7^th MENA-HELF in Dubai was an inspiring gathering of higher education leaders from over 50 countries. Keynotes on resilience and workforce-aligned curricula highlighted the sector’s urgent need to adapt. The AI debate and governance sessions sparked reflection on balancing innovation with our human mission. Case studies and accreditation panels offered practical models I can apply in my own institution.

Overall, a well-organized, enriching forum that left me with new connections and fresh ideas.

MENA-HELF has become a key fixture on the calendar of higher education leaders across the region, distinguished by the quality of its contributions, lively discussions, and opportunities for meaningful exchange and collaboration. This year’s event was especially memorable as MUBS was honored with the prestigious Zairi International Award for Excellence in Higher Education — an achievement that made the occasion deeply meaningful to me personally and to our university community.

It was a tremendous privilege and an incredibly rewarding experience to represent the University at Albany, State University of New York, at the 7^th Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Higher Education Leadership Forum in beautiful Dubai. The forum was truly outstanding, bringing together higher education leaders from across the region and beyond for thoughtful discussions, innovative ideas, and meaningful connections. The quality of the presentations, the diversity of perspectives, and the spirit of collaboration made this one of the most engaging and enriching conferences I have attended. I was especially honored to present my case study, “Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Global Mobility Through Higher Education,” drawing on research and our experiences at UAlbany to explore how philanthropy can expand educational opportunities and strengthen global engagement.

My sincere thanks to the selection committee for the opportunity to contribute, and special congratulations to Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou and her exceptional team for their outstanding leadership, warm hospitality, and meticulous organization. Their dedication was evident in every aspect of this remarkable forum. I returned home inspired by the conversations, grateful for the new connections, and energized by our shared commitment to the transformative power of higher education. I enthusiastically recommend this forum to colleagues around the world and look forward to participating again.

As usual, an outstanding opportunity for academic deep reflections and analysis with high caliber colleagues where fundamental questions about the future of education are deeply analyzed. Amazing!

MENA-HELF 2026 was a genuinely inspiring experience for me. I found it particularly valuable for its forward-looking conversations on how higher education must respond to AI, strengthen governance, and build more meaningful partnerships with government and industry. The exchange of ideas with regional leaders gave me fresh perspectives on the opportunities and responsibilities facing HEIs. I left the forum with a stronger conviction that HEIs must move beyond traditional roles to become agile, innovative, and active contributors to national development and the wider economy.

MENA HELF has become the annual celebration of excellence for me and many people I know. We come to celebrate everyone’s experience and success.

The 7^th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the future of universities across the region. I was particularly impressed by the critical discussion of research impact, which encouraged deeper reflection on the purpose and value of our work as academics. The discussions surrounding strategic planning for digital education at universities in the MENA region were equally thought-provoking. I left the Forum with fresh perspectives on how thoughtful leadership can connect research, educational innovation and institutional strategy.

The MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum was a valuable opportunity to engage with higher education leaders from across the region, exchange perspectives, and explore meaningful opportunities for collaboration.

Representing Enago, I particularly appreciated the discussions around research excellence, institutional visibility, global rankings, innovation, and the evolving priorities of higher education institutions. The forum reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing research impact, strengthening institutional reputation, and advancing higher education excellence across the MENA region.

MENA HELF 2026 stood out for its collaborative environment, distinguished network of higher education leaders and service providers, and the strategic depth of its discussions. The timely keynotes, insightful panels, and rich case studies fostered meaningful dialogue and valuable exchanges on the evolving priorities and future of higher education across the region.

The 7^th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum provided a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and engagement with higher education leaders and experts. The Forum offered meaningful opportunities to exchange perspectives on higher education, educational research, innovation, and the future of learning, while strengthening collaboration and promoting excellence in education.

MENA-HELF 2026 brought together the right mix of university leaders, policymakers and partners for a live and sincere conversation on how higher education can build resilience in our region. The sessions were well curated, and the most valuable part for me was the quality of networking: I left the Forum with concrete partnership leads and new institutional contacts. Thank you, CLICKS, for an excellent Forum.

What stood out for me at MENA-HELF 2026 was the people, from the university leaders on the presidential panel to the many colleagues we met between sessions. The discussions on employability and preparing graduates for the world of work showed how much institutions value practical partners, and the forum made it easy to begin those conversations. We look forward to taking part in the next edition.