A study proposed nine steps to develop Saudi universities to be among the best universities in the world. 
The study recommended procedures that need to be taken by the education agencies to promote the quality of education. This study comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which includes plans to develop Saudi universities.
The study, which was conducted by a professor at Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Saeed Al-Sadiqi, stressed the importance of creating balance between scientific research and academic programs, qualifying and supporting a high number of researchers, internationalizing Saudi universities through opening branches abroad and appointing academic experts and skilled university directors.
The study confirmed the need to create a scientific environment and offer strong financial support to these universities. Universities need to publish their scientific research in magazines in the English language. This step will help non-Arabic students to obtain knowledge provided by universities. 
According to a study, the universities must have a strategic vision to enter the elite club of world universities. At the same time, authorities need to create national classifications of local universities to raise competition levels among them.
Saleh Al-Agla, economics faculty dean at the Umm Al-Qura University, said the Kingdom plans to bolster the Saudi university program. Saudi Arabia seeks to see five universities classified among the best 200 universities in the world. 
Speaking to Arab News, he said Saudi universities have improved their academic programs. However, there is a need to spend efforts to promote themselves to be among the best universities in the world.
Nineteen Saudi universities were ranked among the QS top 100 Arab Universities for the year 2015-2016. King Fahd University for Petroleum and Mineral Resources ranked first among Arab universities for the second year in a row, while American University in Beirut ranked second. King Saud University emerged third, King Abdulaziz University fourth and Umm Al-Qura University ranked 18th.
QS is one of the most prestigious and famous institutions with respect to university classifications around the world, in addition to the Time Higher Education World University Ranking, and the Academic Ranking for World Universities. 
This latest ranking comes after evaluation of 192 universities out of 270 in 21 countries. The ranking relies on a comprehensive evaluation and nine criteria, as well as opportunities and challenges facing regional and global universities, and excellence achieved.

Source : Arab News