Tunisian President Kais Saied has praised the efforts of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, the scientific body of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, for enhancing joint Arab security and enriching the specialized Arab security library. The president made his remarks during a visit to the university’s pavilion at the 2025 Tunis International Book Fair, where he was briefed on the university’s latest publications in priority security fields both regionally and internationally.
The visit, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing security cooperation across the Arab world. It also highlights the role of Naif Arab University as a pivotal institution in fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building among Arab nations. As the region faces evolving security challenges, from cybersecurity threats to food and climate security, such academic and research initiatives are increasingly vital. How can academic institutions like Naif Arab University shape the future of Arab security cooperation? The answer lies in their ability to produce cutting-edge research, train security professionals, and foster dialogue among member states.
Context and Background
Naif Arab University for Security Sciences was established in 1978 as the scientific body of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, with its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over the decades, it has grown into a leading institution dedicated to postgraduate education, research, and training in security sciences. The university serves as a hub for Arab security professionals, offering specialized programs in areas such as forensic sciences, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and criminal justice. Its mission aligns closely with the broader objectives of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, which seeks to enhance cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in combating crime and maintaining regional stability.
The Tunis International Book Fair, held annually in Tunis, is one of the most significant cultural events in the Arab world, attracting publishers, authors, and institutions from across the region. Naif Arab University’s participation in the fair is part of its outreach strategy to disseminate knowledge and engage with the public and experts alike. The university’s pavilion showcased a selection of its most notable recent publications, including policy papers on contemporary security issues such as food security, climate security, financial integrity, and cybersecurity. These topics reflect the evolving nature of security threats and the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches.
President Kais Saied’s visit to the pavilion is a testament to the importance Tunisia attaches to Arab security cooperation and the role of academic institutions in promoting it. Tunisia, like many Arab countries, faces a range of security challenges, from terrorism to economic instability, and values the contributions of Naif Arab University in providing research-based solutions and training. The president’s praise also highlights the strong bilateral relations between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared Arab and Islamic values and a commitment to regional peace and prosperity. What does this visit signify for the future of Arab security collaboration? It signals a renewed emphasis on knowledge-sharing and joint efforts to address common threats.
Key Details
During his visit, President Kais Saied was briefed on the university’s latest publications, which cover a wide spectrum of security-related topics. The pavilion featured policy papers on food security, a critical issue for Arab nations given the region’s dependence on food imports and vulnerability to climate change. Climate security was another focus, addressing the intersection of environmental degradation and conflict. Financial integrity and cybersecurity were also highlighted, reflecting the growing importance of protecting financial systems and digital infrastructure from illicit activities and cyber threats. These publications are part of the university’s efforts to provide Arab policymakers and security practitioners with evidence-based insights and recommendations.
The university’s participation in the fair also included displays of its academic programs and research initiatives. Naif Arab University offers master’s and doctoral degrees in various security disciplines, attracting students from across the Arab world. Its research centers focus on emerging security challenges, such as the use of artificial intelligence in policing, the prevention of radicalization, and the rehabilitation of offenders. By showcasing these offerings at the fair, the university aims to raise awareness about its role and encourage collaboration with other academic and security institutions. President Saied’s interest in the publications underscores the relevance of the university’s work to Tunisia and the wider region.
The president’s remarks specifically commended the university for enriching the specialized Arab security library. This library serves as a vital resource for researchers, students, and security professionals, housing a vast collection of books, journals, and reports in Arabic and other languages. By continuously adding new publications, the university ensures that Arab security experts have access to the latest knowledge and best practices. The library also facilitates the exchange of ideas and experiences among Arab countries, contributing to a more unified approach to security. How does such a resource impact the daily work of security professionals? It provides them with the tools and information needed to devise effective strategies and responses.
International and Regional Impact
The recognition of Naif Arab University by Tunisia’s president has significant implications for regional security cooperation. It reinforces the university’s standing as a trusted source of expertise and a bridge between Arab nations. In a region often beset by political tensions and security crises, institutions like Naif Arab University play a stabilizing role by fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. The university’s work aligns with the objectives of the Arab League and other regional bodies, which have long emphasized the need for collective security arrangements. By promoting research and training, the university helps Arab countries build their capacities to prevent and respond to threats, from terrorism to organized crime.
On the international stage, the university’s publications and programs contribute to global discussions on security. Its policy papers on cybersecurity and financial integrity, for example, resonate with international efforts to combat money laundering and cybercrime. The university collaborates with international organizations such as the United Nations and Interpol, further enhancing its global reach. President Saied’s praise thus not only acknowledges the university’s regional role but also highlights its contribution to global security. How can international partnerships be strengthened to address transnational threats? By supporting institutions like Naif Arab University that bridge local knowledge and global standards.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The work of Naif Arab University also has economic and strategic significance for Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Security is a prerequisite for economic development, and the university’s research on financial integrity and cybersecurity helps protect investments and financial systems. Saudi Arabia, under Vision 2030, is diversifying its economy and attracting foreign investment, making security a top priority. The university’s efforts to combat financial crimes and cyber threats support the Kingdom’s goals of creating a safe and attractive business environment. Moreover, by training security professionals from across the Arab world, the university contributes to stability that is essential for trade and tourism.
