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Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, now hosts several top universities, a good number of which offer honorary doctorates as awards. In this blog, we will talk about the importance of honorary doctorates and some considerations that decide the awarding of such laurels. We will also have a look at the leading universities of Riyadh offering honorary doctorate degrees/ Honorary PhD. Honorary Doctorate Degrees are Honorary Doctorate Awards given to a person to recognize who has done something outstanding in his or her field.
Most importantly, we will be dealing with eight highly recognized institutes based in Riyadh offering honorary doctorates.
List of Universities that offer Honorary Doctorate Degrees/ Honorary PhD degrees in Riyaadh
1. Dunster Business School:
Dunster Business School, founded in 2018 in Zug, Switzerland, provides career-oriented programs in Business Administration, Data Science, IT, Cybersecurity, and languages. Also, It collaborates with universities to uphold rigorous academic standards. Additionally, the school focuses on practical learning by utilizing innovative teaching methods and offering internship opportunities.
- Most Dunster Business School recognizes excellent performances through its honorary doctorate program.
- Moreover, It also appreciates students and lecturers who have displayed great leadership in business, entrepreneurship, and academics.
- Also, those making tremendous contributions to society through their philanthropic and social endeavors are also given honorary doctorates by Dunster Business School.
Notable recipients include Professor Colette Mazzucelli, who serves as a graduate faculty member and thesis advisor at NYU, as well as Mr. Dumidu Ranaweera, a recognized expert in Lean Six Sigma and organizational excellence.
2. Kennedy University
Kennedy University grants honorary doctorate degrees to visionaries who have greatly contributed in their respective fields. The program focuses on celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership. Recipients are recognized for the great work done and are sometimes referred to as ‘Doctors’ in a ceremony. This honorary degree represents the university’s efforts in fostering lifelong learning and rewarding outstanding accomplishments.
3. King Saud University
It is one of the oldest and also one of the most esteemed universities in Saudi Arabia, among many of the most respected universities that offer honorary doctorate degrees. Predominantly, King Saud University is known to offer doctorates to people who made a milestone in areas like science and literature or politics. For instance, the Chinese president who showcased brilliant efforts in maintaining the Saudi-Chinese bond was honored with a doctorate by this university.
4. King Abdulaziz University
Founded in 1967 in Jeddah, this university is reputed among scholars. King Abdulaziz University is known to have a great reputation among scholars. Predominantly, this university credits honorary doctorate degrees to scholars who extensively contributed their part in fields such as social sciences and sciences. Above all, many international scholars and other leaders won honorary doctorates from this university. And, also to those who made scholarly work in the art field.
5. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
KAUST began as an institute that primarily offered graduate school programs back in 2009. Although originally focused on offering science and technology, the honorific doctoral programs are bestowed when an individual performs pioneering feats in that discipline.
6.Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University:
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University Started in 1953, focuses on aspects related to Islam and other issues concerning it. Therefore, it offers honorary doctorate degrees exclusively to those people who put much effort toward education regarding scholarship on Islamic religion and dialogue about interfaith matters.
7. Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University:
Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University is one of the world’s largest universities, exclusively; dedicated to women. There are numerous comprehensive programs they offer. Additionally, they offer honorary doctorate degrees to women for their remarkable contributions toward education, science, and social development within Saudi Arabia and all around the globe.
8. Taibah University:
Lastly, Established in 2003, Talibah University exclusively confers honorary doctorate to those people who have given impeccable services in fields like academic and research excellence. And, also to those who render their services to society; however, they consider those who exclusively contribute to the growth and development of Medina.
Importance of an Honorary Doctorate
It is one of the most respectable honors exclusively given to individuals who have made a difference in society. Unlike a regular doctorate, this is not something that is not related to academics or studies. Instead, it is a way of acknowledging the work of a person in his field.
Why Do Universities Give an Honorary Doctorate?
Universities confer honorary doctorates to people for:
- Outstanding achievements that positively impact society And, that work can be related to any field. Therefore, whether it is art, science, or business, people who make significant contributions are recognized with honorary doctorate degrees.
- International influence, with their contributions to shaping industries or communities.
- Moreover, spreading knowledge and innovation, enhancing education, and inspiring future generations.
- Also Humanitarian efforts, including social causes and community development.
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How Are People Chosen for an Honorary Doctorate?
The selection process varies, but generally includes:
- Nomination: Primarily, Universities accept nominations from faculty, organizations, or government bodies.
- Review: Secondly, A special committee evaluates the nominee’s achievements and contributions.
- Approval: Thirdly, The university’s governing body grants final approval.
- Award Ceremony: Finally, the honorary doctorate is awarded during an official event.
Celebrities who received honorary doctorate degrees for their outstanding contributions to society
1. Xi Jinping:
Firstly, King Saud University gave the Chinese President an honorary doctorate in management in December 2022. This award recognized his leadership in improving Saudi-Chinese relations.
2. King Abdullah:
Secondly, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University honored the late Saudi King with an honorary doctorate. This award acknowledged his efforts to foster international relations and maintain global peace.
3. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud:
Multiple institutes, for instance, like the Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah also granted him an honorary doctorate for his work in Islam.
Conclusion
Indeed, Honorary doctorates are a true testimony to how well one can do for society. Riyadh universities are no different; they too uphold this by recognizing and celebrating leaders, scholars, or innovators who make any given period have a significant impact in their various fields. Honorary degrees are in return that celebrate individual efforts and inspire the greats within.
FAQ’s
1. Who receives the honorary doctorate?
Individuals, who make exceptional contributions within their respective fields, typically receive an honorary doctorate
2. Are both PhD and honorary doctorate degree the same?
An honorary doctorate is awarded to people for their contribution to society. PhD on the other hand, is something one receives for their academic qualification. Hence, they are not the same.
3. Those who achieve an honorary doctorate, can they add Dr before their name?
Yes, but they can have it only in honorary or ceremonial contexts.
4. Do honorary doctorates require coursework or exams?
No, they are awarded based on merit, not study.
5. Can I apply for an honorary doctorate?
Generally, they are awarded, not applied for.
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