Alfaisal University honors Prince Bandar bin Saud and Princess Maha bint Mishari for founding contributions

Alfaisal University has honored Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud and Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari bin Abdulaziz, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Foundation, in recognition of their significant contributions to the university’s founding and its academic and institutional advancement.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and Vice Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal began his remarks by reciting a verse from the Qur’an: “And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.’” He emphasized that the value and impact of work are evident in the honorees’ contributions, noting that the efforts, achievements, initiatives, and projects led by Prince Bandar and Princess Maha have made a lasting impact on the university and its community.

He praised Prince Bandar bin Saud’s continued commitment to the university and the institutions established under the King Faisal Foundation, highlighting the pivotal role of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal in leading this journey and commending all those who contributed to its success.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal affirmed that the King Faisal Foundation and its affiliated projects, including the King Faisal Prize and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, remain dedicated to their mission, with their influence extending both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, helping to preserve the legacy of King Faisal and support education, knowledge, and philanthropy.

He concluded by expressing hope for more initiatives and gatherings that serve the university, the foundation, Islam, Muslims, and the nation, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

For his part, Alfaisal University President Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hayaza said the honorees played a vital role in transforming the founders’ vision into a world-class, non-profit university in the heart of Riyadh, on the grounds of King Faisal’s palace.

He commended Prince Bandar bin Saud’s early and ongoing involvement across all stages of the university’s establishment, highlighting his contributions over nearly 25 years as Secretary General of the King Faisal Foundation, member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and chairman of the executive committee—roles that were instrumental in shaping the university’s academic and research direction and its development projects.

He also praised Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari, who was involved from the university’s inception and served as Vice President for External Relations and Development for more than a decade. During her tenure, she expanded partnerships, supported female student enrollment, and fostered a supportive learning environment, in addition to overseeing major conferences and initiatives, including the Space Leadership Conference.

In his remarks, Prince Bandar bin Saud said he accepted the honor on behalf of his colleagues on the founding committee, in appreciation of their efforts, and thanked successive administrations and university staff for advancing the institution. He recalled being tasked by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, with overseeing the university’s establishment.

He noted that the founding efforts included visits to leading global universities, signing an agreement with Harvard University, and forming a joint committee with experts from the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to help develop curricula and academic systems—a collaboration that continues today.

Prince Bandar extended special thanks to the university president, Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari, Dr. Khalid Al-Qattan (a founding committee member), Dr. Mohammed Al-Haidar (who oversaw construction), engineer Ahmed Al-Salloum, advisor Armand Habibi, Dr. Wael Al-Qattan, Dr. Hind Al-Sudairy, Princess Jawhara bint Faisal bin Musaid, Ms. Safia Ikram, and his colleagues at the King Faisal Foundation for their contributions to the university’s founding.

He highlighted the key role of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal in establishing the university and supporting its achievements, and the vision and guidance of Prince Turki Al-Faisal. He affirmed his ongoing connection to the university even after leaving his official post, stating, “I will always be part of this university for as long as I live.”

Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari, in turn, expressed gratitude for the leadership’s support for education and research, and for Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s patronage of the ceremony. She praised Prince Khalid Al-Faisal’s intellectual and humanitarian contributions, emphasizing that investing in people and education carries a universal message that transcends borders.

She highlighted the university’s expansion under Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hayaza’s leadership, including new academic departments and graduate programs, enhanced research partnerships, and improved international accreditation standards. She noted that the university now attracts students from 53 nationalities, with international and resident students making up about 35% of the student body.

She also commended Dr. Khalid Al-Qattan, Dean of the College of Medicine and Vice President of the university, for advancing curricula, laboratories, and medical talent. She pointed out that 58 graduates were accepted into U.S. medical residency programs in 2025, and the university achieved a nearly 68% match rate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

She explained that these results place Alfaisal University at the forefront of regional institutions, surpassing global averages for medical schools outside the United States.

Princess Dr. Maha expressed pride in her years at the university and her contributions alongside scholars and Prince Bandar to improving its outcomes, before moving to the Future Investment Initiative Foundation. She noted the foundation’s role in anticipating global economic shifts and supporting investment in human and intellectual capital, stressing that teamwork underpins sustainable institutional achievements.

The ceremony concluded with Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz inaugurating the “Journey and Legacy” exhibition, which highlights the honorees’ contributions to the university, followed by commemorative photos.