance between academic and social support for female students. Vice Deanship of Female Student Affairs

The university provides a range of technical support and assistance services dedicated to female students, with the aim of facilitating their academic journey and ensuring easy access to electronic services. These services include technical support related to admission and registration procedures, helping students complete academic processes efficiently and without technical obstacles. The university also provides technical support for the female student transfer program, ensuring smooth and continuous service continuity. Direct technical support via live chat is also activated, allowing students to receive assistance in a real-time and effective manner. These efforts come within the framework of the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive digital learning environment that supports students' academic success and service needs. Support and Assistance​

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The University President launched the "Aoun " system for managing international student services, as one of the unique initiatives aimed at supporting international female students, in line with the university's commitment to empowering non-Saudi female students and enhancing their educational and living experience. This system is a comprehensive platform that provides a range of integrated services, including academic, social, and cultural support, which contributes to facilitating integrating female students into the university environment. Aoun also provides quality services, such as organizing Hajj and Umrah trips, disbursing lump sum financial aid and allowances, including airfare and shipping, in addition to providing training courses and professional certifications that enhance female students' capabilities and prepare them for the job market. This system exemplifies the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive and equitable educational environment that caters to the needs of all categories of female students . Aoun System/ imamu.News

The Deanship of Student Affairs, through the Vice Deanship for Female Student Affairs for Programs and Activities, is responsible for organizing and implementing a diverse range of student programs and activities through 30 student clubs across the colleges. These clubs aim to develop ​

female students' personalities in a comprehensive manner. The Vice Deanship works to study and identify the needs of female students in religious, psychological, social, cultural, and academic aspects, ensuring the development of purposeful and comprehensive programs. It also seeks to provide the largest possible number of female students with the opportunity to actively participate in these activities, enhancing their sense of belonging and honing their personal and leadership skills. The Vice Deanship places great importance on providing the necessary capabilities and equipment for the success of the clubs' programs. Student activity, within a stimulating educational environment that supports the principles of interaction, participation and excellence. Student clubs in the university's religions, agencies, and colleges .

These clubs organize events and competitions specifically for female students (such as career days, project exhibitions, and awareness campaigns), under the supervision of the Vice Deanship for 
                                                          

Student Affairs. These activities have resulted in female students winning awards at cultural and scientific forums across the Gulf, demonstrating the effectiveness of the support provided. imamu.edu.sa/news/events

On May 13, 2025, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University honored the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Club for winning first place in the Specialized Clubs category during the closing ceremony of student activities for the academic year 1446 AH. Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen, head of the center, emphasized that this achievement reflects the club's efforts to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. She praised the support of His Excellency the University President and His Excellency the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research. units.imamu.edu.sa/News​

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One of the forms of support provided by the university is financial aid specifically for deserving female students. This is part of its social and economic support to enhance the continuity of female students in their academic careers. These aids are granted according to specific criteria and standards, most notably that the student be regular in her academic studies and not have any previous financial dues to the university. Furthermore, the student must not have previously received financial aid during her studies, with the exception of family aid, which is considered a special case. These aids aim to alleviate the financial burdens on needy female students and support them in creating the appropriate conditions for success and academic achievement. Applying for subvention (female students)

As part of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University's efforts to empower women and enhance higher education opportunities for all female students, the university offers a variety of scholarships designed to support Saudi and non-Saudi female students, in accordance with the Ministry of Education's regulations and the university's scholarship regulations. Regulation scholarship students

These programs include:

External Scholarships: These are allocated to non-Saudi female students from outside the Kingdom, and provide them with comprehensive coverage, including full exemption from tuition fees, a monthly stipend, university housing, healthcare, and annual travel tickets, in addition to educational and cultural support programs that help with academic and social integration. units.imamu.edu.sa/Gallery

Internal scholarships: These are granted to female students who are legally residing within the Kingdom, and include a number of similar benefits, including monthly stipends, health care, and academic support. Study in Saudi Arabia     Scholarships

