The United Arab Emirates, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ajman University, inaugurated the second summit of Indian-Arab university presidents, in a precedent in which this event is being held for the first time in the Arab region.

The summit, held under the theme "Impact Beyond Borders: Research, Innovation, and Academic Mobility," brought together leading academics, policymakers, and international partners in a proactive move to reshape cross-border cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and workforce development. This gathering reflects a clear increase in strategic alignment between India and the Arab world, particularly in areas such as capacity building, innovation ecosystem development, and the strengthening of knowledge diplomacy.

The summit was organized in partnership with the Association of Arab Universities, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the University Grants Commission ( UGC ), and the Government of India, embodying a university space aimed at strengthening and expanding international academic cooperation. The summit also received support from Ellucian and McGraw Hill , underscoring the role of meaningful cross-sector collaboration in developing a forward-looking agenda for higher education.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University , emphasized the growing role of universities in an era of rapid transformation at all levels. He stated, "Our region is witnessing a pivotal phase of technological, economic, and social transformation—a transformation that universities are not merely observing but actively shaping. At Ajman University, through strengthening skills-based education, expanding impactful research, and fostering international collaboration, we aspire to solidify the role of higher education as a driving force in creating opportunities, supporting progress, and serving the public good."

The summit attracted a distinguished group of regional leaders and diplomats to broaden the scope of this dialogue, through speeches and contributions that underscored the strategic importance of thoughtful academic work. In this context, Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and institutional integration in the field of Arab higher education. Dr. Faraj Al-Ajami, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Department of Education, Science and Research at the League of Arab States, addressed the political framework necessary to enhance scientific research systems and activate joint cooperation between the two regions. For his part, Dr. Deepak Mittal, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the growing educational partnership between India and the Arab world, and the pivotal role universities play in transforming these strategic relationships into a sustainable academic, economic, and social impact .

The summit also witnessed the convening of the first roundtable for university presidents in its history, entitled “From Vision to Action”, chaired by Dr. Karim Seghir, Director of Ajman University, and Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Vice President of Symbiosis International University , and brought together about fifty university leaders in a high-level strategic dialogue aimed at transforming institutional visions into tangible results.

The discussion addressed key issues related to leadership decision-making, enhancing institutional accountability, employment outcomes, digital transformation, and cross-border collaboration, while emphasizing the importance of universities moving from the stage of purposeful initiatives to achieving tangible impact.

The participants also discussed a range of practical interventions and policies to ensure graduates are ready for the job market, including curriculum development, blended learning models with work environments, specialized micro-certifications, and joint programs with the industrial sector.

The leaders also discussed ways to expand the application of artificial intelligence and digital transformation within universities, moving them from the experimental stage to comprehensive institutional adoption, in addition to discussing how to align research agendas with local societal priorities while maintaining global competitiveness.

The dialogue also stressed the importance of justice and equality in access to educational resources, emphasizing the role of sustainability and innovation in expanding opportunities rather than creating new barriers, and the role of universities in proving their value to society through practical contributions in the areas of social mobility, public health, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Following this, a dialogue took place between Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Vice President for Strategic and International Affairs at Quacquarelli Symonds ( QS ), and Professor Dr. C. Raj Kumar, Founder and Vice President of O.P. Jindal International University. This dialogue featured an in-depth discussion on practical mechanisms for translating strategic direction into sustainable collaboration. The discussion focused on governance frameworks that regulate international partnerships, joint research groups, and industry-linked learning models, ensuring international academic collaboration that yields measurable institutional and societal outcomes.

During the plenary sessions and specialized dialogue, speakers emphasized the growing role expected of universities as strategic partners in national development and international cooperation. Discussions addressed practical tools for enhancing collaborative research, dual academic programs, academic advancement, and joint educational initiatives, in order to meet labor market needs and keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

The day concluded with a series of bilateral meetings and cooperation agreements, resulting in more than twenty memoranda of understanding between participating institutions. This underscored the summit's active role in achieving tangible outcomes that transcend mere ideas and dialogues. By bringing together leaders from various sectors and countries, the India-Arab States University Presidents' Summit contributed to strengthening Ajman University's position as a global platform for dialogue in the fields of education, policy, and innovation, and solidified the growing role of universities as engines of cross-border progress.

About Ajman University

Ajman University was established in 1988 as the first private university in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It is a non-profit institution committed to providing world-class education and empowering future leaders. The university places great emphasis on academic excellence, global engagement, and societal impact, and continuously strives to foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment that embraces innovation and promotes integrity.

In 2024, Ajman University received full accreditation from the US-based World Council of Higher Education Accreditation ( WSCUC ), achieving an unprecedented milestone as the first private, non-profit university in the UAE and the Arab region to receive this prestigious recognition. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Ajman University ranked 440th globally, 12th in the Arab region, and 6th nationally. It also ranked 241st globally and 3rd nationally in the Employer Reputation indicator. The university holds the top spot in the UAE and fourth place globally in terms of the percentage of international students.

With a growing alumni base of more than 45,000 graduates worldwide, Ajman University is moving forward with its mission to graduate qualified personnel for the labor market, aware of global changes, and committed to contributing to building a better future for their communities and humanity as a whole.

For more information, please visit the website: www.ajman.ac.ae

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