Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Excellency, Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Anqari, Minister of Higher Education opened last night the activities of the First International Conference on e-Learning and Distance-Learning which is organized by Ministry of Higher Education represented in the National Centre for E-Learning and Distance-Learning at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Hall, Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.

The conference which is the first of its kind in the region comes in the framework of the national plan of communication and information technology. It seeks to contribute in involving e-learning and distance learning in higher education institutions through get benefits from others experiences in this field, exchange experiences with specialists and interested people, encourage partnership and cooperation between public and private sectors in the fields of developing e-learning, e-training and distance learning. The importance of this conference concentrates on giving high importance on knowledge-based-economy and involve it with e-learning, because the knowledge is the real bower that countries aiming to development and advancement depend on.

The conference is opened by reading verses of the Holy Quran, then his Excellency the Deputy Minister of Higher Education for Educational Affairs, the Head of the Supreme Committee of the First International Conference of e-Learning and Distance Learning Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali has delivered the opening speech. After that, a documented movie about the National Center for e-learning and Distance Learning has been presented.

Then, the CEO of Malaysian Mature Company, Dr. Anwar bin Ali has delivered his speech. He clarified that launching this conference is the beginning of developing learning in the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia. He stressed that it is a great chance to provide learning for all levels in society which will able them to use e-learning.

After that, His Excellency, Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Anqari, Minister of Higher Education has delivered his speech. His Excellency clarified that the Ministry seeks with scientific planned steps to cope with international developments and modern techniques in order to predispose the society for the future. This will be through invest the modern industry of technology, explore new experiences and rise up social awareness. Dr. Al Anqari said that the objectives of this conference include: exploring dimensions of implement e-learning and distance learning in higher education institutions, encouraging partnership and cooperation between public and private sectors in the areas of development and getting benefits form modern trends and international experiences. Dr. Al Anqari praised the great support and direct patronage received from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for the Ministry of Higher Education. Dr. Al Anqari stressed that the National Center for e-learning and Distance Learning is in the right way to achieve the vision of Saudi Arabia in using technology in support developing learning. His Excellency mentioned that it is the main sector in e-learning.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Al Anqari launched several services and programs including: "Zad" digital library, "Saneed" technical and academic support, Maknaz and Excellence Award. Then, His Excellency opened the Ministrys Exhibition and the conference Exhibition.