President of University of Jeddah
Member of the Council
His Excellency Professor Dr. Obaid bin Ali Atyan Al-Modaf
His Excellency Professor Dr. Obaid bin Ali Atyan Al-Modaf holds the position of President of University of Jeddah. He is a Saudi academic specialized in economic sociology since 2003, with extensive experience in quality assurance and development. He is interested in scientific research and recognizes the importance of continuous training and education. He is grateful for all the opportunities available during his academic and administrative career, where he worked alongside many distinguished leaders, which helped shape his academic knowledge and skills in leadership and project management, with notable contributions to higher education and scientific research development projects in the Kingdom.
Academic Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (Specialization: Economic Sociology) in 2003 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America.
- Master's in Sociology in 1999 from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, United States of America.
- Higher Diploma in Education in 1992 from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Bachelor's in Sociology in 1990 from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Professional Experience
- President of University of Jeddah since Safar 1447H.
- Vice President of University of Jeddah between Rabi' al-Thani 1445H and Safar 1447H.
- Acting Vice President of the University between Muharram 1443H and Rabi' al-Thani 1445H.
- Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, University of Jeddah between Sha'ban 1438H and 1444H.
- General Supervisor of Academic Accreditation Department at the University between 12-3-1435H and 1438H.
- Director of Academic Evaluation Unit at the University between 8/8/1433H and 2/12/1435H.
- Vice Dean of College of Arts and Humanities for Development between 1429H and 1433H.
- Professor of Sociology since Dhul-Qa'dah 1433H.
- Associate Professor of Sociology since Rabi' al-Awwal 1429H.
- Assistant Professor of Sociology since Summer 1424H/2003.
Consulting Experience
- Advisor to Vice President for Development between 1426H and 1428H.
- Representative of King Abdulaziz University in the Committee for "Improving Citizens' Living Standards" under Makkah Region Emirate between 1425H and 1428H.
Memberships
- Board Member at Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship since Muharram 1447H.
- Saudi Society for Sociology and Social Work membership.
- British Sociological Association membership.
- Sociology Scholars Society membership (Alpha Kappa Delta).
- Sociology Scholars Society membership (Alpha Kappa Delta).
- Third Strategic Plan Committee for the University membership between 1436H and 1438H.
- University Education Development Committee membership between 1436H and 1438H.
Awards
- Scholarship from King Abdulaziz University for Graduate Studies in the United States of America.
- Scholarship from King Abdulaziz University to attend the Summer Program at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
- Alpha Kappa Delta Award from Sociology Scholars Society.
- Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) from The Knowledge Academy in 2025.
Research & Scientific Achievements
- Published more than 15 peer-reviewed scientific research papers in international and local journals.
- Supervised more than 10 doctoral and master's theses.
- Participated in numerous local and international scientific conferences.
- Authored the book "Sociology of Economic Life" in 2011.
- Research in economic sustainability, economic inflation, and household consumption.
Professional Development
- Executive Leadership Program from University of Oxford in 2025.
- Advanced courses in Human Resources Management from HR World Summit, Lisbon in 2025.
- Certified Risk Management Professional certification in 2025.
- Courses in modern evaluation methods and development of measurement and evaluation skills.
