The University of New Haven will officially open its international branch campus in Riyadh during a formal visit by university leadership scheduled from Aug. 23 to Aug. 26. President Dr. Jens Frederiksen is traveling to the Saudi capital to mark the landmark opening at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, also known as Misk City. This journey represents his tenth official visit to the Kingdom over the past two and a half years, reflecting ongoing coordination with local authorities.
First U.S. University Branch in the Kingdom
The establishment makes the institution the first U.S.-accredited university to set up a physical branch campus in Saudi Arabia. The branch operates under a dedicated foreign branch campus license granted by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the academic institution holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that all educational offerings adhere directly to established American academic quality standards.
Academic Launch and Degree Programs
The initial academic phase for the branch is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026. Teaching will commence with the launch of the College of Business and Digital Innovation, which serves as the foundational unit for the campus known as NHU-Riyadh. Prospective students will have access to accredited degree pathways in business administration as well as modern digital sectors, preparing graduates for emerging career tracks in the local economy.
Leadership and Strategic Governance at University of New Haven
Dr. Frederiksen is joined on the official delegation by senior leaders responsible for managing the branch’s local operations and academic development. Senior Vice President Dr. Leo Lester and Campus Dean Dr. Mohammed Alshagawi are participating in strategic discussions throughout the visit. Together, the leadership delegation is outlining detailed operational roadmaps, shaping curriculum frameworks, establishing institutional partnerships, and clarifying student admission guidelines ahead of the inaugural academic session.
Multiphase Campus Expansion at Misk City
University planners have structured a phased institutional roadmap that will eventually expand beyond the initial business college. The broader academic blueprint designed for the Misk City location encompasses three distinct colleges in Riyadh over time. These planned faculties are structured to introduce programs centered on emerging technical disciplines, digital systems, and data analytics to support specialized regional industry demands and national workforce initiatives.
Long-Term Academic Presence
By establishing a permanent physical footprint within Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, the University of New Haven introduces direct access to U.S.-accredited higher education in the capital. The university administration plans to steadily expand its academic facilities, program portfolio, and student intake as additional colleges and technical departments become fully operational across the Riyadh campus in subsequent phases.
