Alfaisal University

What Alfaisal University does

Alfaisal University is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution headquartered in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The firmographics indicate a founding year of 2002 with 251–500 employees, while the body of source material dates academic operations from 2007–2008 onward under a Board of Trustees chaired by Prince Khalid Al Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The university operates six academic colleges — Business, Engineering & Advanced Computing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science & General Studies, and Law & International Relations — enrolling approximately 7,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs, with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class sizes of about 18 students.

The university's core products are its 30 degree programs across the six colleges, supplemented by executive professional certifications (CMA, CFA, PMP, CAPM, CBDDAP), the My Alfaisal mobile e-learning application (available on Android and iOS), an e-Services portal for students/faculty/staff/alumni, and an AI Research Center supporting cross-disciplinary projects. Underlying infrastructure includes international research collaborations (Harvard Medical International, Saudi Aramco UCP), clinical placements (KFSHRC, Security Forces Hospital), and dedicated research centers (AI Research Center, Game Innovation Center) and the Dimensions Startup Studio incubator. Specialized verticals include an American Heart Association-accredited Basic Life Support Training Site and a new game design program co-developed with Savvy Games Group/Savvy Academy alongside the Savvy Esports Academy.

The revenue model combines academic tuition and fees (with 52% of students receiving financial aid/scholarships), executive education program fees, and externally funded research grants (Saudi Aramco UCP, internal Strategic Research Grants Competition). The go-to-market approach is multi-channel: high-school outreach, open houses, career fairs (200+ annual campus events), digital presence (website, news portal, social media on X/Facebook/YouTube/Snapchat), and international education exhibitions (NAFSA 2026). Customer segments include prospective undergraduate and graduate students, healthcare professionals (via the KFSHRC partnership for continuing medical education), business professionals pursuing certifications, and gaming/esports talent aligned with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Institutional claims include 2nd-in-Kingdom Research Excellence ranking per SCImago (27.92% Excellence Rate; World Rank 1053) and 14 faculty members on Stanford's Top 2% Scientists List 2024.

Name

Alfaisal University

Legal name

Alfaisal University

Website

https://alfaisal.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Alfaisal University is a private not-for-profit higher education institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operating six academic colleges (Business, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Law) for approximately 7,000 students. It delivers undergraduate and graduate degrees, executive professional certifications, and research programs aligned with Vision 2030 through royal-patronage governance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate programs
• Executive education
• Medical education

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Academic Tuition and Fees: Degree programs across undergraduate and graduate levels with 52% of students receiving financial aid/scholarships
2. Executive Education Programs: Professional certifications including CMA, CFA, PMP, CAPM, CBDDAP targeting business professionals
3. Research Grants and Funding: Internally funded Strategic Research Grants Competition and external funding from entities like Saudi Aramco University Collaboration Program

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Alfaisal University is a private not-for-profit higher education institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six colleges (Business, Engineering & Advanced Computing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science & General Studies, and Law & International Relations), professional executive education certifications (CMA, CFA, PMP, CAPM, CBDDAP), and research and innovation programs aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Product overview

Alfaisal University is a private university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering a comprehensive educational ecosystem comprising six academic colleges (Business, Engineering & Advanced Computing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science & General Studies, and Law & International Relations), research centers (AI Research Center, Game Innovation Center), and startup incubation (Dimensions Startup Studio). The university's technology offerings include the My Alfaisal mobile app for e-learning, e-Services portals for students/faculty/staff/alumni, and online verification systems for certificates and letters. Professional education includes executive certifications (CMA, CFA, PMP). The institution supports Vision 2030 through gaming/esports programs and healthcare innovation initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• College of Business Academic college offering Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with concentrations in Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, and Operations & Project Management; also delivers Executive Education certifications (CMA, CFA, PMP, CAPM, CBDDAP). Designed for prospective undergraduate students and business professionals.
• College of Engineering & Advanced Computing Engineering college offering bachelor's degrees in Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (BS), Cybersecurity (BS), and Data Science & Engineering (BS). For prospective undergraduate students pursuing engineering and computing careers.
• College of Medicine Medical college offering the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program with extensive clinical training and research opportunities. Includes collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center for clinical experiences.
• College of Pharmacy Pharmacy college offering the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program with a focus on clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. For students pursuing pharmacy careers.
• College of Science & General Studies Science college offering B.Sc. programs in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics & Computer Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, and a Masters in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, plus the University Preparatory Program (UPP) for incoming students.
• College of Law & International Relations Law college offering the LLB program along with programs in Diplomacy and International Relations, and Governance and Public Policy. For students pursuing legal, diplomatic, or policy careers.
• Executive Education Programs Professional certification and continuing education programs including Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and Certified Big Data and Data Analytics Practitioner (CBDDAP). For business professionals seeking career advancement.
• College of Graduate Medical Studies New graduate-level medical college approved by Alfaisal University's Board of Trustees in May 2026, designed to expand graduate medical education and research offerings in alignment with healthcare workforce needs.
• Game Design Program New game design program jointly delivered by Alfaisal University and Savvy Academy, with upgraded training facilities and labs. First cohort begins in 2026 academic year. Supports local talent entering the Kingdom's growing games ecosystem as part of National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
• Savvy Esports Academy Esports academy launched in May 2026 by Alfaisal University Board of Trustees, supporting the National Gaming and Esports Strategy by developing local talent and providing specialized esports education and training.
• Basic Life Support Training Site Internationally accredited training site by the American Heart Association for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Trains student instructors and provides community life support skills training, including through the KFSH Life Support Center.
• Graduate School Programs Graduate school offering Master's and advanced degree programs including the Master of Biomedical Sciences, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, and other graduate specializations for bachelor's degree holders pursuing advanced education.

