Amman: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has inaugurated the 2025 Jordanian Universities Exhibition in Saudi Arabia. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), the Jordanian Embassy in Riyadh, the Jordanian Consulate in Jeddah, and event organizer ICON Expo, aims to enhance international student enrollment in Jordanian institutions.
According to Jordan News Agency, the exhibition is being hosted in Riyadh and Tabuk from April 16-20, featuring participation from 22 public and private Jordanian universities and colleges. Each city will host the event for two days. Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abul Foul, officially opened the exhibition and visited the pavilions of the participating institutions.
The ministry will present the key benefits of Jordanian universities, emphasizing facilities for international students and the variety of modern academic programs. Brochures with information on universities, academic offerings, and tuition fees, which are competitively positioned against other regional institutions, will be distributed to attendees.
Mamoun Debi’e, Secretary-General of the Ministry and Chair of the International Student Recruitment Committee at the Higher Education Council, stated that the ministry and the JTB are collaborating closely through the committee to implement a 2023-2027 strategic plan to attract more international students to Jordan. Organizing and participating in educational exhibitions in target countries is a significant part of this strategy.
He noted that Jordan is recognized for its prestigious institutions, many of which hold international accreditations and rankings and have received numerous regional and global awards in research and academia. This reputation has positioned Jordan as a hub for students worldwide seeking academic excellence.
Debi’e also pointed out the diversity within Jordan’s higher education sector, which includes established public universities, private institutions, universities with international partnerships, and colleges engaged in joint research projects with globally renowned scientific centers.
Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, JTB Managing Director, mentioned that the board’s involvement in the Saudi exhibitions aligns with a joint strategic plan to promote Jordan as a leading educational destination and a top tourism and cultural hub.
Arabiyat highlighted that these events provide an ideal platform for direct interaction with students and parents, offering precise information about academic programs, living costs, and the advantages of studying in Jordan, which offers a safe and modern educational environment.
He emphasized the importance of linking education with tourism to create a comprehensive experience for international students, which supports the economy and enhances educational tourism.
Arabiyat added that the JTB will continue promoting Jordan’s educational offerings at regional and international platforms, focusing on the Gulf region. He described the Saudi market as promising and emphasized the need for consistent, high-quality engagement.
Ambassador Abul Foul expressed pride in Jordan’s university graduates who return to their home countries equipped with knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills for the job market.
He also commended Saudi students studying in Jordan, describing them as academically outstanding and morally exemplary, contributing positively to university life in Jordan.
Abul Foul highlighted that geographic and social proximity makes Jordan an attractive destination for Saudi students and expressed 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 beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. Currently, 51,647 students from 113 countries are studying in Jordan, representing 11% of the total student population.
The exhibition is part of the 2023-2027 strategic plan to attract 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 increase enrollment in the country’s universities.