Scholarships are offered to female students and include many benefits such as monthly stipends, housing and living expenses, health insurance, and annual airfare for international students, in addition to training opportunities and academic, social, and psychological support through specialized centers such as " Enaya." Applications for these scholarships are made during the official admission periods announced by the university on its website through the support services portal. To continue the scholarship, the student must adhere to academic regulations, maintain the required GPA, demonstrate behavioral discipline, and not drop out of school without an official justification. Imamu.Applying for Scholarship​

With support from the Student Fund, the Deanship of Student Affairs launched excellence awards to motivate students. For example, the Dean's List Award For academic excellence, outstanding male and female students are nominated for the award, and financial rewards are offered as an incentive. The Deanship also organizes honorary trips – with the support of the Fund – such as: An Umrah trip was organized for six academically outstanding female students and their supervisors. The trip lasted three days and included full accommodations for the participants. 

These honors programs encourage students to excel and provide them with moral and material support. Deanship of Student Affairs/News .

Through the Deanship of Student Affairs (within the Deanship of Student Affairs), the university provides a range of support services. This includes providing healthy and suitable university housing for female students and providing healthy meals at subsidized prices in university campus restaurants. The university also strengthens the role of the Student Fund to meet the financial needs of needy male and female students. For example, the Fund provides emergency financial aid. Students can apply electronically according to the regulations. These programs ensure that a student's educational journey is not interrupted due to financial or living obstacles, and provide her with a stable environment. Deanship of Student Affairs​

Women in Underrepresented Subjects

In our modern societies, the role of women has become essential to comprehensive development, and education is no longer confined to traditional boundaries or stereotypical choices. However, certain fields still suffer from the underrepresentation of women, often due to societal perceptions or a lack of awareness about available opportunities. This highlights the need to re-examine the factors influencing women's career choices and to create an environment that encourages them to explore new fields and break down barriers.

The launch of the Bachelor of Nursing program for female students stands as a key initiative to bolster female representation in a field where they have been historically underrepresented at Imam University. The program welcomed its first cohort of 60 female students in 1446 AH. By providing a comprehensive educational environment, including state-of-the-art laboratories and hands-on clinical training in hospitals, the university aims to meet market demands, encourage female students to pursue this vital career path, and contribute to national health security. Opening College of Nursing

As part of its comprehensive development plan, the College of Science has launched a program in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science, a specialized field that combines mathematics with financial risk management. Despite its previous lack of prevalence among female students, the university took the initiative to make it available to them, organizing introductory seminars to encourage their enrollment. Additionally, the College of Science holds an annual "Science Forum for Female Students," which showcases their achievements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. This has contributed to increasing the participation rate of female students in various science departments compared to previous years.

This support has enabled female students to register patents in advanced technological fields, an achievement that would not have been possible without a nurturing and motivating environment.

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has concluded its participation in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2025, held from April 9 to 13 in Geneva, by winning four international medals: two gold (one with honors) and two silver. The awards recognized innovations presented by an elite group of the university's members in the fields of environment, industry, and energy.

Among the winning innovations:

• Gold Medal with Honors: Awarded for the invention "Production of Hydrogen as an Eco-Friendly Fuel Using Nanocomposites of Magnesium Aluminate and Copper." The researchers are Dr. Mohamed Nady Abdelhamid Ibrahim, Dr. Mohamed Khairy Abdelfattah Omran, and Dr. Babeker Yagoub Abdelkhair from the College of Science – Department of Chemistry.
• Gold Medal: Awarded for the innovation "A Device, Methods, and Design System for Broadband Millimeter-Wave Transmission." The researchers are Dr. Mohammad Shah Alam Amir and Dr. Khalid Bin Abdullah Almuhanna from the College of Engineering – Department of Electrical Engineering.
• Silver Medal: Awarded to Dr. Ghadah Ahmed Mohammed Khouqeer from the College of Science – Department of Physics, for the innovation "A Hole-Doped Gallium Nitride (GaN) High-Electron-Mobility Transistor (HEMT) with a 2D Barrier Based on Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂)."
• Silver Medal: Awarded to Dr. Babeker Yagoub Alhadi Abdelkhair and Dr. Mohammed Rahmatallh Alamin from the College of Science – Department of Chemistry, for the innovation "Preparation of Metal Oxides in Their Pure Form and as Mixtures Using Paper Towel Waste."units.imamu.edu.sa/News

