How a single college in Mecca evolved into a modern multidisciplinary research university

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Umm al-Qura University began as a specialized institution for Islamic law in 1949. Today, it has transformed into a sprawling academic hub in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, offering diverse degrees ranging from engineering and medicine to technology management, while maintaining its deep historical roots in theology and Arabic language studies.

The institution traces its origins to the College of Sharia, founded in 1369 A.H. (1949) under the leadership of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. For decades, it functioned primarily as a center for Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and linguistic studies. It was not until 1981, following a royal decree, that the institution was officially renamed Umm al-Qura University, a title meaning Mother of All Villages. This transition marked a significant expansion in its academic mission, allowing the university to incorporate a wider array of modern disciplines.

The university's growth has been characterized by the strategic formation of specialized colleges. For instance, the College of Da'wah and Fundamentals of Religion was established in 1981, later absorbing the Department of the Qur'an and Sunnah in 1984. Similarly, the College of Applied Sciences, launched in 1990, introduced rigorous scientific training in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology, supported by over 60 laboratories. The College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, which began as a smaller unit in 1982, now offers ABET-accredited degrees that require up to 169 credit hours for a bachelor's degree.

Beyond its traditional focus, the university has embraced contemporary research and professional training. The College of Business, for example, supports faculty research in areas like supply chain management, sustainability, and decision modeling, often funded by national and international industry partners. By 2015, the university's annual budget reached approximately 3 billion Saudi Riyals. This financial scale reflects its evolution from a singular religious college into a comprehensive university that balances classical Islamic education with modern engineering, social sciences, and advanced technological research to serve a global student body.

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