# Umm al-Qura University

> university in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

**Wikidata**: [Q3133606](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3133606)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umm_al-Qura_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/umm-al-qura-university

## Summary
Umm al-Qura University is a prominent academic institution founded in 1981 and located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It serves as a center of higher education in the Islamic world, with its name meaning "Mother of All Cities," referring to Mecca's significance in Islam.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- QS World University Rankings: 559th (2025), 449th (2023), 447th (2022), 474th (2021)
- Official website: http://www.uqu.edu.sa
- Twitter handle: @uqu_edu (verified since November 22, 2009) with 376,917 followers (as of February 6, 2023)
- Official motto: "شرف العلم وشرف المكان" (Honor of Knowledge and Honor of Place)
- Has an ISNI identifier: 0000000091376644 and GRID ID: grid.412832.e
- Affiliated with computer scientist Abdulaziz Alshaer in New Zealand
- Contains King Abdullah University Library as one of its parts

## FAQs
### Q: Where is Umm al-Qura University located?
A: Umm al-Qura University is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with its headquarters situated at coordinates 21.32539°N latitude and 39.945134°E longitude.

### Q: When was Umm al-Qura University established?
A: Umm al-Qura University was established in 1981 as an academic institution in the holy city of Mecca.

### Q: What is the meaning of the university's name?
A: The university's name, "Umm al-Qura," translates to "Mother of All Cities," which refers to Mecca's significant position as the holiest city in Islam and its historical importance as a center of trade and pilgrimage.

## Why It Matters
Umm al-Qura University holds considerable significance as a major educational institution in the Islamic world, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's religious and cultural center. It plays a vital role in producing graduates who contribute to religious studies, Arabic language, Islamic sciences, and other academic disciplines. The university's location in Mecca provides it with unique opportunities for research and cultural studies related to Islamic heritage and traditions. As one of Saudi Arabia's leading universities, it contributes to the country's educational development while maintaining a connection to its religious and cultural roots. The institution's rising QS World University Rankings over recent years demonstrate its growing international recognition and academic excellence.

## Notable For
- Being the principal university in Mecca, Islam's holiest city, with its name reflecting the city's significance
- Its steady improvement in QS World University Rankings from 559th (2021) to 447th (2022)
- Maintaining a verified Twitter presence since 2009 with substantial social media following (over 376,000 followers)
- Hosting specialized Islamic studies programs that leverage its unique location in Mecca
- Having King Abdullah University Library as one of its key components

## Body
### Establishment and Location
Umm al-Qura University was established in 1981 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The university is situated in the holy city of Mecca at coordinates 21.32539°N latitude and 39.945134°E longitude. Its name, which translates to "Mother of All Cities," reflects Mecca's significance as Islam's holiest city.

### Academic Structure
The university operates as a comprehensive higher education institution with multiple colleges and departments. It includes King Abdullah University Library as one of its key components, providing extensive resources to students and researchers. The university also has Wadi Makkah as one of its subsidiaries, indicating specialized programs or research centers.

### Leadership and Affiliations
The current chairperson of Umm al-Qura University is Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal Madh-hab. The institution is affiliated with computer scientist Abdulaziz Alshaer, who is based in New Zealand. This affiliation suggests international academic connections despite the university's location in Saudi Arabia.

### Identifiers and Recognition
Umm al-Qura University has multiple identifiers used by various academic and cataloging systems:
- ISNI: 0000000091376644
- GND ID: 5284122-4
- ROR ID: 01xjqrm90
- GRID ID: grid.412832.e
- VIAF ID: 133731473
- Freebase ID: /m/06jcyw
- Ringgold ID: 48058

### Performance and Rankings
The university has demonstrated consistent performance in international rankings:
- QS World University Ranking 2025: 559th
- QS World University Ranking 2023: 449th
- QS World University Ranking 2022: 447th
- QS World University Ranking 2021: 474th

### Online Presence
The university maintains an official website at http://www.uqu.edu.sa and has a verified Twitter account (@uqu_edu) that has been active since November 22, 2009. As of February 6, 2023, the university's Twitter account had 376,917 followers, indicating substantial online engagement with its audience. The account also uses the shortened URL format https://uq.sa/$1 for its links.

### Cultural Significance
The university's motto is "شرف العلم وشرف المكان" (Honor of Knowledge and Honor of Place), which reflects its dual commitment to academic excellence and its special location in the holiest city of Islam. The institution has developed specialized programs in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and other disciplines that align with its religious and cultural context.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023)
5. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2022)
6. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/universities/umm-al-qura-university)
7. [Source](http://www.uqu.edu.sa)
8. GRID Release 2015-12-14
9. GRID Release 2016-12-06
10. Quora
11. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
12. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
13. HAL
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File