AGP Executive Report

Teacher & curriculum push in Kuwait: Kuwait’s education undersecretary Dr Khaled Al-Rasheed urged stronger teacher skills and curricula to boost students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning, linking professional development directly to classroom practice. Higher-ed diplomacy in Qatar: US Sen. Chris Murphy praised the role of American universities in Qatar’s Education City during a Doha trip, framing campus presence as a bridge for people-to-people ties. Student learning outcomes focus (Gulf/MENA): The same PISA-linked regional dialogue in Riyadh highlighted how teaching students to observe, ask testable questions, gather evidence, and reassess conclusions can improve learning outcomes across the Gulf and MENA. Online child safety in Pakistan: A Kaspersky-linked survey found Pakistani children spend more time on popular apps like YouTube, raising concerns about grooming, fraud, and harassment risks as safeguards lag behind. Special needs support under strain (UK): UK ministers warned that mainstream schools may struggle to access promised specialist “experts” due to staff shortages. Education amid instability (Yemen): Reporting from Aden described how power cuts and fuel shortages disrupt schooling and healthcare, with electricity access still extremely limited.

Teacher Development & Learning Outcomes: Kuwait’s education official urged investment in teachers and stronger classroom practice, linking professional development to how students think scientifically and build evidence-based reasoning. Higher Education & Skills: Egypt unveiled plans to develop human capital for its expanding transport sector, including establishing a specialized Egyptian International University for Transport Engineering and Technology (ENUT) with international partners. AI in Education (UAE): Educators in Dubai highlighted how UAE students are being taught to use AI across disciplines while understanding its limits and using it ethically. University Life in Qatar: Northwestern University Qatar welcomed its Class of 2030, stressing learning through conversation and creative collaboration, with students shaping journalism and women’s sports initiatives. Regional Education Partnerships (Sharjah): Sharjah’s private education authority signed cooperation frameworks with ICESCO and FranklinCovey Middle East to strengthen leadership, teacher capacity, and school-family partnerships. Humanitarian Strain on Health & Schooling (Yemen): Reports from Aden described how persistent power outages disrupt hospitals and student learning, underscoring the education and health fallout of Yemen’s electricity crisis. International Education & Mobility: Coverage also flagged ongoing debates around international student recruitment and visa rules, with knock-on effects for universities and learners.

AI in UAE classrooms: UAE higher-education leaders say AI is now part of every degree, urging students to use it as a tool, understand its limits, and learn professional, ethical application (UAE students). UAE education partnerships: Sharjah’s Private Education Authority signed cooperation deals with ICESCO and FranklinCovey Middle East to support private education quality, leadership development, and school-family partnerships. UAE campus skills for jobs: Commentary argues degrees alone won’t prepare students for tomorrow’s work, pushing parents and educators to focus on real-world skills and adaptability. Iraq cybersecurity boom in universities: Iraq’s universities rapidly expanded cybersecurity departments from 5 in 2022 to 123 by 2026-27, with most growth in private institutions and a concentration in Baghdad, raising questions about quality and regular academic reviews. Kuwait humanitarian health capacity: Kuwait-based charities expanded medical outreach across Africa and the Middle East, including a Tanzania campaign treating children with congenital heart defects and training local pediatric cardiac teams. Campus speech debate (US, with Middle East focus): A US opinion piece cites data showing many students find the Israel-Palestinian conflict hard to discuss openly, while another column highlights the need to protect campus voices amid controversy. Real estate and schools in Abu Dhabi: Developers say buyers increasingly value liveability—connectivity, schools, parks, and walkability—linking community design to long-term property value.

Private Education Partnerships: Sharjah’s Private Education Authority signed cooperation deals with ICESCO and FranklinCovey Middle East, aiming to boost leadership, teacher capacity, and quality in private schooling. Iraq Cyber Skills Push: Iraq’s universities rapidly expanded cybersecurity departments from 5 in 2022 to 123 by 2026-27, with Baghdad leading; the network warns quality reviews are needed as growth accelerates. Student Learning for Work: A new push across higher education highlights that degrees alone may not prepare students for fast-changing jobs, with AI-driven upskilling and industry-linked courses rising. International Student Safety & Vetting: Reports on a Flydubai-related attack and online radicalization claims have renewed calls in the UK for stronger vetting of international students in online courses. Education, Conflict, and Rights: Gaza’s education and healthcare infrastructure continues to be targeted, with protests demanding an end to attacks and arms sales, while displaced children face severe deprivation. Higher Ed Internationalization: Cyprus is expanding English-taught undergraduate programs and partnerships to build a more international academic community.

