The Association of Arab Universities and Baseera Group Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

The Association of Arab Universities (AArU) and Baseera Group for Exhibitions and Conferences and Baseera Smart Technology have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at establishing an institutional framework for cooperation in innovation, research, digital transformation, and the development of initiatives supporting the creation of future-ready universities.

The agreement was signed on behalf of AArU by H.E. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association, and on behalf of Baseera Group by H.R.H. Prince Lt. Gen. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Board, in the presence of Prof. Anas Ratib Al-Soud, Executive Director of AArU; Ms. Lina Al-Bitar, Director of General Administration; Mr. Ziad Amara, Director of International Relations; and Prof. Alaa Al-Bakri, Chairman of Gktech, an affiliated company of Baseera Group.

The agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to expanding cooperation between higher education institutions and the private sector, while responding to global transformations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. It aims to support the development of higher education and research systems and enhance the competitiveness of Arab universities regionally and internationally.

Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on several strategic initiatives, including organizing the International Conference on Innovation in Higher Education “Read and Innovate” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, and establishing the Arab Council for Innovation and Creativity in Higher Education as a specialized platform to promote innovation culture, exchange expertise and best practices, support applied research, and strengthen partnerships between universities and industry sectors.

H.E. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama emphasized that this partnership represents an important step within AArU’s efforts to empower Arab universities to lead the transition toward more innovative institutions capable of adapting to global changes. He highlighted the importance of building effective partnerships across sectors to advance higher education and research and maximize their impact on Arab societies.

For his part, Counselor Raed Hassan Habes, Vice Chairman of Baseera Group, stated that the partnership represents a model of integration between academic institutions and the private sector, supporting initiatives that connect education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, while transforming knowledge and ideas into impactful solutions and projects.

This agreement aligns with AArU’s strategy to strengthen the integration of education, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and investment, contributing to transforming knowledge into economic and societal value. It also reflects the Association’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships and enabling Arab higher education institutions to serve as drivers of development and knowledge economies, while enhancing their regional and global competitiveness.