SQU welcomed a delegation from Yildiz Technical University of the Republic of Türkiye, headed by Prof. Eyüp Debik, Rector of Yildiz Technical University, as part of efforts to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.

The delegation was received by His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, in the presence of a number of university officials and academics.

During the meeting, His Highness the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the visiting delegation and presented an overview of SQU’s colleges, research centres, facilities and major achievements over the four decades since its establishment. He highlighted the University’s contributions to national development and its growing regional and international recognition in higher education, research and innovation.

Prof. Eyüp Debik provided a brief introduction to Yildiz Technical University, noting that it serves approximately 40,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. He explained that the university is recognised among Türkiye’s leading research-intensive institutions, with particular strengths in engineering, applied sciences and technology. He also highlighted the University’s interdisciplinary approach to education and research, as well as its strong emphasis on research and development.

The Rector further outlined the role of Yildiz Technical University’s technopark, one of the largest university-affiliated technology parks in Türkiye, which supports innovation, entrepreneurship and start-up development. He noted that the university is among the country’s leading entrepreneurial institutions, providing guidance and opportunities for emerging enterprises.

His Highness the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that SQU is progressing towards becoming an entrepreneurial university. He expressed confidence in the ability of SQU graduates to create economic value, establish successful enterprises and contribute to the national economy. He noted that the University offers more than academic instruction, providing an environment that equips students with life skills, learning skills and critical thinking abilities through its diverse educational and research facilities.

The discussions also elaborated on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its implications for higher education. Both sides stressed the growing importance of critical thinking in an era when knowledge is more accessible than ever before. They explored the challenge of balancing traditional educational approaches with emerging AI-driven learning models and examined ways to bridge the gap between the two.

The meeting concluded with discussions on potential areas of cooperation between SQU and Yildiz Technical University in education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.