This year's summit will focus on promoting innovation, agility and strong national and regional collaboration, with a drive towards incorporating sustainability and equity across all aspects of an institution's outlook and long-term strategy.

The UAE is hosting COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, two weeks after the summit so we will be putting a special focus on universities’ contribution to sustainability and ensuring that higher education’s vital role in supporting the COP agenda is front and centre.

Above all, the summit will be about the future – the future of institutions and their research, the future of graduates and their adaptability and the future of the planet and its survival.

The summit will see the exclusive reveal of the THE Arab University Rankings 2023, accompanied by an exclusive data masterclass featuring detailed analysis and insights from THE's data team to explore the key findings, trends and stories from the data.

The summit will also feature a gala dinner announcing the THE Awards MENA 2023 winners. The awards celebrate the very best stories in higher education and are an exciting opportunity to showcase the inspirational work taking place at institutions in the region.

"The Arab world is enjoying a renaissance in higher education, research and innovation, with the region’s universities surging up the global rankings. It is clear that real leadership on this is coming from the UAE. The event will bring together university leaders from across the whole region and beyond to harness the great momentum in the Arab world and help drive further progress."

– Phil Baty, chief global affairs officer, THE

Teaching for tomorrow

We will explore the region's commitment to and investment in education, innovative pedagogical strategies, academic training, information and new technologies, with the aim of ensuring that institutions are equipped to meet the changing demands of industry and society.

We will also identify specific areas where universities need to work collaboratively with all sectors to remain agile and flexible to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Research matters

We will examine the key drivers and challenges in maintaining global excellence in research practice, dissemination and output.

We will consider the role that universities play in the recruitment, development and motivation of researchers, as well as how national and international collaboration through long-term research strategies can enhance this goal.

We will explore opportunities to enhance research production and dissemination, the relationship between science and policy, and how universities can use institutional cooperation and industry partnerships to support research ambitions and contribute to knowledge economies.

Leadership and management for a sustainable future

We will investigate the critical role of universities as drivers of sustainable leadership and providers of solutions for global environmental, social and economic challenges.

We will consider how MENA's universities are working to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships, how they can support country-wide strategies for sustainable transition and development, and how higher education partnerships can enhance their ability to understand, embrace and tackle impact-related issues.

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As host partner, your institution will lead the discourse and position yourself as a key innovator amongst business, industry, NGOs and government by highlighting your work and best practices. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to increase your brand exposure to influencers and policymakers.

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