Best 8 Honorary Doctorate Degrees In Jeddah

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Universities often confer honorary doctorate degrees to recognize an individual’s contribution to society or a particular field. However, they do not have to complete any academic requirements to receive this degree. In other words, they waive the usual degree requisites. For instance, a university might give an honorary doctorate to a famous scientist or author, and so on.

These recognitions serve important roles in honoring achievements, motivating future leaders, and enhancing the awarding organizations’ fame. These degrees are of great honor to the recipient. It is also an asset in career enhancement as it recognizes your expertise in a particular field. This also motivates others to strive for excellence.

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, a leading hub of culture and education, is the host of multiple universities that award honorary doctorates.

Top 8 Honorary Doctorate Degrees In Jeddah

1) Dunster Business School Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Established in 2018 as AAEFL, Dunster Business School provides a wide range of programs and courses like business, language learning, and management. In fact, AAEFL has transitioned into Dunster Business School in 2024 marking an evolution from an association with a focus on English learning to a business school in Switzerland. Indeed,

DBS is a fast-growing University in Switzerland providing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs too.

DBS also provides honorary doctorate degrees to individuals who make large contributions to society or humanity. The awardees are addressed as “Doctors” but this is only ceremonial.

The institute awards one of its highest recognitions to those who demonstrate excellence and leadership.

Key Features of the Honorary Degree from DBS

Business leaders, politicians, and other great leaders in education, art, or literature can be awarded honorary doctorate degrees.
Secondly, this does not require the usual academic work, research, or exams
Thirdly, recipients are addressed as “Doctor” to signify respect and recognition
Next, the benefits of this include global recognition, prestige, and more credibility.
It is a lifetime achievement
The Recipient can inspire others with this recognition.
In fact, candidates are nominated by faculty or public figures or by themselves.
Not only that, a selection panel will review the contributions of the candidate
Lastly, the degrees will be awarded in a formal event highlighting the candidate’s achievements

2) Kennedy University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

As a higher educational institute, Kennedy University provides advanced global education overcoming geographical barriers. Besides, it is also the daughter institute of Kennedy University of Baptist in Florida, USA. It provides a wide variety of academic programs accessible worldwide such as Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, graduate certificates, doctorate programs, and honorary awards. This institution has earned several awards and recognitions such as from the Florida Department of Education, QAHE, and QEAA. The Ministry of Education Somalia also authorizes this.

Key Features of Kennedy University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

First, Titles available are Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Professorship
Secondly, they conduct the Nomination via an online process
Third, various international bodies and institutions like ECLBS and educational departments in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Florida recognize these titles.
Not only that, nominations are accepted from a wide range of fields including academia, arts, sciences, and business.
Recipients of this honorary degree have global recognition for their excellence and contributions.

3) King Abdulaziz University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

KAU, located in Jeddah, is a world-class university providing top-level education both internationally as well as locally. Established in 1967 to promote higher education by a group of businessmen, it has now developed into a prestigious university with unique professional disciplines such as marine science, medical engineering, and earth science. Why, it was even the first university to permit women to be taught in classrooms.

Key Recipients of KAU Honorary Doctorate Degrees

KAU has conferred the honorary award to distinguished individuals like Saudi King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud for their significant contributions to various fields. This was also because of his efforts to promote unity in the Islamic World and preserve the Islamic heritage.

4) Umm AlQura University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Umm AlQura University provides numerous programs in various fields. Not only that, this university collaborates with international institutes and research institutions worldwide. With advanced facilities and a focus on innovation, it contributes significantly to academic and cultural development in the region. Indeed, UQU serves both local and international students.

Key Awardees of Umm ALQura University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

The university awarded an honorary degree to Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al-Angari in 2017. He was the former Minister of Education in Saudi Arabia. He played a key role in the expansion of Saudi Universities and enhancing academic standards. In fact, he began his career as a faculty at King Saud University.

