UAEU Hosts 9th Forum of Colleges of Education in the GCC and Secretariat Meeting of the Committee of Deans

The United Arab Emirates University hosted the 9th Forum of Colleges of Education in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside the meeting of the Secretariat of the Committee of Deans of Colleges of Education. The two-day event was held on the UAEU campus in Al Ain and brought together deans, faculty members, and representatives from educational institutions across the GCC region.

The forum commenced with opening remarks delivered by H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU; Mr. Fahad Al Harbi, representing the General Secretariat of the GCC; and Prof. Ali Ibrahim, Acting Dean of the College of Education at UAEU and Chair of the Secretariat of the Committee of Deans of Colleges of Education in GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutions.

In his address, H.E. Prof. Ahmed Al Raeesi welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the importance of UAEU hosting the forum under the patronage of H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting GCC cooperation initiatives and advancing the development and impact of Colleges of Education. “Teachers are the cornerstone of any thriving society,” he said. “We live in an era that demands educators capable of navigating rapid digital and societal transformation, and of leading a generation that is growing up in a world vastly different from our own.”

Representing the GCC General Secretariat, Mr. Fahad Al Harbi conveyed the Secretariat’s appreciation for UAEU’s leadership in organizing the event. He praised the critical role that Colleges of Education play across the GCC, describing them as key institutions in advancing general education and preparing highly qualified educators. Mr. Al Harbi highlighted the forum as a vital platform for fostering GCC integration, promoting collaborative practices, sharing cutting-edge research, and keeping pace with the fast-evolving educational landscape. These efforts, he noted, are instrumental in enhancing the overall quality of education throughout the region.

In his speech, Prof. Ali Ibrahim emphasized the importance of the forum as a strategic platform for dialogue and GCC educational integration. He noted that the exchange of experiences among Colleges of Education in the Gulf contributes to the development of educational programs, achieving quality objectives, and fostering innovation in preparing teachers and school leaders.

The forum featured a keynote session titled “The Future of Colleges of Education Amid Digital Transformation: Opportunities for Innovation and Challenges of Change”, presented by H.E. Prof. Muhyieddeen Shaban Touq, Chairman of the Higher Council of the National Center for Curriculum Development in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Two panel discussions were also held during the event. The first was titled “Teacher Preparation Programs of Colleges of Education in the GCC”, and the second focused on “Academic Accreditation and Quality Practices in Educational Programs.”

On the second day, Friday, April 18, the meeting of the Secretariat of the Committee of Deans of Colleges of Education was held. Members discussed the update of the five-year strategic plan, a proposal to publish a special issue of the College of Education journal, the launch of a joint research study, and the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding among member colleges. The date for the next meeting was also set.

In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University highlighted some of the key achievements of the College of Education, which offers three undergraduate programs, five master's programs, and five doctoral programs. He also noted that over 490 scholarly articles were published by the College between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the university's strong commitment to providing high-quality education.

The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of its outcomes and recommendations in strengthening the role of Colleges of Education in shaping the future of education in the GCC. The participants also stressed the need to build on such gatherings to promote further fruitful educational collaboration across the region.