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The Marketing, Business, and Social Responsibility Unit at the College of Science at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University organized an introductory session titled "Patenting and the Experience of Participating in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions." units.imamu.edu.sa/News

international standing and called for greater interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable solutions, stressing that such successes reflect the university's academic and research excellence. units.imamu.edu.sa/news

The winning project, presented by student Abdulrahman Al-Ammar under the supervision of Dr. Salah El Din Khan from the College of Medicine, was distinguished for its development of anti-infection surgical sutures using silver nanoparticles. The participants expressed their delight with the victory, affirming their commitment to continue innovating to serve the nation's health and enhance their role in developing solutions that improve healthcare.

From April 17 to 21, 2024, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University participated in the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, securing a number of global awards, including gold and bronze medals, for innovations presented by its members across various fields.

The innovations included the "AutiScan" device for detecting autism spectrum disorder, an advanced pen for measuring blood sugar levels, the "Yaqeen" smart mattress, and the "SCRT" technology for regulating children's temperature during sleep. Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen, Head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, stated that this participation is part of the university's efforts to enhance its international presence and achieve the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University wins the gold medal and several international awards at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has announced the nomination of three teams from the Riyadh region, out of 35 participating teams, for the global finals of the International Space Apps Challenge 2024. The event was organized by the university in collaboration with the American space agency "NASA," and in strategic partnership with the Saudi Space Agency and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission, from October 3 to 5, 2024. The nominated teams are: Jurm Project, Green Shift, and Proximus Exoplanet Tool.

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Announces the Three Teams Nominated for the Global Finals of the 2024 NASA International Space Apps Challenge

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Women's Mentoring Schemes 

The Academic Advising Program for New Female Students, offered by the Deanship of Admissions and Registration, is an annual orientation program implemented at the start of each academic year. It targets new female students and includes introductory and guidance meetings during the first week of studies to inform them of their rights, responsibilities, and available services. For instance, in 1446 AH, the Deanship organized the "Orientation Meeting for New Female Students," which was attended by the Vice Dean for Female Student Affairs. During the event, students were guided on the electronic registration process, the procedure for obtaining a university ID card, and were introduced to support centers like the library and academic counseling services. An "Advising Kit," containing simplified guides to university regulations and policies, is also distributed. This program facilitates the integration of new students into the university environment and answers their initial questions. imamu.edu.sa/news

Imam University organizes an annual Career Week, with a dedicated portion for female students held at the King Abdullah City for Female Students. In the 2025 edition, intensive events were conducted over two days, targeting final-year students and recent graduates. The events featured training workshops and guidance sessions led by labor market specialists. The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) presented a workshop on professional and social guidance, career planning, and building a professional identity, aimed at preparing students for their careers after graduation. Additionally, two training workshops were held, including one titled "Introduction to Professional Certifications," which explained the importance of such certificates in enhancing graduates' skills. These advising activities, specifically designed for female students, help them transition from their studies to the workforce with greater confidence and readiness. Fifth Career Week Activities    The Fifth Career Week activities will continue at King Abdullah City for Girls​    

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Women Applications  and Entry Policy​

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has a clear policy supporting the admission and participation of female students in university life, reflecting its commitment to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, in accordance with the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG5). This regulation aims to govern the admission and enrollment process for female students to ensure equal opportunities and enhance women's participation in various university education tracks. This contributes to preparing a conscious and qualified generation of female graduates capable of serving their community and nation. The Deanship of Admissions and Registration oversees the admission procedures for female students in all specializations through the Vice Dean for Female Student Affairs and the Vice Dean for Academic Advising. All academic and administrative operations related to female students are managed at the King Abdullah City for Female Students in Riyadh, which includes specialized administrative and service units supervised by vice deans to ensure the provision of excellent service. Admission Guide      Bac h elor_Diploma.pdf Unified electronic admission for female students