Medical Education & Refugee Stories: At 13, Palestinian refugee Iqbal Al‑Assaad began her path into medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, driven by what she saw in Lebanon’s refugee camps and the lack of healthcare access. Higher Education & Skills: Iraq’s universities rapidly expanded cybersecurity teaching, jumping from 5 departments in 2022 to 123 by 2026–2027, with Baghdad leading and growing female participation—though quality reviews are now being urged. International Student Mobility: Greece is pushing beyond “study abroad” with more English-taught options and a platform for applications, while the University of Cyprus is rolling out new English undergraduate programs and a 2026–2031 internationalization plan. Education Under Strain in Conflict: A UN report says Gaza’s ceasefire has not restored basic rights, with ongoing barriers to clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Campus Climate & Religion: Protests in Stockholm drew hundreds to condemn attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, with banners targeting harm to schools and hospitals. Policy & Learning Pathways: A UAE-focused education session highlights that studying medicine abroad requires planning for licensing, residency timelines, and country-specific rules before and after university.

International Higher Education Push: Greece’s “Study in Greece” initiative and the University of Cyprus’ new English-taught undergraduate programs aim to move the region beyond short-term study abroad toward full international campus communities. University Internationalization: UCY’s 2026–2031 strategic plan puts internationalization, diversity, and global recognition at the center of its next phase. Student Mobility & Planning: A UAE-focused session on studying medicine abroad highlights that licensing and residency timelines can shape whether graduates stay in the US or return home. Gulf Education Community Loss: Kuwait-based Bhavans Middle East founder NK Ramachandran Menon dies at 78; Bhavans schools across the Gulf held assemblies and prayers. Education Under Strain in Conflict Zones: UN reporting says Gaza’s ceasefire has not restored access to clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education, with aid delivery still blocked by restrictions. Campus Climate & Dialogue: Princeton students describe interfaith and solidarity efforts amid heightened tensions around Israel-Hamas, including Muslim-Jewish community-building events. Tech for Learning: UAE education partnerships and AI-in-schools initiatives point to growing use of digital tools and AI training in regional classrooms.

Gaza Education Under Siege: Gaza’s educators rebuilt broken photocopiers from rubble to keep the Tawjihi national exam running, enabling more than 95,000 students to sit for it despite near-total school damage. AI in Government Learning: Abu Dhabi’s “AI Everything” event (Oct 6–7) will spotlight large-scale AI deployment, including Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout to 35,000 government employees, as the region pushes AI into public services and critical infrastructure. Higher Ed Transformation: A Dubai forum on MENA higher education warned that universities often manage crises but still lack structural change, urging leaders to treat disruption as a catalyst for redesign. Student Support Programs: Kuwait launched the 2026–2027 “With the Students” competitions for 12th graders, aiming to develop talents and creativity through ministry-backed school activities. Academic Freedom Pressure: A report on Türkiye says academic freedom is “completely restricted,” citing governance changes that let presidents appoint university rectors without academic input. STEM Pathways: GE Vernova and PROTEC marked the graduation of 27 learners from an engineering academy, highlighting hands-on routes into STEM education.

Higher Education Under Pressure: Universities across the region and beyond are facing enrollment and funding strain, while U.S. policy moves to cut “international education” grants raise new questions for Middle East area studies and foreign-language programs. Academic Freedom: Türkiye’s higher education governance is being tightened, with a new report warning academic freedom is “completely restricted” after changes giving the president power to appoint university rectors. Student Support & Wellbeing: Kuwait’s Education and Information ministries launched the “With the Students” 2026-2027 competitions for 12th graders, while Saudi Arabia’s Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center became the first in the country to earn accreditation focused on comprehensive student wellbeing. Crisis Impact on Learning: UNICEF warns Lebanon’s war and displacement are pushing more children out of school and into hunger, with health access worsening. Digital Learning Push: Jordan’s Orange and “Madrasati” expanded its “Digital Schools” rollout, equipping public schools with tablets and learning devices for early grades. Child Protection Conference: Athens will host an Oct. 5–6 international conference on protecting children and preventing violence, bringing together researchers and policymakers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Aviation Education in Cambodia: OCIC and World Citi Colleges International will launch WCC International Aero Tech University in Phnom Penh, offering bachelor’s degrees in aircraft maintenance, airline operations, and tourism with a flight attendant track. Lebanon Child Deprivation: UNICEF reports 22% of Lebanese children are going to bed hungry and 20% have been out of school for a year amid displacement and economic strain. Qatar Education Access Funding: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation partners with David Webb at DJWE 2026 to fund buildOn’s program enrolling and retaining out-of-school children. Jordan Digital Schools: Orange Jordan and Madrasati expand the “Digital Schools” program, equipping public schools with tablets and learning devices for thousands of students and teachers. Saudi Autism Inclusion: Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center becomes the first in Saudi Arabia to earn IBCCES accreditation focused on comprehensive student wellbeing. Higher Ed Partnerships: Southampton Solent University signs a deal with Dubai’s Exeed College to deliver Solent degree programmes online across the Middle East. Student Wellbeing & Accreditation: The Saudi accreditation highlights a growing push for inclusive, wellbeing-centered education services.