Strategically, the university enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power and leadership in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Hosting such an institution in Riyadh positions the Kingdom as a center of excellence and a convenor of regional dialogue. It also complements Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security, as seen in its mediation initiatives and participation in international coalitions. The university’s research on food and climate security is particularly relevant, as these issues can exacerbate instability and conflict. By addressing them proactively, the university helps mitigate risks that could affect the region’s economic and strategic interests. What role does academic diplomacy play in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy? It serves as a non-coercive tool to build trust and foster cooperation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Naif Arab University’s activities are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and security. Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of education, research, and international cooperation, all of which are central to the university’s mission. By producing high-quality research and training security experts, the university supports the Vision’s goal of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy. It also contributes to the objective of enhancing the Kingdom’s regional and global role, as it represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Arab security and stability.
Furthermore, the university’s focus on emerging security challenges, such as cybersecurity and climate security, aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement. The Kingdom is investing heavily in digital infrastructure and renewable energy, and the university’s research helps safeguard these investments. President Saied’s praise is a recognition of these efforts and a testament to the university’s impact. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its Vision 2030 agenda, institutions like Naif Arab University will remain at the forefront of promoting security, prosperity, and cooperation in the Arab world and beyond. How can the international community support such initiatives? By engaging with the university and recognizing its contributions to global security.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Naif Arab University for Security Sciences?
A1. Naif Arab University for Security Sciences is the scientific body of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It specializes in postgraduate education, research, and training in security sciences to enhance joint Arab security.
Q2. Who praised the university’s efforts recently?
A2. Tunisian President Kais Saied praised the university’s efforts during his visit to its pavilion at the 2025 Tunis International Book Fair, commending its role in enhancing Arab security and enriching the specialized Arab security library.
Q3. Where and when did this praise occur?
A3. The praise occurred at the 2025 Tunis International Book Fair in Tunis, Tunisia, on April 25, 2025, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q4. What publications were showcased at the fair?
A4. The university showcased its latest publications, including policy papers on food security, climate security, financial integrity, cybersecurity, and other contemporary security issues relevant to the Arab region.
Q5. Why is the Tunis International Book Fair significant?
A5. The fair is one of the largest cultural events in the Arab world, attracting publishers and institutions. It provides a platform for Naif Arab University to disseminate knowledge and engage with a wide audience.
Q6. How does the university contribute to Arab security?
A6. It contributes through research, training, and education in security sciences, producing knowledge and skilled professionals that help Arab countries address common threats and enhance regional stability.
Q7. What is the Council of Arab Interior Ministers?
A7. The Council of Arab Interior Ministers is a regional body that coordinates security policies among Arab states. Naif Arab University serves as its scientific arm, supporting its objectives through academic and research activities.
Q8. What are some priority security fields the university focuses on?
A8. Priority fields include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, forensic sciences, financial integrity, food security, and climate security, reflecting the evolving nature of security challenges in the region.
Q9. How does the university enrich the Arab security library?
A9. By continuously publishing new research, policy papers, and academic works in Arabic and other languages, the university ensures that Arab security professionals have access to the latest knowledge and best practices.
Q10. What is the significance of President Saied’s visit?
A10. It highlights Tunisia’s recognition of the university’s role in promoting Arab security cooperation and strengthens bilateral ties between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, underscoring shared commitment to regional stability.
Q11. How does the university align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A11. It aligns by promoting knowledge, innovation, and international cooperation, supporting Vision 2030’s goals of building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s regional and global role.
Q12. What economic benefits does the university provide?
A12. By enhancing security, it helps protect investments, financial systems, and infrastructure, creating a safe environment for economic development and attracting foreign investment, in line with Vision 2030.
Q13. What is the university’s role in cybersecurity?
A13. The university conducts research and offers training in cybersecurity, addressing threats to digital infrastructure and financial systems, and publishes policy papers to guide Arab countries in protecting their cyberspace.
Q14. How does the university address food security?
A14. It publishes policy papers and conducts research on food security, analyzing risks and proposing strategies to ensure stable food supplies, which is critical for Arab nations facing climate and supply chain challenges.
Q15. What is climate security and why is it important?
A15. Climate security examines how environmental changes can exacerbate conflict and instability. The university’s research helps Arab countries mitigate these risks through proactive policies and cooperation.
Q16. How does the university collaborate internationally?
A16. It partners with organizations like the United Nations and Interpol, participates in global forums, and shares research, thereby contributing to international efforts to combat transnational crime and terrorism.
Q17. What academic programs does the university offer?
A17. It offers master’s and doctoral degrees in various security disciplines, including forensic sciences, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism, attracting students from across the Arab world.
Q18. How does the university support Arab security professionals?
A18. Through specialized training, research publications, and access to its library, the university equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address evolving security challenges effectively.
Q19. What is the university’s impact on regional stability?
A19. By fostering cooperation, providing evidence-based research, and training security personnel, the university helps Arab countries prevent and respond to threats, contributing to a more stable and secure region.
Q20. How can other countries engage with the university?
A20. Countries can collaborate through joint research, participate in training programs, attend conferences, and access publications, thereby benefiting from the university’s expertise and contributing to shared security goals.
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