At the heart of every fine institution lies a love for research with an insatiable need to learn and venture into new waters. Dar Al-Hekma’s commitment to conducting groundbreaking research has shone through time and time again, thanks to its well-rounded curricula that encourage self-growth and influence lives, even outside the lecture hall.
In a similar vein to its research efforts, DAH’s Master’s programs are one of a kind. Most notable is the LLM in Commercial Law, which boasts a well-rounded curriculum that allows students to carry out a fine standard of legal conduct whilst practicing.
Despite numerous research studies being done elsewhere, DAH still stands out, as their studies aim to create a culture of committed research that contributes to academic circles and offers something of value—that is, something that can be widely discussed, something that can generate conversation. While global universities often make headlines, DAH works quietly to produce Q1 research that rivals giants.
A Powerhouse in Research
In a world where the attention is almost exclusively on Western institutions, Dar Al-Hekma has proven itself to be a quiet leader in impactful scholarship. In 2023 alone, faculty members posted 108 research papers, a third of which appeared in Q1-ranked journals. This has secured DAH a place at the global research table.
One of the most prominent names is Dr. Imed Ben Dhaou, whose 17 research publications cover a wide range of topics. On another, similar note, Prof. Brij B. Gupta’s work garnered 159 citations in a single year. What sets DAH apart is its output, for sure, but what’s more impressive is its mission in advancing Saudi Arabia in academics while simultaneously empowering women in technical fields.
Real World Impact
The research made at DAH isn’t all theoretical, obviously. It has many real-world implications that address societal and technological challenges. The School of Engineering, Computing and Design is DAH’s secret weapon. Their projects may seem too good to be true at first glance, but they’re attempting to solve today’s most urgent challenges:
- IoT AI for disaster relief: Predicting earthquakes using IoT and cloud tech.
- VR in medicine: Training Saudi med students with virtual surgeries.
- Air quality testing: The differences in air quality between residential areas.
Outside labs, these innovations also influence and inform everyday life. VR tools training Saudi medical students, solar-powered desalination tackling water scarcity… It’s all being put to good use. Also important to note is that DAH’s goal shines in projects like Dr. Samar Altarteer’s augmented reality books for Arab children, which is more than enough proof that technology can both educate and preserve cultural identity.
A Collaborative Research Ecosystem
At DAH, great research requires a great deal of teamwork. It’s true, DAH often plays a role in significant partnerships with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the Saudi Central Bank, turning bold ideas into real-world impact. Take our Visiting Researcher Program: when lauded scholar Prof. Brij Gupta joined forces with DAH’s brightest minds, they sparked nine groundbreaking publications in a variety of different fields.
Also, picture this: students pitching cutting-edge projects and competing for 3,000 SAR prizes for stellar research, and even seeing their VR medical training tools go from classroom concepts to actual healthcare solutions.
We encourage success by celebrating each and every win. From Instagram spotlights on faculty research to hands-on Scopus publishing workshops, DAH creates a culture where curiosity thrives and boundaries are pushed.
What’s Next?
DAH has proven that a university can be both globally connected and locally impactful. With research partnerships spanning continents and student innovations that bridge theory and practice. But this is just the beginning.
Though publishing 108 papers a year is impressive, what sets DAH apart isn’t the numbers, per se. It’s how they form ideas and allow them to take a life of their own outside the theoretical realm. This could range from using AI for disaster relief to policy research for a brighter future in Saudi Arabia—it’s going to have a lot of influence and not just in academic circles.
The next phase? More breakthroughs, global networks, and even more groundbreaking research.
