Khaberni -Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan, President of Amman Al-Ahliyya University, stated: "The university is among the first Jordanian universities to launch specialized academic programs in networks and cybersecurity at the bachelor's and master's levels, indicating that cybersecurity is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity to ensure the continuity of the educational process, the protection of students, data security, and the building of a safe digital society."
This was stated during his participation on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Maher Al Hourani, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amman Al-Ahliyya University and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Jordanian United Investment Company (owner of Amman Al-Ahliyya University and the University School Group), in the opening ceremony of the Arab Conference for Talent and Excellence organized by the International Youth and Development in cooperation with the University of Jordan and Amman Al-Ahliyya University under the title "Cybersecurity and Education in the Knowledge Society", sponsored by His Excellency Professor Dr. Nadhir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the University of Jordan, continuing for two days with participants from Jordan, Arab countries, and Germany, alongside a wide participation from various dignitaries, academics, and experts.
Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan added: "We congratulate the University of Jordan on this major achievement of ranking (324) globally in the QS rankings, and we also congratulate other Jordanian universities, both public and private, for achieving reputable positions in this prestigious global ranking. These accomplishments clearly illustrate the quality of higher education in Jordan and enhance its status and reputation at the regional and global levels.
He also appreciated the significance of this important conference, which highlights one of the most prominent challenges facing educational systems and modern societies: cybersecurity.
Then he said: "Amman Al-Ahliyya University has endeavored to develop specialized academic programs in networks and cybersecurity in line with the latest technological developments and international standards, by updating study plans, investing in technological infrastructure, and attracting specialized academic talents. The university also believes in the importance of integration between theoretical and practical education, hence, provided its students with modern laboratories and practical simulations that enable them to interact directly with actual scenarios in digital protection. The university also aims to build strategic partnerships with local and international institutions specialized in cybersecurity, contributing to enhancing student capabilities and enabling them to compete in the local and regional job markets.
He explained: "Our participation in this conference is a manifestation of Amman Al-Ahliyya University's commitment to its national and research role in addressing issues of strategic importance, foremost among them cybersecurity, which has become a cornerstone in protecting institutions and individuals, and ensuring the sustainability of development and digital transformation in various sectors. In this context, Amman Al-Ahliyya University and its schools have early recognized the importance of cybersecurity, and continuously strive to develop quality programs and initiatives in this field, among which are: the Bachelor's program in Networks and Cybersecurity which has received American quality accreditation (ABET) and Jordanian Quality Assurance Certificate, and the Master's program in Cybersecurity to prepare leadership cadres specialized in cybersecurity threat analysis, penetration testing, network security, information systems and critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity risk management and incident response.
Amman Al-Ahliyya University has also produced 93 peer-reviewed scientific research papers in the fields of cybersecurity and networks during the years 2024 and 2025 alone, all of which are listed in the global Scopus database. The university also accommodated a hosting center for the Arab Universities Union's Cybersecurity Center as an Arab platform for excellence and cooperation. Additionally, the university has introduced 'Digital Culture' as an elective course among the university requirements, and secured the e-learning environment, empowering teachers to face digital threats through the center and training programs to qualify teachers and faculty members in the University schools.
He concluded: "We hope that all our Jordanian universities will effectively contribute to realizing the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and his trustworthy Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, may God protect them, in building a pioneering educational system that supports excellence and enhances innovation, contributing to positioning Jordan among the leading countries in education regionally and globally, and serving the journey of comprehensive and sustainable development in our beloved country.
• The conference patron, His Excellality Professor Dr. Nadhir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, welcomed the attendees, and said: "We welcome you to the land of the university, in its unique campus. We promise you that this university will be a protective shield for this nation, as its graduates roam the world with their ideas and skills, setting the standard for IT graduates from this university.
Obeidat emphasized the importance of recycling knowledge and insights, and exchanging them among institutions, associations, and individuals in this great nation, guided by its leadership, its sons and daughters, and its institutions.
