Amman, April 16 (Petra) The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Wednesday launched the 2025 Jordanian Universities Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), the Jordanian Embassy in Riyadh, the Jordanian Consulate in Jeddah, and the event organizer, ICON Expo.

The exhibition is being held in Riyadh and Tabuk from April 16–20, with 22 public and private Jordanian universities and colleges taking part. The event will run for two days in each city. Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abul Foul, inaugurated the exhibition and toured the participating institutions’ pavilions.

The ministry will showcase key advantages of Jordanian universities and the country’s higher education sector, highlighting facilities offered to international students and the range of modern academic programs available. Informational brochures will be distributed featuring details on universities, academic offerings, and tuition fees which are positioned competitively against other regional institutions.

Mamoun Debi’e, Secretary-General of the Ministry and Chair of the International Student Recruitment Committee at the Higher Education Council, said the ministry and the JTB are working closely through the committee to implement the strategic plan (2023–2027) to attract more international students to Jordan. Organizing and participating in educational exhibitions in target countries is a central pillar of this strategy.

He added that Jordan is known for its prestigious institutions, many of which hold international accreditations and rankings and have won numerous regional and global awards in research and academia. This reputation has made Jordan a hub for students from around the world seeking academic excellence.

Debi’e also highlighted the diversity of Jordan’s higher education sector, which includes well-established public universities, distinguished private institutions, universities with international partnerships, and colleges that run joint research projects with world-renowned scientific centers.

He emphasized Jordan’s pride in its academic professionals, who enjoy strong reputations regionally and globally and are dedicated to passing on their expertise to students.

JTB Managing Director Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat said the board’s participation in the Saudi exhibitions aligns with a joint strategic plan to promote Jordan as a leading educational destination, in addition to its appeal as a top tourism and cultural hub.

Arabiyat noted that such events offer an ideal platform for direct engagement with students and parents, providing accurate information about academic programs, living costs, and the benefits of studying in Jordan, which offers both safety and a modern educational environment.

He stressed the importance of linking education with tourism to create a well-rounded experience for international students, which in turn supports the economy and boosts educational tourism.

Arabiyat added that the JTB will continue promoting Jordan’s education offerings at regional and international platforms, with a special focus on the Gulf region. He described the Saudi market as promising and emphasized the need for consistent, high-quality engagement.

Ambassador Abul Foul expressed Jordan’s pride in its university graduates who return to their home countries with knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills that prepare them for the job market.
He also praised Saudi students studying in Jordan, describing them as academically outstanding and morally exemplary, and said they enrich university life in Jordan.

Abul Foul noted that geographic and social proximity makes Jordan an attractive destination for Saudi students and voiced hope that the exhibition would significantly boost interest in Jordan’s universities and their distinguished academic programs.

According to the ministry, 11,814 new international students enrolled in Jordan’s higher education institutions at the start of the 2024–2025 academic year. Currently, a total of 51,647 students from 113 countries are studying in Jordan, representing 11% of the total student population.

The exhibition is part of the implementation of the 2023–2027 strategic plan for attracting international students to study in Jordan, developed by the Ministry of Higher Education in partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board. The plan aims to strengthen Jordan’s position as a destination for educational tourism and boost enrollment in the country’s universities.

//Petra// AF

16/04/2025 22:13:08