King Khalid University

King Khalid University (KKU; Arabic: جامعة الملك خالد‎) is a public university, distributed over several towns in the 'Asir Province in south-west Saudi Arabia, including Abha and al-Namas. On 26 July 1998, King Saud University and Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University merged to become King Khalid University.

King Khalid University is a rapidly growing institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia. With around 70,000 students, it is one of the biggest centers of learning in the Middle East region with a reputation as a major provider of both further and higher education. The eLearning Center (eLC) at KKU was established in 2005 as part of the university’s continuous efforts to provide the latest scientific methodologies to improve the educational process.

Academic administration

Abdullah al-Rashid was the president of King Khalid University until 1 July 2012, when he was replaced by Abdulrahman al-Dawood following massive student protests in May and calls for his resignation.

Khalid of Saudi Arabia

Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Arabic: خالد بن عبد العزيز آل سعود‎ Khālid ibn ‘Abd al ‘Azīz Āl Su‘ūd; 13 February 1913 – 13 June 1982) was the King of Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1982, being the fourth ruler of the country. His reign saw both huge developments in the country due to increase in oil revenues and significant events in the Middle East.

Early life

Khalid was born in Riyadh on 13 February 1913. He was the fifth son of King Abdulaziz. His mother, Al Jawhara bint Musaed Al Jiluwi, was from the important Al Jiluwi clan whose members intermarried with Al Sauds.

Khalid had only one full-brother, Prince Muhammad. His sister, Al Anoud, married to the sons of Sa'ad bin Abdul Rahman. She first married Saud bin Saad. After Saud died, she married Fahd bin Saad.

Early experience

At age 14, Khalid bin Abdulaziz was sent by King Abdulaziz as his representative to the desert tribes to hear their concerns and problems. In 1932, Prince Khalid was named as viceroy of the Hejaz, replacing Prince Faisal in the post, who was named minister of foreign affairs. Prince Khalid's term as viceroy of Hejaz lasted until 1934. Prince Khalid joined the Saudi army led by his older brother Prince Faisal and fought against Yemeni forces in 1934. After the war, Prince Khalid served as the chairman of the Saudi delegation at the Taif Conference with Yemen in 1934. This was a diplomatic move that led to the Taif Treaty later that year.