ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the general practices adopted by Saudi universities, using the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) as a case study to illustrate specific policies, practices, opportunities, and challenges. The rationale for hiring teaching and research faculty from other countries varies. These differences could be due to matters of affluence, strategic plans, or simply economic need. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a rapidly growing population, and this-together with the economic progress it has witnessed in recent decades-has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of students seeking higher education. The government has responded by increasing the number of higher education institutions and universities. In only the last decade, the number of universities has grown from 20 in 2005 to 39 in 2015. This has consequently led to an increase in demand for highly qualified faculty at Saudi universities. Also, Saudi Arabia aspires to invest in knowledge-based industries to reflect its shift toward the emergence of a ‘knowledge-based society.’ That goal is highly dependent on knowledge products and highly educated personnel, the key ingredients for economic growth.
