The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shamah Autism Centre (SAC), with the aim of enhancing joint scientific cooperation and coordination, and building partnerships to improve educational services. The MoU seeks to develop the exchange of experiences and information between the two parties, and serves the educational process.
The signing of the memorandum took place between Professor Soud Almahamid, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) in AGU, and Mr Mohammad bin Ayed Albaqami, Executive Vice President of SAC, and will be valid for three years from the date of signing, with the possibility of renewal.
Prof. Almahamid expressed his satisfaction with the deepening cooperation with centres and institutions involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. He emphasised the university’s commitment to building partnerships and utilising its expertise and scientific capabilities to address common Gulf issues, including autism spectrum disorder. He highlighted the potential for training opportunities, consultations, joint scientific research, and scientific conferences and seminars in the field of autism.
Moreover, Prof. Almahamid also mentioned the College of Graduate Studies’ Innovative and Developmental Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorder, which aims to equip professionals in schools, centres and institutions that provide educational, counselling and medical services with effective skills to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. He emphasised that the programme will serve as a major resource for preparing students in the GCC countries, and that it aims to produce specialists capable of teaching and training individuals with autism spectrum disorder in an innovative and creative manner.
In addition to the diploma programme, CGS has developed a PhD programme in autism, disability and various learning difficulties, becoming the first of their kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the wider Middle East and North Africa.
For his part, Mr Albaqami expressed his satisfaction with the MoU, stating that it encourages cooperation and continuous support between the two parties, highlighting the importance of finding highly skilled competencies in teaching and providing various services to children with autism spectrum disorders.
Additionally, Mr Albaqami also mentioned the importance of research cooperation, organising seminars, discussion panels and awareness-raising workshops for specialised personnel and families. He emphasised that the work of the Centre aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to empower individuals with special needs and enable them to become productive members of society.
During the signing ceremony, a presentation was given about the vision of SAC, which is dedicated to the rehabilitation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The Centre, a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 in cooperation between Saudi Aramco and Shumua Al Amal Company for Special Education and Rehabilitation, aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. SAC achieves this by providing a supportive educational environment that promotes integration into education, professional work and society.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Wid Daghustani, Chairperson of the Department of Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities, Professor Maryam Al Sherawi, Professor of Special Education in the Department of Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities, Dr Afaf Bugawa, Director of the Consultation, Training, Continuing Education and Community Service Centre, as well as Ms Fayhaa Fahd Al Faihani, Director of SAC, and Ms Amal Saleh Al Dossari, Business Development Officer at the Centre.