5) King Saud University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz had established KSU in 1957. It is the earliest university in Saudi Arabia. It offers courses in architecture, engineering, and more. They offer higher education opportunities in the area and develop fresh minds. Local and international students can avail of scholarships. According to World University Rankings, this institute falls between 251 to 300th ranking.

Honorary Doctorate Degrees Awardees from KSU

The president of China, Xi Jinping is also a recipient of the KSU Honorary Degree in Management in 2022. This is because of his significant contributions to global economic structures and leadership.

China is a key figure in the world’s economic structure. And, President Xi Jinping’s visionary leadership contributed to the success. He has also promoted the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China. Many Chinese students study the Arabic language at this University thus promoting mutual understanding between both cultures and nationalities.

Another recipient is the former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh. He had contributed largely to educational and economic reforms in India. In fact, during his tenure as PM, the Indian economic growth rate was around 8%.

6) Effat University Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Effat University provides programs to empower youth in areas such as business, product design, finance, and so on. Founded in 1999, Effat College obtained University status in 2009 providing higher education for women.

Also, this university confers honorary doctorate degrees to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to culture or society. Next, accredited by NCAAA, Effat University has several partnerships with institutions. A pioneer in women’s education in Saudi Arabia, its core values are reflected in the acronym “IQRA”.

7) University of Jeddah Honorary Doctorate Degrees

The University of Jeddah was established in 2014. Besides, it has 109 academic programs and 4 research centers. Indeed, it was the first university in Saudi Arabia to offer an undergraduate program in Cybersecurity. This in turn reflects its commitment to innovative education. Their purpose is to build a generation of scientists and leaders who contribute to the development of the economy as well as society.

The University Of Jeddah might award honorary doctorate degrees to people who have contributed largely to society or any field. For instance, groundbreaking research, studies are regarded as strong academic contributions. Outstanding leaders, officials, or diplomats can be awarded public service recognition. Individuals who have contributed to social, religious, and humanitarian work can also be recognized.

8) Aimlay Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Based in India, Aimlay is an edtech institute that provides a range of educational and writing services tailored for working professionals via online platforms. They provide PHD admission assistance, thesis writing, and various undergraduate programs too. Aimlay provides honorary doctorates for people who have made important contributions to society. A prestigious award that depicts the achievements and impacts the individual has made. It can bring you a feeling of greatness and elevate your personality. In fact, the governing bodies select candidates based on the nomination process.

Other Famous Recipients of Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was a brilliant cosmologist and physicist. He obtained an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. In addition, he is also the renowned author of several books. Not only this, he has also won many other honorary awards and accolades.

Bill Gates

Harvard University awarded Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, an honorary degree in 2007. Later, Cambridge University also honored him for his contribution to charity. His innovation in computing revolutionized personal computers, making technology accessible to the common man. His vision has shaped modern computing making him a key figure in technology.

Sharmila Tagore

A popular Hindi and Bengali actress, Sharmila Tagore is a recipient of the honorary doctorate of Arts from Edinburg University. She has portrayed vivid challenging roles during her career.

Conclusion

To conclude, Jeddah is home to some of the prestigious universities that have awarded honorary degrees to specific individuals for their contributions to various fields. Recipients include accomplished leaders, and innovators who have had a lasting impact on education, science, and culture. Thus this blog reinforces the status of the city as a center of learning and innovation in Saudi Arabia.

FAQS

1)Do honorary doctorate recipients have to be a part of academia?

No. This degree is mostly honorary and does not need you to complete academic coursework.

2)Do the recipients have to attend the ceremony?

Mostly, they expect the recipients of honorary doctorate degrees to attend the ceremony . They might have to deliver a speech.

3)Can the institute revoke the honorary doctorate degrees?

No, but it can be done under extreme situations like if the recipient gets into trouble with the law or if their actions are incompatible with the degree.

4)Can anyone apply for the honorary PhD Degree?

No. Each school has its own selection process and rules. The individual must have contributed to the society significantly.

5) Can the institute award honorary doctorate degrees posthumously?

Some institutions do award honorary degrees posthumously in order to honor the contributions of people who have passed away.