Abu Dhabi:Khalifa University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), has announced that over 400 global higher education leaders will gather in Abu Dhabi for the QS Higher Ed Summit Middle East 2026. This event aims to position the UAE capital as a hub for international discussions on leveraging research excellence, advanced technology, and talent development for greater economic and societal impact.
According to Wam, the summit, organized by QS and hosted by Khalifa University, is scheduled to occur from 22nd to 24th November 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. The theme of the summit, "Future-Ready Universities, Future-Ready Economies," will bring together senior decision-makers from academia, government, and industry across the Middle East and beyond to discuss the role of universities in fostering competitive, innovation-driven economies.
The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, will deliver the opening remarks. The summit will explore pathways to knowledge-driven growth across the UAE and the region, integrate AI and digital transformation into institutional strategies, and enhance evidence-based, policy-informed decision-making.
Khalifa University's hosting of the summit underscores its role in translating academic and research excellence into broader societal impacts. The university is ranked 147th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, marking its entry into the global top 150. Khalifa University aims to connect scientific discovery with innovation and enterprise, reinforcing its contribution to the UAE's knowledge-based economy.
The summit will also feature presidential roundtables, strategic workshops, and cross-sector discussions designed to produce practical outcomes. It will highlight start-ups and innovations poised to shape higher education in the region, examining global higher education's evolving landscape and the opportunities it presents for regional institutions. Through collaboration among academic, government, and industry leaders, the event seeks to advance partnerships and dialogue on priorities impacting higher education and economic competitiveness.