RIYADH — Dr. Enas bint Suleiman Al-Issa, newly appointed Deputy Minister of Education with the rank of excellent grade, brings with her an extensive and impactful academic career shaped by decades of leadership in Saudi Arabia's higher education sector. Her journey from faculty ranks to the top of university administration reflects both academic excellence and a strong commitment to institutional development and national advancement. Since March 2019, Dr. Al-Issa has served as President of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the largest women's university in the world. Under her leadership, the university has adopted a bold strategic vision with a key focus on empowering women. Among her major initiatives is the founding of the National Observatory for Women, a pioneering body tasked with tracking and evaluating the performance of Saudi women across developmental and economic indicators. Before leading PNU, she held a series of senior academic and administrative roles at King Saud University in Riyadh. She served as Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Dean of the College of Science and Medical Studies, University Advisor to the President, and Assistant Vice President for Academic and Educational Affairs. Her leadership extended across student services, academic planning, and institutional policy, allowing her to play a direct role in shaping the educational landscape for thousands of students. Dr. Al-Issa earned her PhD in anatomy and neuroscience from Dalhousie University in Canada, where she had earlier obtained a master's degree in physiotherapy. She began her academic journey with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation sciences from King Saud University in 1996. Over the course of her academic career, she has published more than fifty peer-reviewed scientific papers, particularly in the fields of anatomy and neurobiology, reflecting a deep commitment to research and scientific advancement. Her contributions extend beyond academia. Dr. Al-Issa has held membership in several of the Kingdom's most influential national bodies, including the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, the Council of Saudi Universities Affairs, the Board of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the steering committee of the National Labor Observatory. She has also served on the National Anti-Narcotics Committee, the Saudi Sports Federation for Universities, and the King Salman Global Award for Disability Research. With her appointment to the Ministry of Education, Dr. Al-Issa steps into a new phase of national service at a critical moment of educational transformation. Her leadership is expected to further strengthen the role of women in government, while continuing to shape policies that support innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in education across the Kingdom.
