Dar Al-Hekma president in key UK business talks

Suhair Al-Qurashi, president of Dar Al-Hekma College, Jeddah, is forging links with leading educational establishments and business organizations globally.
Her visit to the UK saw her meeting Prime Minister David Cameron and next month she will visit the US.
Arab News caught up with Al-Qurashi at a special event held at the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (A-BCC) in London.
Guests from the academic, diplomatic and business communities, including Zain Millibari, counsellor, Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London, were welcomed by Afnan Al-Shuaiby, secretary general and chief executive of A-BCC.
The event celebrated the signing of a memorandum of understanding between A-BCC and Dar Al-Hekma which has been accorded the status of university to take effect next month.
In her welcoming speech, Al-Shuaiby said: “Both the chamber and the university pledge to work together for the strengthening of cooperation in the vital fields of education and training. Education is an important and growing area for bilateral cooperation between Britain and the Arab countries and the Arab-British Chamber is pleased to be playing a constructive part as a strategic organization in this process.”
She added: “A well-educated population is essential to ensure a strong and sustainable economy. Arab leaders increasingly appreciate the need to invest more of their resources into education to meet the aspirations of the younger generation in order to equip them with the skills that are needed to achieve success.”
She spoke about the importance of having a program of studies that matches the needs of the economy.
“One of the priorities is to close the gap between what graduates are taught and what is required in the market. Closer cooperation between business and academic institutions offers a solution. As a chamber it is our belief that British educationalists are well positioned to partner with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia in the provision of learning programs that prioritise excellence and creativity in a range of key subject areas.”
Speaking exclusively to Arab News at the event Al-Qurashi said: “This A-BCC partnership presents an excellent opportunity for internships and work placements for my students.”
Asked about her meeting with Cameron, she said: “It is something I will cherish because he wants women to succeed around the world and in Saudi Arabia we really need the back-up of everyone to support women for the prosperity of all.”
She is delighted that Dar Al-Hekma College has been accorded ‘university’ status and said: “The Saudi government has been very supportive.”
She said Cameron has promised to send a representative from the UK to the launch event conferring ‘university’ status on September 21 which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world.
Three graduates from Dar Al-Hekma were present at the A-BCC event.
Huda Alamoudi said Dar Al-Hekma was a great preparation for her further studies and career. After graduation she trained in a private equity house in the UK, then did a Masters degree and has now set up her own company Huda Associates.
She established her company with a private fund and makes choices as a direct investor.
She has a portfolio of three companies in the UK and two in Saudi Arabia.
She praised Al-Qurashi for the strategy and focus she has brought to the college and recognizes the critical role her education has played in her subsequent career.
Of her time at Dar Al-Hekma she said: “It’s like you are a seed in a nurturing environment that helps you to grow and learn the skills and the knowledge that you need to proceed further.”
Reem Balubaid, who graduated in Special Education from Dar Al-Hekma, also paid tribute to the education she received.
“We had very good teachers with great experience from all over the world; it was very beneficial.”
Balubaid is now doing a PhD in Education at the University of Reading, having completed her Masters in Clinical Child Psychology from Anglia Ruskin University based in Cambridge.
She hopes to return to Dar Al-Hekma to work as an instructor. Speaking of opportunities for women within Saudi she said: “Women are engaging in a lot of activities today and have a great role in the community.”
Lama Sahav graduated from Dar Al-Hekma in 2011, did her Masters at Anglia Ruskin University and is now doing her PhD in Psychology at Reading University.
She described Al-Qurashi as “an inspiring woman” and added: “Women in Saudi Arabia have a big range of options and things are changing.”