International conference on Saudi efforts to counter intellectual deviations opens in Madinah Tuesday

The international conference "Saudi Efforts in Countering Intellectual Deviations" will open Tuesday in Madinah, under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Madinah region, and organized by the Islamic University. The event will run from September 27 to 28, 2026.

The conference will bring together prominent scholars, officials, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad to discuss ways to enhance intellectual awareness and share international experiences in addressing contemporary ideological challenges.

Islamic University President Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Aqla expressed his appreciation for the conference's patronage, praising the Saudi leadership under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince for supporting initiatives and programs that help protect society and promote the values of moderation and tolerance.

Dr. Maher Khoja, head of the organizing committee, said the conference aims to produce scientific outcomes that support the development of cooperation frameworks between institutions, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and formulate practical recommendations to address intellectual deviations.

Scientific sessions and accompanying exhibitions

The conference will feature 56 peer-reviewed research papers, along with nine panel discussions and ten accompanying exhibitions. Topics will include the causes and impacts of intellectual deviations and strategies to confront them. Sessions will also focus on national initiatives to combat extremism, and the role of faith, mental health, and community institutions in intellectual prevention.

The conference will further address the use of modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and social media to promote intellectual awareness and tackle contemporary challenges, aiming to enrich scientific discussion and produce recommendations that support building more resilient and aware societies.