Princess Nourah University celebrates the graduation of its 19th class of female students
Under the generous patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Mohammed Al Saud, wife of His Royal Highness the Governor of Riyadh Region, Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University is preparing to celebrate the graduation of its nineteenth cohort of distinguished female students in a grand ceremony to be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 (corresponding to the academic year 1447 AH), entitled “The Excellence Ceremony.” This event marks the culmination of a journey filled with hard work and dedication, and a launching point for a new generation of qualified female leaders ready to contribute effectively to the comprehensive national development process.
Historical background: A pioneering educational institution for women
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University is the largest women's university in the world and a beacon of knowledge for women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its roots extend back to 1970 with the establishment of the first teacher training college for women in Riyadh, and it has developed over the decades into a comprehensive educational institution inaugurated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), in 2008. The university is named after Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman, sister of the founder of the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, in recognition of her historical role and her status as a symbol of wisdom and sound judgment. This annual celebration reaffirms the university's ongoing mission to provide high-quality education for Saudi women.
Details of the Excellence Ceremony and the launch of graduation celebrations
The “Excellence Ceremony” will be held at the university’s Conference and Seminar Center, honoring outstanding female graduates from the 19th graduating class who have earned master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas, as well as the top ten graduates with bachelor’s degrees and diplomas. This ceremony marks the beginning of a week-long series of graduation celebrations, comprising 18 ceremonies for over 8,000 female students from various university colleges and the Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers. The ceremony’s program includes a diverse program featuring a procession of faculty members and graduates, inspirational speeches, video presentations, and the awarding of a prize to the exemplary student, lending the occasion a formal and celebratory character befitting the graduates’ achievements.
Significance and impact: Direct support for the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The graduation ceremony transcends its status as a mere celebration, representing a fundamental pillar in supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes women's empowerment and increased participation in the labor market. In this context, Dr. Dunia Al-Faraj, Dean of Student Affairs, explained that honoring outstanding graduates "embodies Princess Nourah University's commitment to fostering academic excellence, supporting women's leadership in the national development journey, and graduating competitive national talents who contribute to creating a positive and sustainable impact." The graduation of thousands of qualified female students in diverse scientific, humanities, and health-related fields injects new blood into the Saudi labor market, contributes to achieving sustainable economic and social development, and strengthens the Kingdom's international standing as a nation that invests equally in its human capital, both men and women.
