The Faculty of Environmental Sciences at King Abdulaziz University welcomed on Tuesday, 12 November 2025, a delegation from the Waqaa Center (the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases). The delegation was led by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khuraiji, Head of the Plant Health Sector, along with several sector directors. The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific and research cooperation between the University and the center.

The delegation was received by Prof. Adel bin Dhaifallah Al-Qurashi, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, and Prof. Salman bin Bakr Hosawi, Dean of the Faculty of Science, in the presence of several department heads and representatives from the King Fahd Medical Research Center.

The visit program included an introductory presentation delivered by Mr. Zaid bin Ibrahim Al-Freih, Secretary of the National Observatory for Plant and Animal Health at Waqaa. His presentation highlighted priority research areas in plant and animal health, regulatory frameworks governing scientific publishing and disease registration, and the types of support the center provides for applied research.

Prof. Khalid bin Ali Asiry, Chair of the Agriculture Department at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, also presented an overview of the University’s faculties and research centers that align with Waqaa’s fields of work. He outlined potential areas of integration between the University and the center and reviewed the capabilities of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in supporting these collaborative opportunities.

An open discussion followed, focusing on future prospects for research cooperation and the formation of joint scientific teams capable of developing evidence-based solutions to national challenges in plant and animal health.

The visit concluded with a tour of the laboratories and facilities at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, followed by a visit to the Faculty of Science. The Waqaa delegation expressed appreciation for the University’s advanced research infrastructure and the scientific capabilities supporting its programs.

The visit aims to further strengthen research partnership and knowledge exchange between the two sides, contributing to sustainable development and innovation in the areas of food security, plant health, and animal health.