The Association of Arab Universities and Bibliotheca Alexandrina Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Scientific Research and Digital Transformation

As part of their joint efforts to support higher education and scientific research in the Arab region, the Association of Arab Universities (AArU) and Bibliotheca Alexandrina signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in scientific research, innovation, digital transformation, and capacity building, thereby advancing the knowledge economy and supporting sustainable development in the Arab world.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of AArU, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdallah Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in the presence of Prof. Dr. Anas Rateb Al-Saoud, Executive Director of AArU, and Ms. Lina Al-Bitar, Director of Administration at AArU.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama emphasized that the agreement represents a qualitative step toward integrating institutions of knowledge production, preservation, and dissemination. He highlighted a shared vision that knowledge is the foundation of progress and future-making, and that nations are measured by their contributions to science, thought, and innovation. He noted that cooperation with Bibliotheca Alexandrina opens broad prospects for advancing Arab scientific content, strengthening research capacity, enhancing digital culture, leveraging artificial intelligence in education and knowledge management, and digitizing Arab heritage for future generations.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Zayed described the MoU as a partnership between two leading Arab institutions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a global cultural and knowledge landmark, and AArU as the largest academic umbrella organization for Arab universities. He stressed that this collaboration will reinforce research production and strengthen integration between academic and cultural institutions across the Arab world.

The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation, including organizing conferences and scientific forums, conducting joint research and studies, exchanging expertise and knowledge services, supporting researchers, promoting academic excellence, and collaborating on digitization and innovation initiatives.

It also includes leveraging Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s flagship initiative, the “Knowledge Embassies” project, and expanding its model across Arab universities to enhance access to digital knowledge resources, support research, and foster learning and innovation environments.

Following the signing ceremony, the Secretary General and accompanying delegation toured Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s facilities, where they explored its research, cultural, and digital initiatives and discussed opportunities for further collaboration.

This MoU reflects AArU’s strategy to expand partnerships with leading scientific and cultural institutions, strengthen integration between Arab universities and knowledge hubs, and reinforce the role of Arab higher education in advancing knowledge production, innovation, and sustainable development.