The Middle East Supplement
Challenges & Opportunities in Middle Eastern Higher Education
How the Middle East is prioritising future-ready education through collaboration, innovation and technology.
By Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University and Middle East Chair, QS Global Advisory Committee
“Governments and the private sector are increasingly recognising education as a cornerstone for economic diversification, particularly in emerging fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence and healthcare."
Higher education in the Middle East encounters a distinctive array of challenges and opportunities, particularly in terms of collaboration and innovation. While numerous institutions grapple with quality assurance, funding constraints and access issues, there exists considerable potential for transformative change through strategic partnerships and technological advancements. A key challenge is the necessity to modernise curricula and teaching methods to meet global standards while honouring cultural and regional values. Many institutions face obstacles such as limited funding, political instability, and brain drain, which impede their ability to compete on an international level.
However, the growing focus on innovation and technology-driven education provides an opportunity to transform traditional models by incorporating digital tools, online learning platforms and interdisciplinary approaches. Governments and the private sector are increasingly recognising education as a cornerstone for economic diversification, particularly in emerging fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence and healthcare. By capitalising on these investments and fostering a culture of collaboration, Middle Eastern universities can establish themselves as centres of innovation, addressing both local and global challenges while contributing to the region's socio-economic development.
Collaborations between local and international institutions can enhance research capabilities and ensure that academic offerings remain relevant to the evolving labour market. Moreover, the rapid integration of digital technologies opens avenues for innovative teaching methods and broader access to education, especially through online platforms. Emphasising entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research can further cultivate a culture of innovation, enabling the region to tackle pressing challenges. By adopting these collaborative and innovative strategies, the Middle East can overcome existing barriers and emerge as a hub for academic excellence and knowledge creation.
Several driving forces are currently shaping the higher education landscape in the Middle East, including the importance of society 5.0, universities rankings, human capital development, quality enhancement, future-oriented skills, the establishment of educational and knowledge hubs, branch campuses, science parks, technological advancement and a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The development of science parks is particularly crucial; these parks aim to foster technological innovation and promote collaboration between businesses and universities by providing optimal physical environments for researchers and entrepreneurs. Although only a few science and technology parks exist in the Arab world—primarily in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt—there is significant potential for growth.
The successful establishment of science and technology parks relies heavily on the existence of national strategies for science, technology and innovation, as well as the willingness of universities, businesses and government entities to collaborate. Additionally, research and development funds are essential for conducting research that translates into practical scientific and technological solutions. Applied research aimed at solving real-world problems is best conducted in these parks, where qualified scientists, scholars and students can collaborate to foster innovation and develop tangible solutions. This environment can also nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of business incubation centres and startups for students and graduates.
Furthermore, the higher education sector must diversify its income streams through innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship. Institutions can benefit from commercial income generated through consultancy, contract research and social enterprises, as well as through partnerships with businesses. Metrics such as the number of patents resulting from research activities, the quality of student internships and the percentage of staff involved in innovation will be crucial for assessing success in this area.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects are expected to be in high demand in the coming years within the Middle East. Fields such as automation, artificial intelligence and robotics will increasingly influence the marketplace, leading to a greater need for graduates specialising in these areas. As innovation and entrepreneurship are closely linked to STEM disciplines, the region must prioritise the development of educational programmes that equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in this evolving landscape.
As Chair of the QS Global Advisory Committee for the Middle East, I strongly encourage researchers, scholars and practitioners to attend the QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2025, hosted by Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) in Kuwait from April 20-22, 2025. This year's theme is “Society 5.0: Higher Education and Skills for a Human-Centred Future.” This is a very important topic that will shape higher education in the Middle East and beyond.
The summit will serve as a vital platform for educators, researchers, and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about the evolving role of higher education in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Attendees will explore innovative strategies for addressing societal challenges and enhancing educational experiences, making this an unmissable event for all stakeholders in the higher education sector.
Society 5.0 is a term originated in Japan and represents the fifth stage of societal development. It follows:
- Society 1.0 (hunter society)
- Society 2.0 (agricultural society)
- Society 3.0 (industrial society)
- Society 4.0 (information society)
This concept represents a vision of a future society that balances economic advancement with societal challenges. It aims to create a super-smart society that leverages technology like AI, IoT, and big data, to enhance the quality of life. It emphasises a human-centered approach, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than the other way around. This underscores the core principle of Society 5.0: prioritising human needs, values and well-being. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, which often prioritised economic growth and efficiency, Society 5.0 seeks to balance technological progress with social inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
For more information about the summit, you can click here.
In conclusion, while the challenges facing higher education in the Middle East are significant, the opportunities for collaboration and innovation hold immense potential for positive change. By investing in partnerships and embracing technological advancements, the region can not only enhance its educational offerings but also contribute meaningfully to economic diversification and social development. The future of higher education in the Middle East hinges on the ability of institutions to adapt and innovate, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
A final message from me, please attend the QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2025 in Kuwait in April. This will help us debate the challenges and opportunities facing the higher education sector in the Middle East within the context of collaboration and innovation taking advantage of the fifth Industrial Revolution and society 5.0.