Quantifiable outcome

• 27.92% Excellence Rate in Research Excellence ranking 2nd in Kingdom
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Savvy Games GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026MoU signed to establish a new game design program jointly delivered by Alfaisal University and Savvy Academy. Initiative includes upgraded training facilities and labs, with first cohort beginning in 2026 academic year. Aims to support local talent entering the Kingdom's growing games ecosystem as part of National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030.
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComprehensive healthcare collaboration combining academic and clinical experiences to develop future healthcare leaders and improve system resilience. Partnership includes residency, fellowship, and continuing medical education programs.
• Harvard Medical InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on medical education workshops and curriculum development with Harvard Medical School's international division.
• Saudi AramcocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaudi Aramco University Collaboration Program (UCP) - Three Alfaisal research proposals accepted for funding in areas of applied mathematics/computational modeling, fuel cells, and nano-structured materials. Faculty visit program for consultation services and additional research collaboration.
• SAMCO (Second Advanced Medical Company)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement signed to establish molecular research and diagnostic division. Alfaisal will develop research and diagnostic kits for SAMCO and assist in production of raw materials for microbiological media. SAMCO will sponsor R&D laboratory at university.
• Security Forces HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed for collaboration in healthcare training and education.
• Ministry of Economy and PlanningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed to support economic planning initiatives and research collaboration.
• Savvy AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint delivery of game design program with Alfaisal University as part of National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Prince Sultan University: Riyadh-based private Saudi university offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs across business, engineering, and computer science. Closest direct competitor to Alfaisal in the Riyadh private-higher-education segment with overlapping Vision 2030-aligned programs.
• Effat University: Private, not-for-profit women's university in Jeddah operating across multiple colleges (engineering, business, architecture, humanities). Comparable private Saudi higher-ed model with royal-family governance and English-language instruction.
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University: Private Saudi university in Al Khobar offering engineering, business, law, and sciences with English-language instruction. Similar scale and program mix to Alfaisal and direct competitor for Saudi private-higher-ed students.
• Al Yamamah University: Private Riyadh-based university focused on business, engineering, IT, and media. Direct Riyadh competitor for Saudi private students in the same metro area as Alfaisal.
• Dar Al Uloom University: Private Riyadh university with colleges in business, engineering, law, and pharmacy. Operates in the same Riyadh private-higher-ed market as Alfaisal with overlapping program portfolios.

Broad incumbents

• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM): Premier Saudi public research university with strengths in engineering, sciences, and business. Larger, better-funded public incumbent competing for the same Saudi STEM talent pool as Alfaisal's College of Engineering & Advanced Computing.
• King Saud University: Saudi Arabia's largest and oldest public university, with comprehensive colleges including medicine, business, engineering, and law. Dominant public incumbent competing for the same Saudi students and faculty as Alfaisal.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): Saudi graduate-level research university with strengths in AI, data science, and engineering. National research competitor for star faculty and research-active graduate students that Alfaisal's research reputation depends on.

Regional players

• American University of Sharjah: UAE-based private American-style university with engineering, business, architecture, and arts programs. Comparable private regional model with English-language instruction competing for GCC private-higher-ed students.
• University of Bahrain: Public Bahraini university offering engineering, business, IT, and education programs. Regional Gulf higher-ed peer with similar Vision-aligned economic diversification role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/alfaisaluniv
• YouTubeyoutube.com/alfaisaluniv
• Facebookfacebook.com/alfaisaluniv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alfaisal-university

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alfaisal University