King Abdulaziz University

In the year 1964, the idea of establishing a private university in the city of Jeddah was originally put forward by Mohammed Ali Hafiz. In the same year, a preparatory committee of 6 members was formed, including Mohamed Ali Hafiz and Muhammad Abu Bakr Bakhashab. Shortly after, then-Crown Prince Faisal officially approved the idea. In 1965, the university's executive committee was formed. In 1966, the KAU held a competition to design their logo. The winning design was submitted by Adbul-Halim Radwi, a local artist from Jeddah.[4]

In the year 1967, King Abdulaziz University was officially established as a private university, with goals to spread higher education in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Prior to this date, there were no higher-education institutions in Jeddah. These goals were met through efforts of high-ranking businessmen and notable Saudi figures; and additionally with the help of King Faisal's encouragement and financial support. The university started its first academic year in 1968, with a relatively small number of students (68 male - 30 female). In 1969, the first faculty was established (Faculty of Economics and Administration). In 1970, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities was established.

In 1974, the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia decided to merge the university with the government; converting it to a public university. This major decision spurred the impressive transformation to where the university stands today. King Abdulaziz University has further witnessed tremendous quantitative and qualitative progress in terms of enrollment and diversity of academic programs. It is now recognized as a world-class university due to its international outreach and collaboration in research, innovation, accreditations and rankings. It does this while continuing to maintain its traditional commitment to delivering outstanding education and community service. As of 2017, it had almost 31,000 students, of which 28% are international, and is considered to be one of the best universities in the Arab world.[5]

The building's construction was designed by Bangladeshi-American architect Fazlur Rahman Khan.[6]

In 2018, it was ranked the 1st Arab university by Times Higher Education due to very strong citation impact and highly international outlook.[7] It also ranked no. 1 in percentage of total publications with international collaboration, according to US News rankings.[8]

These programs are accredited by ABET as Substantially Equivalent Programs since 2003.[12]

The Faculty of Economics and Administration was the first college to be established in King Abdulaziz University, and until this day it is called "The Base of Founder's University," referring to the founder of the country.

• Department of Business Administration
• Department of Finance
• Department of Marketing
• Department of Human Resource Management
• Department of Accounting
• Department of Management Information Systems
• Department of Political Science
• Department of Health Administration
• Department of Public Administration
• Department of Economics
• Department of Law (defunct in 2012; separated into a new faculty)

In 2015, FEA received its fourth international accreditation, the AACSB making it one of the top business colleges in the middle east and across the world.

The Faculty of Law was established in 2012 as it segregated from Faculty of Economics and Administration.

• Public Law
• Private Law

• Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Faculty of Communication and Media
• Faculty of Computing and Information Technology
• Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Sciences
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Earth Sciences
• Faculty of Environmental Designs
• Faculty of Home Economics
• Faculty of Marine Sciences
• Faculty of Tourism
• Faculty of Maritime Studies