CANDIDATE
Effat University
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
CILECT Congress 2026
27-31 October 2026
Effat University is a leading private, non-profit institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia, operating under the umbrella of King Faisal’s Charitable Foundation. It represents the enduring legacy of Queen Effat Al-Thunayyan Al-Saud, whose vision since 1955 has been centered on advancing education, empowering individuals, and fostering leadership grounded in ethical values.
Established initially as Effat College in 1999 and granted university status in 2009, Effat University has evolved into a distinguished academic institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges. The University is characterized by its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and internationalization, with English adopted as the primary language of instruction to enhance global competitiveness. Its current strategic plan (2022–2027) is guided by the theme of “Innovation and Digital Transformation” aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, and aims to position the University as a center of excellence contributing to scientific discovery, societal impact, and the development of future leaders.
Representative
Mohamed Ghazala
Mohamed Ghazala is an animation filmmaker and assistant professor, serving as Chair of the Cinematic Arts School at Effat University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is Vice President of the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) and founder of its first chapter in the Arab world and Africa. He has served as a juror at major international animation festivals including Annecy, Zagreb, and Stuttgart. Ghazala is the author of Animation in the Arab World and Animation in Africa. His films, including Honyan’s Shoe, winner of the African Movie Academy Award, and The Pyramid, have been screened and awarded internationally.