Early Bird Discount for QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East | Register Now
Higher education across the Middle East is entering a defining period.
As the region accelerates investment in knowledge economies, advanced technology and future industries, universities have an increasingly critical role to play, developing talent, translating research into impact and building the capabilities that will underpin long-term economic growth. Join university leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the region and beyond at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2026 from 22–24 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Save 20% by securing your place before 22 September. Use the code EARLYBIRD_ME26 in the last step of the registration process.
FUTURE-READY UNIVERSITIES. FUTURE-READY ECONOMIES.
This year's theme asks a critical question: how can universities convert strategic ambition into tangible impact? Explore how higher education can advance research translation, cultivate frontier talent and scale digital and AI innovation, with conversations spanning research and innovation ecosystems, tech-enabled education, future-ready skills, talent mobility, institutional transformation and talent pipelines for high-growth sectors.
Come ready to exchange ideas, challenge established thinking and take practical insights back to your institution.
A WELCOME FROM OUR HOST KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
In his welcome, His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, reflects on the changing role of universities, not only as places of learning, but as institutions central to building resilience, scientific capability and future industries.
As the UAE's leading research university, Khalifa University brings this ambition to life through its work across science, engineering and innovation and its contribution to the UAE's development of future industries.
EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI
The Summit will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, overlooking the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Set across 57 acres of landscaped gardens and waterfront surroundings, the Ritz-Carlton will put delegates at the heart of the Summit, with sessions, networking and evening events all taking place just steps away.
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
Across three days of keynotes, panels, strategic dialogues, workshops and networking, connect with peers confronting many of the same questions facing your institution and build relationships with leaders shaping higher education across the Middle East and globally.
The future-ready university is being built now. Shape the conversation.
