ZU hosts 17th meeting of Presidents of GCC institutions of higher education

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan stressed the importance of the status of higher education within the community, as UAE universities and colleges are committed to lead and pioneer, in the field of education, scientific research, or community service.

H.E added:

"This commitment is part of the overall development process in the UAE, led by The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan and supported by His Highness the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as they always emphasize the need for higher education institutes in the UAE to be effective tools and contribute in the nation's development. Under their guidance and leadership, we have achieved important steps in helping the United Arab Emirates compete successfully in the modern world."

H.E added that universities and colleges in the United Arab Emirates, are very keen on cooperating and coordinating with universities and colleges in the GCC countries. We are fully aware that the universities in the GCC region, have critical roles, and important responsibilities in shaping the future of the region.

H.E ststed that there are a number of factors that we observe in the UAE, which have a significant impact on the future of universities in the GCC region:

1- The continuous growth in the number of students, represents a real challenge, in order to maintain levels of quality and excellence in the performance of universities, and provide a level of outstanding education for all students, and equip them with the necessary qualifications and knowledge, to become leaders in the community.
We note in this regard, this rapid growth in the number of students, has also been accompanied by a marked increase in the establishment of private universities, and here lies another challenge which is to ensure the standards of quality in the performance of these private universities, as they represent a positive element of competition, which leads to enhancing the standard of education in general.

2-: The role of universities in the region, in research and study, and to ensure that universities play a remarkable role in the process of global knowledge.

3-: We are also keen on the development of academic and administrative frameworks which will allow universities to perform their role in serving the community, and contribute to the effective achievements in the academic world.

On his part Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim Vice President of Zayed University said that the 17th meeting of the Presidents, Vice presidents and Directors of GCC institutions of Higher Education also focused on exploring fields of potential cooperation and coordination between Arabian Gulf countries in the field of higher education . He stressed the importance of this meeting as it coincides with Zayed University's celebration of achieving international accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.