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has implemented a series of initiatives and policies to promote the inclusion of female students and support their academic and administrative development. The university recognized that the equal participation of women in the educational process is a key element for achieving comprehensive development. Consequently, the university adopted an academic expansion plan that includes opening specializations previously unavailable to female students. For example, Imam University introduced three new specializations, including a Nursing program (for female students only), in addition to programs in Financial/Actuarial Mathematics and Marketing. The university announced admissions for the first cohort of 60 female students into the Bachelor of Nursing program starting in the academic year 1446 AH, as part of its efforts to align with Vision 2030 and meet the Kingdom's need for nursing professionals. These steps confirm the existence of policies to increase the participation of female students in new fields. imamu.edu.sa/news

Imam University has adopted policies to empower female academics and involve them in leadership positions, university councils, and strategic plans. On February 17, 2025, the university organized a ceremony to honor participants of the "Academic Leadership Development (ALD)" program, which was implemented by the Skills Development Center in collaboration with the American company LMI. The program aims to enhance the academic leadership skills of the university's male and female personnel, covering topics such as the qualities of leaders, effective communication, time management, and employee motivation. More than 14,000 trainees have benefited from the center's programs, and 44 faculty members have been empowered to obtain the British Fellowship in University Education. The female vice-deans of the colleges also expressed their appreciation for the high-quality courses that contribute to promoting academic excellence and creative leadership within the university. units.imamu.edu.sa/News

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The university acknowledges the pivotal role of women in learning, teaching, and leadership, and has therefore committed to integrating women into its decision-making processes. Notably, the number of female graduates exceeds that of male graduates by 8%, and the number of female academics has increased by approximately 15% compared to their male counterparts. This increase is reflected in the significant representation of women in leadership positions within the university. Dr. Kholoud bint Fawaz Al-Tamimi has been appointed as the Vice President for Institutional Development and Social Responsibility, and Dr. Kholoud bint Jamal Sandouqa as the Dean of the Deanship of Evaluation and Quality. These appointments have been praised by university officials, faculty members, and students. The percentage of women in leadership positions at the university has reached approximately 40%, underscoring its commitment to promoting women's empowerment at all levels.

The Skills Development Center at the university recognized and awarded fifty male and female employees from various departments and units for their achievements in obtaining professional certifications in leadership and project management. The ceremony was held at the Madareem Crown Hotel and attended by the Vice President for Institutional Development and Social Responsibility, Dr. Kholoud bint Fawaz Al-Tamimi. She affirmed that this recognition is supported and guided by His Excellency the University President, Professor Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ameri, and aims to achieve the university's goals of developing administrative staff and enhancing their skills in line with its strategic vision. The head of the Skills Development Center, Dr. Mohammed bin Nida Al-Anzi, called on the honorees to continue their efforts toward further achievements in improving administrative work. At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were distributed and commemorative photos were taken.

 Honoring 50 male and female employees who obtained professional certificates

As part of its initiative to enhance female student engagement, the university has undertaken substantial development efforts at King Abdullah City for Female Students. The city now includes six large academic buildings for the women's colleges and five administrative buildings, one of which houses the first-of-its-kind central library for female students. Covering an area of over 600,000 square meters, the campus contains 153 modern laboratories for disciplines such as computer science, graphics, chemistry, biology, and physics, in addition to 30 student clubs. This infrastructural development was implemented according to strategic plans to provide a comprehensive environment that encourages female student enrollment and facilitates their academic and cultural engagement.

