Al Ain University Strengthens Its International Presence at THE World Academic Summit 2026 in South Africa
Al Ain University participated in the THE World Academic Summit 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together a distinguished group of university leaders, decision-makers, and experts from higher education institutions around the world. The participation reflects the University’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and engaging in global dialogue on the future of higher education.
The University’s delegation included Dr. Noor Al Deen Atatreh, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al Ain University; Prof. Nazih Khaddaj Mallat, Vice President for Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Rankings; and Mr. Rami Kayed, Director of the Student Recruitment and Outreach Unit.
The delegation took part in a number of summit sessions addressing key issues and emerging trends shaping the future of higher education, as well as the role of universities in creating meaningful and sustainable impact within their communities. The summit also provided opportunities to exchange expertise and perspectives with academic leaders and representatives of international educational institutions, while exploring new prospects for academic cooperation and partnerships.
The University’s participation also included a series of meetings with senior leaders and officials in the higher education sector. Dr. Noor Al Deen Atatreh met with Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahromi, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they exchanged views on a number of topics related to higher education and ways to strengthen academic engagement.
He also met with Prof. Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, where discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of academic expertise between higher education institutions. During the meeting, Dr. Atatreh presented an Al Ain University commemorative shield in appreciation of the academic engagement between the two institutions.
Al Ain University’s participation in the summit coincided with the celebration of its achievement of being ranked among the top 450 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. The University delegation received the ranking certificate during the summit, marking an achievement that reflects the University’s continuous progress in academic and research performance and further strengthens its position within the global higher education landscape.
Commenting on the participation, Dr. Noor Al Deen Atatreh, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al Ain University, said:
“Participating in the World Academic Summit represents an important opportunity to strengthen Al Ain University’s engagement with international academic leaders and institutions, while gaining insight into the perspectives and trends shaping the future of higher education worldwide. Such platforms also provide an effective space for exchanging expertise and building meaningful relationships and partnerships that can open new avenues for academic and institutional collaboration, supporting the University’s continued development and expanding its international impact and presence.”
For his part, Prof. Nazih Khaddaj Mallat, Vice President for Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Rankings, said:
“Our participation in the summit is of great significance, as it provides an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into global experiences and practices in the higher education sector, engage with experts and decision-makers, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing universities in the coming phase. We are also proud that this participation coincides with Al Ain University being recognized among the world’s top 450 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. This achievement gives us further motivation to continue developing our quality framework, academic and research performance, and to strengthen the University’s international competitiveness.”
Al Ain University’s participation in THE World Academic Summit 2026 comes as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its international network, strengthen the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and build high-quality academic partnerships. It also reflects the University’s active contribution to global discussions on the future of higher education and the role of universities in advancing sustainable development and creating meaningful societal impact.
