The idea of establishing a non-profit Open University in the Arab world was initiated by HRH Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz President of the Arab Gulf Development Program (AGFUND). In 1996 HRH Prince Talal officially announced the concept of establishing the Arab Open University as a non-conventional academic institution and as a foundation which contributes to steering development in scientific, social and cultural spheres. This initiative developed to a full pledged Arab Open University in 2002 in a strategic partnership with the Open University in the United Kingdom. It aims at providing educational opportunities for high school degree holders of all segments of the society regardless of age, gender or religion in order to pursue their higher education. It strives to hone student’s skills thus reinforcing the labor market with qualified graduates, equipped with myriad capabilities and skills. The AOU headquarter is located in the state of Kuwait. Today AOU has eight branches in Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan and Palestine The OU validates undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications which are offered by the Faculties of Business Studies, Computer Studies, Language Studies and the Faculty of Education Studies. For those qualifications which are validated by the OU, successful students will receive a degree awarded by both the Arab OU and The Open University The Open University - United Kingdom (OU UK) is a world leader in modern flexible learning and the pioneer of teaching and learning methods, which enable people to achieve their career and life goals through studying at times and in places convenient to them. The OU works with other organisations in many ways, by providing courses, collaborating on new curriculum, validating programmes and sharing their expertise to help other blended learning ventures become a reality. AOU is a Partner Institution of the OU, delivering OU Validated Awards.