ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has presented four buses to the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) to help transport students and staff around the federal capital, the institution said on Tuesday.

The gift from the Saudi government was handed over by its ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, at the university’s new campus.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the envoy said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed “exemplary” ties that were “acknowledged worldwide,” adding that the IIUI held a “special place” in the Kingdom’s heart.

“The inauguration was an expression of interest in the growth and development of the university, particularly in facilitating its students through improved transport facilities,” the university said in a statement.

It added the Saudi envoy was also given a briefing on the university’s transport facilities.

IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed thanked the Saudi government for the endowment, saying the support would help strengthen bilateral ties and benefit students and staff.

Saudi Arabia has supported IIUI in substantial ways over the years, from funding infrastructure, laboratories and transport to covering salary shortfalls.

The assistance has included purpose-built facilities such as academic blocks, computer labs, buses for students and even the construction of the King Salman Mosque and cultural center on campus.

Founded in 1980 as an “international” university, IIUI was designed to draw scholars from across the Muslim world, and many of its early rectors, vice presidents and deans came from the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt in particular have regularly seconded academics to lead or teach in the faculties of Shariah, Islamic Studies and Arabic, ensuring the institution reflects both Pakistan’s needs and a broader Islamic outlook.

Beyond IIUI, Saudi Arabia has long been one of Pakistan’s key donors through financial aid, oil on deferred payments and development assistance.

Riyadh has funded major infrastructure, health and education projects while providing humanitarian relief during natural disasters and crises, and frequently donates transport, medical equipment and other resources to support socio-economic development.