Al-Mukalla – University Media
Hadhramout University concluded today the workshop of the Yemeni Network of International Relations Offices, held at the Academic Development and Quality Assurance Center, under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Saeed Khanbash, within the framework of the WP4 Project (YHELD).
The workshop was attended by Prof. Dr. Abdullah Babair, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. Dr. Salem Bamasoud, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research; and Mr. Abdullah Eideed, Secretary-General of the University.
In the opening session, the University President highlighted the wide range of agreements linking Hadhramout University with partner institutions across all continents, noting that their number has reached nearly 100 memoranda of understanding. He emphasized the importance of developing practical mechanisms to activate agreements that have not yet been implemented.
Prof. Dr. Khanbash also referred to existing partnerships with international academic and research institutions, including the University of Sultan Sharif Ali (Brunei) and Airlangga University (Indonesia), as well as externally funded projects supported by the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He noted that the University signed two agreements in the environmental sector during the previous week.
He further announced a proposal currently under consideration to establish a research award for faculty members, aimed at supporting scientific research and enhancing the University’s international presence.
For his part, Dr. Lutfi Saeed Bin Dahman, Director of the Center for International Cooperation and University Ranking, stated that accrediting the network of international relations offices represents a practical step toward overcoming the isolation of Yemeni universities, which has negatively affected their academic standing. He expressed hope that granting independent status to the International Relations Office at Hadhramout University, rather than maintaining it as an administrative unit, would contribute to improving its global ranking.
Dr. Bin Dahman also noted ongoing efforts to strengthen links between Yemeni universities and the European Union, establish a national academic network, and unify institutional communication with international partners. He emphasized the importance of continuing such workshops, given their role in enhancing the University’s global visibility and ranking.
Meanwhile, Dr. Suheer Al-Hadhrami presented the Action Plan of the International Relations Office (WP4), which aligns with objectives related to academic mobility, partnership development, and international engagement. She highlighted the role of the plan in improving the University’s global ranking and strengthening its research collaboration.
In the same context, Dr. Saeed Al-Amoudi, Director of the University Information Center, reviewed the Terms of Reference (TOR) document, which aims to enhance coordination among Yemeni universities in areas such as international partnerships, exchange programs, scholarships, and alignment with international accreditation standards.
The workshop also addressed several key themes, including mechanisms for drafting and activating memoranda of understanding, evaluating existing agreements, expanding scholarship and exchange opportunities, addressing challenges faced by students and researchers in accessing mobility programs, developing a unified database of opportunities, and strengthening the role of international relations offices in improving global ranking indicators and documenting joint activities.
Additionally, proposals were presented to develop the University’s electronic institutional profile, along with other relevant topics.
At the conclusion of each session, deans, vice deans, center directors, university administrators, and participants contributed academic insights to enrich the discussions, aiming to develop effective mechanisms for activating dormant agreements and strengthening international engagement.