He said: "The University of Jordan has set a wonderful example when it cooperated with 'Goodbye' Center to build one of the most important cybersecurity centers within the university walls, where students from all faculties, and even from outside the university, are trained. The University of Jordan also set another beautiful example by its partnership with Arab Bank, when a special center for students from King Abdullah II Faculty of Information Technology was established. There are upcoming projects for partnerships that will train our youth and students in the latest practices and confront the thieves of this century.
Obeidat stated that we have all the reasons for success: an inspiring leadership, enlightened minds, a wonderful civilizational heritage, and most importantly, trust, love, and solidarity among the people of the nation. I am confident that your conference will contribute to building a nation that enjoys a safer and more robust digital future, and more loving and beautiful children. We trust that, as our institutions excelled in the past, they are capable of paving the way for excellence today, and at all times.
It is upon us to understand that we need new tools, different visions, and capable methodologies to create the future. I am confident in our institutions, our country, our capabilities, and the brilliant minds of this wonderful Jordan, but our eyes must be open, and our minds must search incessantly, and scrutinize and seek new tools for this future.
• Dr. Adnan Mahmoud Al-Tubasi, the General President of the International Youth and Development, said that our happiness is great this year as we see the University of Jordan excel and launch globally under the leadership of its shining president and calm doctor, His Excellency Professor Dr. Nadhir Obeidat, who gives significant importance to the university and scientific research, as the university has flourished, developed, accomplished, and achieved remarkable results by international standards.
He stated that this conference is sponsored by Professor Dr. Nadhir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, who sees these conferences as windows and stations of hope for the researchers and thinkers, and he is a constant supporter of civil society institutions and keen on cooperating with them continuously.
He added that we are also happy because our foundation cooperates with Amman Al-Ahliyya University, the first private university, whoseChairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Maher Al Hourani, ensures that the university continues to develop and advance in scientific research and achievement, attaining high and positive results by international standards.
Al-Tubasi pointed out that the conference includes participation from thinkers, university professors, and teachers from public and private schools.
• The first session was held on the first day, July 15, 2025, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Jawad Al-Anani, the former Deputy Prime Minister, and was spoken by His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Al-Hanandeh, the former Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, about cybersecurity in Jordan: current situation and future, then His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Al-Kharabsheh, the former Minister of State, about cybersecurity and national security, and His Excellency Dr. Ha'il Dawood, the former Minister of Awqaf, about cybersecurity from a religious perspective.
The second session on the same day was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Faisal Al-Shboul, the former Minister of Information and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the newspaper Al-Dustour, and was spoken by His Excellency Professor Dr. Fayez Al-Saudi, the former Minister of Education and Scientific Research, about cybersecurity and family security, then Deputy Dina Al-Bashir, member of the House of Representatives, about cybersecurity and legal security, and His Excellency Eng. Sakher Dudin, the former Minister of Information, about cybersecurity and media security.
• Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 16, 2025, the first session will be held, chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al-Haj - Chairman of the Board of Directors - Al-Furqan Schools, and will be spoken by Dr. Taisir Subhi, Director of the International Center for Innovative Education - Germany, about cybersecurity and ethics in scientific research, then Professor Dr. Saleh Al-Sharayah, Executive Director of the Jordanian Universities Network, about the role of the network in establishing and managing the security sectors center for higher education institutions.
Meanwhile, the second session on the same day will be chaired by His Excellency Senator Professor Dr. Muhasin Al-Jaghoub, and will be spoken by His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim Badran, the former Minister of Education, about cybersecurity in international comparisons, then Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Zuboun from the University of Jordan, and Dr. Nidal Al-Fayoumi from Qatar University about essential skills required in 2030, post-programming and technology skills.
While the concluding session will be chaired by His Excellency Dr. Izzat Jaradat to conclude the conference recommendations.
