The Association of Arab Universities and the Arab Administrative Development Organization Discuss Preparations for the Sixth Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development

Within the framework of cooperation between the Association of Arab Universities (AArU) and the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO), a virtual coordination meeting was held between Ms. Lina Al-Bitar, Director General of Administration at AArU, and Dr. Hassan Diab, Head of the Strategy and Quality Activities Group at ARADO. The meeting aimed to explore prospects for joint collaboration in organizing the Sixth Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development.

The conference is organized by ARADO in cooperation with the Association of Arab Universities, the University of Sharjah, and the University of Khorfakkan, under the theme:“Arab Universities’ Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Towards a Smart, Sustainable, and Highly Competitive University.”

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional partnership between the two organizations, in support of efforts to further develop the Arab higher education system and keep pace with the rapid digital transformations taking place in the university sector, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and the transition toward smart universities.

The two parties also discussed the scientific and organizational themes of the conference, as well as mechanisms for expanding Arab and regional participation, ensuring the exchange of expertise and successful experiences among Arab universities and academic institutions. They further highlighted best practices in sustainability, innovation, and digital governance.

Both sides affirmed that the conference represents an advanced Arab platform for academic and strategic dialogue on the future of higher education and the role of Arab universities in building smart, sustainable, and globally competitive learning environments, in light of the rapid developments in artificial intelligence technologies.

The conference is scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 September 2026 at the University of Khorfakkan in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with the participation of a distinguished group of academic leaders, experts, and specialists in higher education and digital transformation from across the Arab world.