A Century of Friendship: RUDN University celebrates the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia

Building a bridge of trust

The conference program included plenary discussions on key topics: “RUDN University and the Middle East: educational partnership aimed at the future,” “The Russian Federation — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: ups, downs and ups again,” as well as “Moscow — Riyadh: the early stage bilateral relations formation.” The program culminated with the premiere of the documentary “A Century of Friendship: 100 Years of Saudi-Russian Relations.” A scientific section and national exhibition were open all day at the university, which allowed the guests to get to know the culture of the Kingdom more deeply.

Among the key speakers and honored guests of the forum were Sami Mohammed A. Al-Sadhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Russian Federation, and Latifa bint Hamad Al-Faryan, Deputy Minister of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for International Cooperation.

Opening the event, RUDN Rector Oleg Yastrebov emphasized that the main mission of our university is to make high-quality Russian education available to talented young people from any part of the world.

“This anniversary is not just a chapter of history, it is a bridge of trust built across decades. It is a special honor for me to receive the representatives of Saudi Arabia today at the venue, which itself is a symbol of such a bridge. At RUDN University, friendship of peoples transforms knowledge into a profession and common future,” said Oleg Yastrebov.

Deputy Minister of Education of the Kingdom Latifa bint Hamad Al-Faryan, noted in her speech that the event not only embodies the depth of historical ties, but also outlines a broad course for a brighter and more fruitful future.

Steps towards deeper partnership

Within the framework of the forum, RUDN University leadership held a working meeting with a delegation from Saudi Arabia. The parties discussed the synthesis of cultures and joint plans, touching upon several strategic areas.

Our university is negotiating with leading universities in the Kingdom to sign agreements on cooperation in science and education, as well as launch joint educational programs. Among the priority partners is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The Deputy Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia confirmed the department’s readiness to promote cooperation between RUDN and this university in terms of student exchange, double degree programs and joint research projects. A draft of the corresponding agreement is currently under preparation at the Faculty of Economics.

This year, a visit by RUDN representatives to universities of the Kingdom is also planned. Representatives of Saudi Arabia expressed their willingness to assist in its organization.

Educational paths: history, figures and achievements

Cooperation in the field of science and education has become the central topic of the parties’ dialogue. RUDN University is actively strengthening its position in the Middle East: today, 1,258 representatives of the region study at our university, and 245 of them are PhD students. Admission campaign in 2025 showed a 30% increase in students from the Middle East (425 students were accepted, 65 of whom chose postgraduate studies). The high level of trust in the university is also confirmed by the fact that RUDN is included in the list of foreign universities recommended for higher education to citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As for the students from Saudi Arabia, their history at RUDN University dates back more than half a century: citizens of the Kingdom have been accepted to study at our university since 1960. Over the years, the university has trained 28 specialists, and economics, law and medicine have become the most sought-after fields of expertise. Among the successful graduates is Al-Faraj Abdullah Abd Al-Muhsin, who holds the post of Assistant Chairman for Scientific Affairs at the Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge in Saudi Arabia.

Today, 4 Saudi citizens are studying at RUDN University on a fee-paying basis: two are in bachelor’s degree programs (Management in Technical Systems and Law), one is in a specialist program (General Medicine), and one more is in a clinical residency (Surgical Dentistry).

Science, mobility and new initiatives

Cooperation with scientific centers of Saudi Arabia in the field of medicine and chemistry, as well as the organization of an exchange of scientists were also discussed at the meeting. Practical steps in this direction are already being taken: since 2024, RUDN University research and teaching staff have conducted 5 business trips to universities in the Kingdom through the Law Institute, the Faculty of Economics and the Higher School of Management. Inbound mobility is also developing: in 2024, the Faculty of Science hosted a representative of King Saud University.

Student mobility is not far behind: in 2025, two students from the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences participated in a scientific and practical conference on laser medicine in Russia. And from April 19 to 28, 2026, the spring scientific school for young scientists “Scientific and Practical School on International Trade” was held online, organized by RUDN Faculty of Economics in cooperation with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, a university ranked 67th in the QS World University Rankings.

During the negotiations, special attention was paid to the Olympiad movement. RUDN University intends to increase the number of participants from Saudi Arabia in the Open Olympiad for Foreign citizens, according to the results of which admission to the university is possible. From 2016 to 2025, 9 citizens of the Kingdom took part in the Olympiad, and in 2025 — 3 more people, and the university plans to actively increase the number of participants from Saudi Arabia. Students of the Kingdom will also be invited to participate in the Olympiad on Financial Security. In addition, the Rector of RUDN University told the guests that the university implements a Russian language learning program for embassy staff, and an individual training schedule is provided for Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The anniversary forum confirmed that the centenary of diplomatic relations is not only a reason for celebration, but also the foundation for a new stage of scientific and educational partnership. The age of friendship continues — now in joint research projects, student exchanges and plans for the future.