Global Challenges, Local Impact: Higher Education's
Role in Shaping a Resilient Future

14th – 16th April, 2026 | Dubai, UAE

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Welcoming Message

Welcoming Me

Dear Colleagues,
Warm Greetings,
On behalf of the Center for Learning Innovation and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum—a premier biennial gathering of higher education leaders, policymakers and government and industry experts launched since 2013 and dedicated to shaping the future of education in an era of unprecedented change.
As the world undergoes rapid and profound transformations, driven by technological advancements, climate change, economic uncertainty, shifting workforce demands, and geopolitical shifts, higher education institutions (HEIs) must adapt and lead in navigating these global disruptions. This 7 th edition of the forum will serve as a platform to explore bold ideas, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration to ensure HEIs remain resilient, innovative, and impactful in shaping knowledge economies and driving social progress.

Throughout the three-day forum, participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive roundtables, and expert-led workshops that will foster dialogue, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide actionable insights into the future of higher education. The program is designed to encourage meaningful interactions, with fireside chats, panels, keynote addresses, roundtables, pre-forum workshops, etc. The forum will also serve as a space for sharing institutional success stories and case studies, highlighting how universities worldwide are driving innovation and adapting to change.

We will also be celebrating the winners of the 5th cycle of the Zairi International Awards for Excellence in Higher Education. This prestigious award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, measurable impact, and sustainable practices in higher education.

Call for Participation
As we prepare for this landmark event, we invite sponsors, exhibitors, and contributors—including institutions interested in presenting case studies, leading workshops, and sharing innovative approaches—to actively participate. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your initiatives, exchange expertise, and engage with decision-makers shaping the future of higher education in the MENA region and beyond.

For more details on participation opportunities, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum, where together, we will explore pathways for a more resilient, innovative, and impactful higher education sector.

See you at the Forum!

Best Wishes, 
Dr Narimane Hadj-Hamou
Founder & CEO, CLICKS