Community Engagement
University of Ottawa Delegation Visit
Alfaisal University Welcomes University of Ottawa Delegation to Strengthen Academic Collaboration
Alfaisal University hosted a delegation from the University of Ottawa on Monday, 9 February 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration, research partnerships, and training opportunities. The visit included high-level meetings, institutional discussions, and a student-focused session highlighting pathways for academic development and postgraduate training.
The visit was held under the leadership and support of Dr. Khaled Al-Kattan, Vice President and Dean of the College of Medicine, reinforcing the College’s commitment to meaningful global partnerships that contribute to educational excellence and research advancement.
The delegation’s schedule included a roundtable discussion, a formal MoU signing, and a student session held in MG.016 titled “Inside University of Ottawa: Research, Training and the Possible Future.” The presentation highlighted undergraduate research opportunities, training pathways, and postgraduate study options, followed by an interactive Q&A with students and attendees.
Alfaisal University extends its appreciation to the University of Ottawa delegation and all participating faculty and staff for contributing to a productive visit that supports shared goals in education, research, and academic exchange.
9 February 2026;Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The visit included high-level meetings, institutional discussions, a formal MoU signing, and a student-focused session in MG.016 titled Inside University of Ottawa: Research, Training and the Possible Future.
McGill University Delegation Visit
McGill University Delegation Visits Alfaisal University to Discuss Training Pathways and Academic Collaboration
On Sunday, 2 February 2026, Alfaisal University welcomed a delegation from McGill University for a visit focused on academic exchange, collaboration opportunities, and postgraduate medical education pathways. The visit included a leadership meeting and an extended session for students and faculty, supporting ongoing engagement with leading international institutions.
The visit was held under the leadership and support of Dr. Khaled Al-Kattan, Vice President and Dean of the College of Medicine, reflecting the College of Medicine’s strategic direction in expanding international collaboration and supporting student development through global academic exposure.
The delegation’s program included a leadership meeting held in Alghosaibi Hall from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a session for students and faculty from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the university theatre. The session covered topics related to postgraduate medical education, application pathways, and training opportunities, with a focus on supporting students interested in future residency and academic progression.
Alfaisal University extends its appreciation to the McGill University delegation and to all faculty, staff, and students who contributed to the success of the visit and to strengthening the foundation for future collaboration.
2 February 2026;Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The visit included a leadership meeting in Alghosaibi Hall from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM, followed by a student and faculty session in the university theatre from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM.
Driving Innovation: NEOM and IRCAD Visit CIPC at Alfaisal
On September 8, 2025, the Center for Innovation Partnerships and Community (CIPC) at Alfaisal University hosted a joint delegation from NEOM and the French institute IRCAD for a strategic meeting and campus tour.
The delegation included Dr. Khaled Hamawi, Dr. Zaki Algasemi, and Mr. Sultan Shokair from NEOM, and Prof. Jacques Marescaux from IRCAD, accompanied by their respective team members. Representing Alfaisal University were Dr. Khaled Al-Kattan, Dean of the College of Medicine; Dr. Baraa Alghalyini, Vice Dean and Chair of Family and Community Medicine; and Dr. Abdul Rehman Zia Zaidi, along with colleagues Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Rajaa Fakhoury, Huseyin Taskiran, and Cynthia Moshe.
Discussions focused on simulation-based training programs, curriculum co-design, and faculty/student exchanges. CIPC also highlighted Alfaisal’s pioneering Master’s and PhD programs in simulation and robotics, and its vision of integrating AI and advanced technologies into healthcare education.
This collaboration underscores CIPC’s mission to foster innovation and community partnerships, positioning Alfaisal University as a leader in medical education and healthcare transformation, in alignment with Vision 2030.
Visit Photogallery8 September 2025;Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The visit focused on simulation-based training, curriculum co-design, faculty and student exchanges, AI, robotics, and advanced healthcare education.
Hevolution x Alfaisal University: A Strategic Partnership for Longevity Innovation
On May 6, 2025, Alfaisal University hosted the Hevolution Foundation for a strategic visit led by the Alfaisal University's Department of Family and Community Medicine under the Center for Innovation Partnerships and Community Engagement (CIPC). The meeting marked the beginning of a high-impact collaboration focused on advancing longevity science, biotechnology, and healthy aging initiatives across the Kingdom and beyond.
Hevolution Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to extending healthy human lifespan, presented its multi-pillar approach that includes global research grants, biotech investment, clinical innovation, and the Hevolution Research Institute (HRI). With over 850 scientists funded worldwide and growing initiatives in Saudi Arabia, Hevolution emphasized long-term partnership, capacity-building, and ecosystem development.
Alfaisal University showcased its strengths as a research-driven institution: cutting-edge laboratories, internal innovation grants, and active programs in aging, cardiometabolic health, and AI-driven health technologies. Both parties discussed potential areas of alignment, including co-developing pilot projects, opening access to research infrastructure, and exploring Alfaisal’s role as a regional satellite hub for Hevolution’s distributed research model.
The visit concluded with mutual agreement to begin drafting a scope-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), identify research themes, and initiate planning for follow-up sessions. This collaboration is poised to position Alfaisal as a key player in longevity science, contributing to Vision 2030 through innovation, global partnerships, and meaningful community impact.
6 May 2025;Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The visit focused on longevity science, biotechnology, healthy aging, research grants, clinical innovation, and potential MoU development.