In summary, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is actively implementing thorough measures to improve enrollment opportunities for female students and to support their academic and professional development across diverse fields. By developing new specializations, improving the learning environment, and upholding the principle of equality, the university is successfully presenting an exemplary model for supporting Saudi women and strengthening their role in national development. Moreover, the university's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and its adoption of clear institutional policies reflect a strategic awareness of the importance of women's involvement in the educational and developmental journey, preparing future generations for an environment with greater justice and equal opportunities.

Tracing Access​​

University education is a fundamental pillar for empowering women and activating their role in national development, making the tracking of progress and admission indicators in higher education institutions vital for understanding trends in female participation in education. In this context, these statistics aim to highlight the national percentage of female applicants to universities and to analyze actual admission rates, for the purpose of assessing the availability of educational opportunities and the achievement of equity in admissions. This data also supports policymakers in developing future educational policies that align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 towards empowering women and increasing their participation in various sectors.

students to its bachelor's programs, in addition to 2,500 in diploma programs for that year (on August 18, 2024). These statistics demonstrate the university's focus on documenting the numbers of admitted students of both genders, noting that the percentage of female students was nearly 49% of the total student body. imamu.edu.sa/News

The university announced the opening of admissions for the year 1446 AH through the Unified Admission Portal for Female Students, with a specific number of seats allocated for them (June 2024), which reflects the existence of a well-regulated system for monitoring and tracking female admissions. Furthermore, national statistics from the Council of Universities Affairs show a clear prevalence of female students in terms of the overall percentage in Saudi universities, as they constitute nearly 60% of total graduates. This aligns with the national trend, which Imam University follows by enrolling high percentages of female students annually. Looking at the official figures published on the university and Ministry of Education websites, it is evident that the number of enrolled female students at the university is nearly equal to the number of male students, reflecting the university's success in attracting female students and ensuring the principle of equality in admissions.

Based on the foregoing, it is clear that Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University embodies a national model for supporting the empowerment of women through education, via clear admission policies, documented statistics, and a constant commitment to achieving gender balance in university enrollment opportunities. Moreover, tracking female student enrollment rates and sharing this data transparently reflects the university's commitment to its developmental and educational role and enhances the effectiveness of future decisions aimed at increasing women's participation in higher education and the labor market. The continuation of this approach strengthens the university's position within the national education system and supports the general trend toward realizing the aspirations of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in building a comprehensive and balanced knowledge-based society.​

Women's Graduation Rate

Graduation rates are a key indicator used to evaluate the quality and efficiency of educational systems. Among the issues that concern researchers and policymakers are the differences in graduation rates between males and females, and whether an existing gap requires intervention. Numerous international and regional statistics indicate that in many countries, female students achieve higher graduation rates than their male counterparts, despite the social or cultural challenges they may face.

and periodic statistical reports from the Deanship of Admissions and Registration and the Deanship of Assessment and Quality. These internal reports include detailed data on admission percentages, academic achievement rates, and graduation levels for both male and female students. This monitoring serves as a primary tool to identify any potential gender gaps in the academic path. Notably, in recent years, the graduation rate for female students has been considerably higher than that of male students.

Stemming from its vision of achieving excellence and justice, the university does not merely monitor and analyze; it also establishes practical policies and initiatives to support female students' academic journeys, ensuring equitable outcomes. For example, the university provides academic advising services through specialized units that cater to the needs of both genders. It also offers training programs and professional development workshops that enhance the skills of female students, enabling them to face challenges and achieve high graduation rates.

The university has a specialized unit for academic assessment and quality that submits comprehensive reports to the University Council and the Ministry of Education. These reports include key performance indicators (KPIs), such as graduation rates by gender. This monitoring is used to meet the requirements of local (NCAAA) and international academic accreditation, which mandate specific indicators for comparing gender performance.

​These policies and programs reflect Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University's commitment to its mission of providing a just and comprehensive education. They affirm its continuous effort to empower all students, male and female, to complete their university studies on an equal footing, thereby enhancing the university's role in serving national development and building a knowledge-based society founded on justice and equal opportunity.​

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