Education Access & Philanthropy: Qatar’s Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is partnering with New York jeweller David Webb at DJWE 2026 to back children excluded from school, with proceeds supporting EAA and buildOn’s Enrol OOSC project across Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Haiti, Mali, Nepal and Senegal. Academic Recognition: University of Johannesburg awarded Sheikha Moza bint Nasser a PhD honoris causa, citing her focus on human rights and putting children’s education at the center of policy. UAE Digital Learning Push: Epson and Classera teamed up to bring AI-powered learning management and digital content tools into UAE schools, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s future-skills agenda. AI in Government & Research: Ai Everything Abu Dhabi 2026 (Oct 6–7) will showcase practical AI uses for government services, scientific research and critical infrastructure, including Microsoft’s rollout plans for Abu Dhabi government staff. Higher Education Mobility: UK TNE numbers rose to 699,660 students in 2024–25, showing overseas provision is now larger than onshore international enrolment. Campus Climate: UK charity data says antisemitic incidents at universities rose 14% in 2025/26, while debates over how to define antisemitism continue to shape education policy.

AI in Education: Instructure (Canvas) is partnering with OpenAI to roll out “Ignite AI,” aiming to connect with up to 700 apps and improve learning and education administration across the region. Humanitarian Education Access: A UN coordinator warns Gaza’s crisis is still blocking schooling and recovery, noting 300,000 children learning in temporary spaces while water, sanitation, shelter and waste systems remain strained. International Students Policy: Brandeis faces new U.S. CPT rules that could sharply limit internships for F-1 students, raising fresh concerns for international student pathways. Higher Education Mobility: UK transnational education keeps expanding: 699,660 students studied for UK qualifications via TNE in 2024–25, surpassing onshore international enrolment. Local School Affordability: Lebanon’s economic crisis is pushing families toward public schools as tuition and even basic supplies become harder to pay. Gaza/Palestine Politics & Youth: Hamas and Islamic Jihad agreed on an electoral coalition with a former Fatah official, while debates over narratives and education continue to intensify.

University Safety & Hate Speech: A UK charity reports antisemitism incidents tied to universities rose to 95 in 2025-26, up from 83 the year before, prompting calls for zero-tolerance action and staff training. International Students: New CPT scrutiny rules are rattling international students at Brandeis, with students warning the changes could block internships that aren’t “integral” to any major. Digital Learning & Access: UNICEF and Helios Towers announce a multi-year push to expand school connectivity and portable learning (Giga and Learning Passport), starting in DRC, Malawi and Tanzania. Education, Tech & Skills: Nemetschek Group and the University of Jeddah sign an MoU to build digital skills for AEC students and train academic staff. Campus Dialogue on Antisemitism: Sul Ross State University hosts Sharaka for classroom conversations and a public discussion on antisemitism, Holocaust education and interfaith understanding. Healthcare Education Infrastructure: Saudi German Health UAE selects HPE’s self-driving network to support hospital expansion and medical education in the UAE.

AI & Skills in the Gulf: Brain Digits opened a new Abu Dhabi office in Masdar City to help government and universities integrate AI and build workforce capability, as the emirate targets an “AI-native” government by 2027. EdTech in Dubai: A new partnership between Napster and GEMS Education aims to create AI teacher avatars for 24/7, multilingual student support, with classroom simulations and tracking for teachers. Digital Learning Across Africa: Helios Towers and UNICEF teamed up to expand school connectivity and portable digital learning via Giga and Learning Passport, starting in DRC, Malawi and Tanzania. Higher Education Pathways: Nemetschek Group and the University of Jeddah signed an MoU to boost digital skills for AEC professionals using industry software and staff training. Women’s Executive Education: DIFC Academy and London Business School launched 10 scholarships for Emirati women to access executive education and leadership development. Global Education Policy Debate: US “Title VI” international education funding faces a constitutional clash as proposed cuts spark alarm among colleges and community institutions.