NEOM Health Delegation Visits Alfaisal University: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Education
On May 21, 2025, Alfaisal University welcomed a high-level delegation from NEOM’s Health Division for a strategic meeting hosted by the Alfaisal University's Department of Family and Community Medicine under the Center for Innovation Partnerships and Community Engagement (CIPC). The visit explored bold new collaborations in healthcare innovation, curriculum reform, and capacity-building in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and NEOM’s ambitious vision for a next-generation health system.
The NEOM team outlined its future-forward approach to healthcare, one that integrates longevity, AI, personalized medicine, and community-centered care. The delegation emphasized new roles like health coaches, AI-augmented clinicians, and integrated care providers, all designed to support upstream health and wellbeing. In response, Alfaisal presented its strengths in multidisciplinary education, simulation-based training, and research in public health and primary care.
Discussions centered around co-developing new curriculum tracks, launching simulation-based onboarding programs, and initiating faculty and student exchanges. A major highlight was the proposed collaboration with IRCAD to establish a world-class simulation center in Riyadh, with Alfaisal positioned as a core academic partner. Plans for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are underway, with working groups being formed to focus on curriculum design, feasibility studies, and international benchmarking with Canadian, British, and American institutions.
The visit solidified Alfaisal’s role as an academic anchor for NEOM’s vision of a health system built on prevention, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. Together, both institutions aim to redefine the future of medical education and training in the region.
21 May 2025;Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The visit explored healthcare innovation, curriculum reform, capacity-building, AI, personalized medicine, simulation-based onboarding, and future health system training.
Strengthening Global Medical Collaboration: Alfaisal University Hosts University of Ottawa Delegation Reunion Reception
Alfaisal University proudly hosted the University of Ottawa Delegation Alumni Reception, bringing together over 50 distinguished guests, including consultants, specialists, healthcare leaders, and faculty members from various Saudi hospitals and institutions. This event served as a reunion for alumni and also laid the groundwork for future academic collaborations between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, reinforcing the strong educational and professional ties between Saudi Arabia and Canada.
The event was led by Dr. Baraa Alghalyini, Dr. Abdul Rehman Zia Zaidi, and Dr. Rawan Elshaer, who played a role in coordinating discussions on academic cooperation, research partnerships, and medical education exchanges. Earlier in the day, during a series of high-level meetings, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, with Dr. Khaled AlKattan, Vice President and Dean of the College of Medicine, representing Alfaisal University. This agreement formalizes both institutions' commitment to exploring joint initiatives in research, medical education, and various other domains.
The team also extended an invitation to the SPIRIT team, represented by Samir Odeh and Maryam Oloriegbe, to join the discussions. As a result of these productive exchanges, the number of seats for Alfaisal University students in the University of Ottawa’s summer clinical rotation program was successfully increased, further enhancing opportunities for student training and academic exchange.
The evening commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Baraa Alghalyini, Vice Dean of the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University, who highlighted Alfaisal’s dedication to cultivating international academic and clinical collaborations. Dr. Mark Walker, Vice-Dean of Internationalization and Global Health at the University of Ottawa, followed with insights on the institution’s global outreach, the importance of medical partnerships, and the potential for expanding existing collaborations.
Alfaisal University has a well-established connection with Canadian medical education, with numerous faculty members and healthcare professionals having trained at prestigious Canadian institutions, including the University of Ottawa. This shared academic background serves as a strong foundation for future partnerships in clinical training, faculty development, and joint research initiatives.
To cultivate engagement and encourage networking, attendees participated in a dynamic icebreaker activity, "Alumni Bingo," which helped reconnect colleagues and sparked meaningful conversations. This was followed by inspiring alumni reflections, where former trainees shared their journeys, the impact of Canadian medical education on their careers, and their vision for future collaborations.
The evening concluded with closing remarks and a networking dinner, providing attendees with the opportunity to discuss prospective initiatives such as joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, and interdisciplinary academic collaborations.
This event represents a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, with promising prospects for deeper medical, academic, and research collaborations in the near future.
Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The reception brought together consultants, specialists, healthcare leaders, faculty members, and alumni to strengthen academic, clinical, research, and training collaborations.
Digital Health Conference
The Digital Health Conference (DHCon) is a global conference that brings key leaders, scientists, health care professionals, and stakeholders in digital health to one place where they explore, showcase, and network for Healthcare AI innovation and advancement. The conference is powered by the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), the leading hospital in the MENA region for healthcare delivery and research. Alfaisal University collaborated with KFSH&RC as academic partners during this conference and the community medicine department participated with a booth.
Visit PhotogalleryCIPC / Alfaisal University engagement with the Digital Health Conference, powered by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, with Alfaisal University collaborating as an academic partner and the Community Medicine Department participating with a booth.
Let’s Talk Workshop
The Let's Talk Community WORKshoPotluck was a highly successful workshop held at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The workshop aimed to provide an opportunity for the participants to engage in community-building activities, exchange ideas, and collaborate to develop new community engagement projects. The event was aimed at promoting community engagement among the university's faculty and staff, and it achieved its objective. The workshop included brainstorming sessions where participants were grouped into five different tables to come up with innovative community engagement projects. In this report, we will highlight the key outcomes of the workshop, provide recommendations for projects, processes, and policy improvements that can be implemented at Alfaisal University.
Alfaisal University, Riyadh. The workshop focused on community-building, idea exchange, and developing new community engagement projects among university faculty and staff.
