The Golden Jubilee Conference of the Association of Arab Universities (AAU) was officially opened at the United Arab Emirates (UAEU) on Monday, 23^rd October. The two-day conference was attended by Chancellors and Vice Chancellors from various Arab universities.

Welcoming the delegations, Professor Albaili, Vice Chancellor of UAEU and the conference chair, stressed that universities have to continue to work hard to achieve the AAU’s mission. His opening speech stressed that this mission is to coordinate the efforts of Arab universities in order to prepare future generations capable of serving their countries while preserving the unique cultural of the AAU.

He added that, “we have to continue to support and develop the association and pursue its sustainability.” He continued that the greatest investment is the one where the universities invest in the education and development of their respective nations. He called for a greater understanding of the needs of the job market in order to reduce the gap between higher education and industry while keeping abreast of global development and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. This can be achieved through developing innovative educational systems and continuing to conduct research so as to keep pace with global change.

Expressing his pleasure at hosting the AAU’s Golden Jubilee, Professor Albaili added that, “higher education institutions have to strengthen the relationships with industry and accept the challenges facing us at this time in order to play an effective role in anticipating and shaping the future.”

Professor Turki Obaidat, chair of a previous special session and President of Al Zaytoonah University, praised the UAE. He said that, “the UAE is a pioneer in keeping pace with scientific transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. He stressed the importance of human development, enhancing partnerships with other global associations and the coordinating scientific research by developing strategic plans that all the universities can participate in.

Professor Sultan Abu Orabi, AUU Secretary General, gave a brief overview of AUU’s history. It started in 1964 and held its first meeting in 1969 with 23 university present. Today there are more than 300 members, supporting international associations and organizations.

At the end of the event the winners of the Distinguished Arab Researcher Award in Medical and Health Sciences, for 2016 were honored.