His Excellency Professor Dr. Obaid bin Ali Atiyan Al-Mudhaffar
Member
President of the University of Jeddah
His Excellency Professor Dr. Obaid bin Ali Atiyan Al-Mudhaffar serves as President of Jeddah University. He is a Saudi academic specializing in economic sociology since 2003, with extensive experience in quality assurance and development. He is passionate about scientific research and recognizes the importance of continuous training and education. He is grateful for all the opportunities he has had throughout his academic and administrative careers, during which he worked alongside many distinguished leaders. This experience has helped shape his academic knowledge and his skills in leadership, project management, and initiative development. He has made significant contributions to higher education and scientific research development projects in the Kingdom.
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Sociology (Specialization: Economic Sociology) 2003, Virginia Tech, Alexburg, Virginia, USA.
MSc in Sociology 1999, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Advanced Diploma in Education 1992, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
BSc in Sociology 1990, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Professional Experience
President of Jeddah University since Safar 1447 AH
Vice President of Jeddah University between Rabi’ al-Thani 1445 AH and Safar 1447 AH
Acting Vice President of the University between Muharram 1443 AH and Rabi’ al-Thani 1445 AH
Vice President of Jeddah University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research between Sha’ban 1438 AH and 1444 AH
General Supervisor of the Academic Accreditation Department at the University between 12-3-1435 AH and 1438 AH
Director of the Academic Evaluation Unit at the University between 8/8/1433 AH and 2/12/1435 AH
Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities for Development between 1429 AH and 1433 AH
Professor of Sociology since Dhu al-Qi’dah 1433 AH
Associate Professor of Sociology since Rabi’ al-Awwal 1429 AH
Assistant Professor of Sociology since Summer 1424 AH/2003 CE
Consulting Experience
Advisor to the Vice President of the University for Development between 1426 AH and 1428 AH
Representative of King Abdulaziz University on the “Improving the Standard of Living for Citizens” Committee, a department affiliated with the Makkah Region Governorate, between 1425 AH and 1428 AH.
Memberships
Member of the Board of Trustees of Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Management and Entrepreneurship since Muharram 1447 AH.
Member of the Saudi Sociological and Social Service Association.
Member of the British Sociological Association.
Member of the Sociological Association (Alpha Kappa Delta).
Member of the University’s Higher Committee for Academic Accreditation between 8/8/1433 AH and 1438 AH.
Member of the University’s Third Strategic Plan Committee between 1436 AH and 1438 AH.
Member of the University’s Committee for the Development of University Education between 1436 AH and 1438 AH.
Awards
King Abdulaziz University scholarship for graduate studies in the United States.
King Abdulaziz University scholarship to attend the summer program at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
Alpha Kappa Delta Award from the Sociological Association.
Certified Professional in Risk Management (CRMP) from the Knowledge Academy, 2025.
Research and Scientific Achievements
Published over 15 peer-reviewed scientific papers in international and local journals.
Supervised over 10 doctoral and master’s theses.
Participated in numerous local and international scientific conferences.
Authored the book “The Sociology of Economic Life” in 2011.
Research in the areas of economic sustainability, inflation, and household consumption.
Professional Development
Executive Leadership Program from the University of Oxford, 2025.
Advanced courses in Human Resources Management from the World HR Summit, Lisbon, 2025.
Certified Professional in Risk Management, 2025.
Courses in modern assessment methods and developing measurement and evaluation skills.