Advancing Regional Dialogue on Higher Education Resilience
The MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal gathering for university leaders, policymakers, and industry partners across the Middle East and North Africa. Scheduled for 28 to 30 September at the Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai, the seventh edition builds on previous successes with a clear focus on practical strategies for navigating global disruptions while delivering measurable local outcomes.
Organized by the Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions, known as CLICKS, the event continues a biennial tradition that began in 2013. Dubai’s selection as host underscores the emirate’s growing role as a hub for academic innovation and international collaboration in the United Arab Emirates higher education landscape.
Theme and Strategic Focus Areas
The 2026 theme, Global Challenges, Local Impact: Higher Education’s Role in Shaping a Resilient Future, directly addresses pressing issues including climate change, digital transformation, economic shifts, and workforce evolution. Discussions will examine how institutions can integrate sustainability into curricula and operations while strengthening partnerships with government and industry.
Six core sub-themes guide the program: embedding sustainability and societal responsibility; university-industry-government collaboration for workforce readiness; digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications; global engagement and social impact; bridging higher education with employability; and leadership and governance for institutional resilience. These areas reflect priorities shared by universities in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries.
Timeline of Preparations and Key Milestones
Preparations have progressed steadily since the announcement of the new dates. Early-bird registration remains open, with organizers emphasizing timely booking to secure optimal pricing. Case study submissions follow a structured schedule, including a full case study deadline of 10 June 2026 and final submissions due 20 August 2026.
Additional deadlines cover author registration, presentation materials by 1 September, and pre-forum workshop registration by 20 September. The forum itself closes registration on the same date, allowing organizers to finalize logistics at the Kempinski venue.
Program elements under development include plenary sessions, panel discussions, fireside chats, workshops, institutional case study presentations, and an exhibition of higher education solutions. The fifth cycle of the Zairi Awards for Excellence in Higher Education will also be highlighted during the event.
Sponsorship Opportunities and Partnership Packages
Organizations seeking visibility among higher education decision-makers can access dedicated sponsorship and exhibition packages. Multiple tiers exist, ranging from gold and silver sponsorship levels to bronze and supporter categories, alongside dedicated exhibition options.
These packages provide opportunities to engage directly with university presidents, provosts, accreditation bodies, and government representatives from more than fifty countries. Inquiries are directed to the organizing team via official channels, reflecting an open invitation for corporate and institutional partners to contribute to the forum’s success.
Past editions have featured a mix of knowledge partners, media partners, and sponsors from EdTech, publishing, and quality assurance sectors, demonstrating the value of association with this regional platform.
Photo by Erika Fletcher on Unsplash
Confirmed Speakers and Institutional Representation
A diverse lineup of confirmed speakers includes leaders from United Arab Emirates institutions such as the American University of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi University, Ajman University, and the University of Birmingham Dubai campus. International voices from Qatar Foundation, the Association of Arab Universities, NAFSA, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in the United Kingdom add global perspective.
Regional representation extends to the Higher Education Council of Bahrain, while academic voices from Kosovo, Canada, and the United States round out the roster. This mix ensures discussions remain grounded in both MENA-specific realities and broader international trends.
Networking, Exhibition, and Social Components
Beyond formal sessions, the forum incorporates dedicated networking periods during breaks and evening events. An exhibition area will showcase innovations from EdTech providers, publishers, and service organizations supporting the higher education sector.
These elements create space for informal exchanges that often lead to collaborative projects, joint research initiatives, and talent pipelines between universities and industry partners in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.
Expected Outcomes and Regional Impact
Participants anticipate actionable recommendations on curriculum redesign, digital strategy implementation, and partnership frameworks. The emphasis on resilience aligns with national visions across Gulf states that prioritize knowledge-based economies and sustainable development.
By convening leaders in Dubai, the forum positions the United Arab Emirates as a central node for higher education advancement in the MENA region, facilitating knowledge transfer and policy dialogue that extends well beyond the three-day program.
Call for Institutional Case Studies and Participation
Universities and colleges are encouraged to submit case studies highlighting innovative practices. Accepted presentations will feature during dedicated sessions, offering peer learning opportunities on topics ranging from artificial intelligence integration to community engagement models.
This open call ensures the program reflects real-world experiences from institutions actively addressing the challenges outlined in the theme.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Forum
The series has grown from its inaugural edition into one of the region’s most established platforms for higher education leadership. The sixth edition, held in 2024 under a theme focused on engaged universities, demonstrated strong attendance and positive feedback on organization and content relevance.
Each iteration refines its approach based on participant input while maintaining a commitment to practical, forward-looking dialogue.
Looking Ahead: Registration and Next Steps
With several months remaining until September, organizers continue to refine the agenda and secure additional speakers and sponsors. Institutions and companies interested in participation or partnership are advised to review available packages and deadlines promptly.
The combination of strategic timing, a compelling theme, and Dubai’s infrastructure suggests the 2026 forum will further strengthen collaborative networks across the higher education sector in the United Arab Emirates and the wider MENA region.