The conference and accompanying exhibition organized by the Ministry of Higher Education is expected to attract the participation of higher education specialists from over 34 countries.

Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Anqari said last year the event attracted over 250,000 visitors.

He also added that last year’s event was able to facilitate the signing of over 45 university cooperation agreements and also organized workshops presented by 55 lecturers from 26 countries. The sessions attracted staff and students from public and private universities.

The event this year, said Al-Anqari, will facilitate more such cooperation initiatives and benefit from international experiences.

This year’s event will host a conference on leading international universities.

Sixteen specialists will participate in this conference, including coordinator of the World Bank's network of tertiary education professionals Jamil Salmi, director of the Center for International Higher Education Philip Altbach, dean of the National Autonomous University of Mexico Kozee Robels and others.

The ministry aims to improve the qualifications of graduates and the quality education at Saudi universities.

This, said the minister, will also provide a better opportunity for the private sector to collaborate and communicate with outstanding universities and get an insight into their systems, including education methods and registration procedures.

The minister also hoped the event would increase awareness about higher education issues and provide an opportunity for individual and educational establishments to benefit from international experiences.

He also extended his appreciation to the authorities that provide support for positive initiatives aimed at developing the higher education system and fulfilling the needs of society. The event runs until April 22.