Education & AI in the Gulf: Dubai is moving toward AI-assisted teaching with reports that “AI teacher avatars” could be coming to schools, while GEMS Education in the UAE is partnering with Napster to build digital teacher avatars and classroom simulations aimed at launching before end-2026. Women & Executive Learning: DIFC Academy and London Business School announced 10 executive-education scholarships for Emirati women, tying the push to DIFC’s Emirati Women’s Month. Higher Ed & Digital Skills: Saudi Arabia’s University of Jeddah signed an MoU with Nemetschek Group to boost digital skills for engineering and AEC students via software licenses and staff training. Autism Support at UNGA: Qatar Foundation and partners launched the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding advocacy and implementation. Financial Literacy as Education: Kuwait’s Boursa Kuwait launched the third edition of “The Bell,” a month-long October program with universities and investment partners to teach public financial literacy. Learning Under Conflict: Coverage highlights Gaza students returning to makeshift schools after years of disruption, with renewed debate on what children are being taught.

K-12 Curriculum Controversy: Parents and officials in the US are challenging how Israel-Hamas and Palestinian activism are presented in classrooms, with accusations that some lessons minimize Oct. 7 or promote one-sided narratives. Higher Education & Skills: Saudi Arabia’s University of Jeddah and Nemetschek Group signed an MoU to boost digital skills for future AEC professionals, including software licenses and staff training. Women’s Executive Education: DIFC Academy and London Business School launched 10 scholarships for Emirati women to access executive education and leadership development. Autism Advocacy in Qatar: Qatar Foundation and global partners rolled out the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding coalition work and implementation focus. School Access in Conflict: In southern Lebanon, children returned to school in damaged, makeshift classrooms after strikes destroyed facilities. Education Policy in Jordan: Jordan launched the International Baccalaureate programme in public schools via King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence, with rollout planned from 2028. Tech Education in Kuwait: talabat and CODED Academy ran a two-day workshop at Abdullah Al-Salem University to train students in AI, product development, data analytics, and scalable web projects. Digital Health Training in Egypt: President Al-Sisi urged Orange to expand investment and training for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity as part of Egypt’s national digital health push. Reconstruction Rights in Syria: Human Rights Watch warned Syria’s reconstruction deals lack a human-rights framework, risking weak consultation and protections for displaced residents. Venture & Startup Ecosystems: Golden Gate Ventures plans a two-year programme in Uzbekistan to support 20 startup founders with mentorship and investment links across Asia, the Middle East, the US, and Europe.

Autonomous Mobility & Education: Nissan is bringing self-driving trials to Cambridge under the UK-backed “ADventure” project, using a 2022 LEAF to test safe autonomous passenger services with real community input—an approach that could shape future transport access for students and patients. Digital Skills & Health Training: Egypt’s President Al-Sisi urged Orange to expand investment and join the second phase of the national digital health project, including AI, cloud and cybersecurity training tied to youth job readiness. Autism Support in Qatar: Qatar Foundation and global partners launched the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, with a growing coalition now including education and health stakeholders. Schooling Under Strain in Lebanon: South Lebanon children returned to school in damaged, windowless classrooms after strikes, highlighting how conflict disrupts learning environments. Student Rights & School Policy: A Palestinian careers adviser in Sydney sued NSW over alleged instructions to remove a keffiyeh at school, raising issues of racial discrimination in education settings. STEM & Coding Pathways: In Kuwait, talabat’s “Next Tech Gen” ran a two-day workshop with CODED Academy at Abdullah Al-Salem University to build practical AI and digital project skills for students. IB Expansion in Jordan: Princess Sumaya attended the launch of the International Baccalaureate programme in Jordan’s public education system via King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence, with rollout planned from 2028. AI Skills Gap in the GCC: A report flags that Middle East AI growth is hitting a people problem—employers struggle to find talent to deploy and govern AI, not just access technology. Humanitarian Travel for Students in Iraq: Iraq is seeking US exemptions to keep Iranian airline routes open for humanitarian needs, including education and medical treatment.