The General Conference
It consists of the presidents or directors of member educational institutions, or their representatives, with each active member institution having one vote.
58th General Conference • Association of Arab Universities
58th General Conference of the Association of Arab Universities
Leaders of Arab universities gather at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on 25–26 November 2026.
Under the gracious patronage and in the presence of
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah.
25–26 November 2026
University of Sharjah
Sharjah • United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
Conference Dates
25–26 November 2026
Venue
University of Sharjah
Host Country
United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
Session
58th General Conference
Hosted at
University of Sharjah
Sharjah • United Arab Emirates
Host University
The University of Sharjah Welcomes Leaders of Arab Universities
The conference is being held at the gracious invitation of Prof. Dr. Essam El-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, who is honored to host the presidents and directors of Arab universities that are members of the Association, or their representatives.
Arrival:
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Accommodation: Four nights in accordance with the hosting arrangements stated in the invitation.
Official University of Sharjah Website ↗
Accommodation: Four nights in accordance with the hosting arrangements stated in the invitation.
About the General Conference
The Highest Authority of the Association of Arab Universities
An annual platform bringing together academic leaders to shape the Association's general direction and make key institutional decisions.
Annual Meeting
The General Conference convenes once every year at the place and time determined at its previous meeting, in accordance with Article 8 of the Association's Statute.
Representation and Voting
Each institution is represented by its president or director, or by a delegate from its board or supervising authority. One member may represent only one other member by written authorization.
Conference Presidency
The General Conference is chaired by the president or director of the host institution, and the Conference elects two vice presidents and a general rapporteur.
Powers of the General Conference
Decisions That Shape the Association's Future
Key organizational and strategic powers of the General Conference.
1
Formation of the Executive Council
Forming the Executive Council and determining its powers and number of members.
2
Approval of Policies and Regulations
Approving the general policy, strategy and action plan; the annual budget and final accounts; regulations and bylaws; membership decisions; and the establishment of institutions affiliated with the Association.
3
The Statute
Approving amendments to the Association's Statute or suspending its implementation.
4
Election of the Secretary General
Electing the Secretary General from among candidates nominated by member institutions.
5
Formation of Committees
Forming committees to study specific matters falling within the Conference's remit.
6
Investment of Association Resources
Approving the policy for investing the Association's resources in line with its objectives and institutional sustainability.
Meeting and Decision-Making Procedures
Governance of the General Conference
A concise overview of the key rules governing quorum, sessions and decision-making.
The Conference meets once each year at the place and time determined at its previous meeting. Extraordinary sessions may be held at the request of the General Secretariat with the approval of one third of the members, or at the request of one active member institution with the approval of a majority of active members.
A meeting is legally valid when attended by the Secretary General, or a person authorized by him in writing, and a majority of active member institutions, excluding institutions that have failed to pay membership fees for four consecutive years. If quorum is not reached, the meeting is postponed to the following day and is valid with attendance of at least 25% of the relevant members.
Decisions of the General Conference are adopted by a majority vote of members present, while amendments to the Statute or suspension of its implementation require the approval of two thirds of the members present.
The Conference is chaired by the president or director of the host institution, and elects two vice presidents and a general rapporteur.
From Arab University Gatherings
Conference and Event Gallery
A visual glimpse of the spirit of collaboration among Arab higher education institutions.
Arab Universities & Industry Expo 2026
Connecting Higher Education with Industry
Our Partners
Partners & Sponsors
We are proud to recognize the partners and sponsors supporting Arab Universities & Industry Expo 2026, held as part of the 58th General Conference of the Association of Arab Universities.
Previous Edition
57th General Conference
Kuwait — continuing the annual tradition of bringing Arab higher education institutions together under the umbrella of the Association of Arab Universities, leading to the 58th General Conference in Sharjah.
Sharjah Welcomes Arab Universities in November 2026
We welcome presidents and directors of member Arab universities, or their representatives, to participate in the 58th General Conference.