Available to Advance HE Members only
Higher education in the MENA region faces unprecedented challenges – from evolving student expectations to AI integration and national competitiveness goals. Elevate MENA addresses these head-on by bringing together educators across the Middle East and North Africa for regionally-relevant professional development.
Through our three virtual spotlight series and in-person event, we help academics enhance their teaching practice, gain international recognition and contribute to their institution’s strategic objectives. It’s professional development that is both globally competitive and locally meaningful – supporting everything from Saudi Vision 2030 to UAE’s innovation priorities while building the teaching excellence that drives student success.
Spotlight sessions are now open for booking, designed to focus on challenges in the MENA region, they are accessible to all Advance HE Members.
Why Elevate MENA?
Students demand employability-focused education with cutting-edge digital skills and personalised learning experiences that prepare them for the global marketplace.
Regional priorities emphasise AI integration and digital transformation, but many educators lack the practical skills and frameworks to implement these effectively.
Institutions must enhance their international rankings and reputation while maintaining alignment with national education visions and strategic objectives.
Sustainability and institutional reputation depend on improved student success rates and demonstrable learning outcomes.
Project highlights
Spotlight Series – Three virtual events across innovations in learning and teaching, enhancing curricula to align with national visions and embedding AI to enhance student experience and outcomes.
Excellence Showcase – Digital publication of the region’s most impactful teaching practices, with international recognition for top contributors.
In-person MENA event – Face-to-face networking and development event. Details to be confirmed.
Who should join?
- Senior Leaders: Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors of Learning & Teaching, Heads of School/Department
- Academic Staff: Programme Leaders, Educational Developers, Lecturers, Professors & Chairs
- Fellowship Community: Current and aspiring Advance HE Fellows (D1–D4)
If you’re working to enhance student outcomes while navigating rapid technological change and evolving government priorities, Elevate MENA will connect you with peers across the region facing the same challenges and gives you strategies that work.
The benefits of joining the project
- Professional recognition: PSF-aligned development pathways that enhance your career prospects and institutional standing
- Global voice: Amplify your regional expertise in international discussions on teaching excellence and educational innovation
- Cross-institutional networks: Connect with like-minded educators across the MENA region facing similar challenges and opportunities
- Strategic alignment: Support your institution’s goals while contributing to national education visions and regional competitiveness
- Practical skills: Gain actionable strategies for AI integration, student success, and digital innovation that you can implement immediately
- Knowledge sharing: Access proven practices and innovative approaches from leading institutions across the region.
Elevate MENA Excellence Showcase
This digital resource showcases effective and impactful practice in curriculum transformation, teaching practice and assessment design from institutions across the MENA region aligned to the three project themes:
- Innovations in learning and teaching to support access, retention, attainment and progression
- Enhancing curricula to align with national visions
- Embedding AI into learning, teaching and assessment practice to enhance student experience and outcomes
Each case study outlines, in an accessible format, the key issue being addressed, the approach taken and the tangible evidence of impact. We hope this resource will encourage reflection and discussion and support you in enhancing both your practice and the experience and outcomes of your students.
Spotlight events
Spotlight event 2
5 February 2026, 13:00-14:30 GST
Enhancing curricula to align with national visions
Speakers: Dr. Noha Mostafa FHEA, Dr Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Prof. Mohammad Ghazal SFHEA and Dr. Sameh Fawzy Gad Elsonbaty
Spotlight event 3
13 May 2026, 13:00-14:30 GST
Embedding AI into learning, teaching and assessment practice to enhance student experience and outcomes
Speakers: Dr Sofia Ligawen, Dexter Cadiente, Hawra Alnooh FHEA, Professor Samar Ahmed, Dr Amal Gadalla and Dr Constanine Andoniou
Elevate MENA Symposium 2026
7 May 2026, Abu Dhabi University
Join the Elevate MENA Symposium on 7 May at Abu Dhabi University. Explore best practices, institutional excellence and professional development in higher education through keynotes, panels and case studies.
Speakers for Session 2
Dr. Noha Mostafa FHEA
Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management, The British University in Egypt
Dr. Noha Mostafa FHEA, is an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management in The British University in Egypt, specialising in Supply Chains, Innovation management, and Sustainability management. Dr Mostafa is also a national consultant at UNIDO, DAAD Expert, and certified UK Counsellor from the British Council, and is serving as Board Director of ‘IISE Engineering Economics Division’, IISE, USA for the term 2024-2026. She has participated in events as an invited speaker and lecturer in more than 25 countries.
Dr Ramalingam Dharmalingam
Academic Leader and Researcher in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Majan University College, Oman
Dr Ramalingam Dharmalingam is an academic leader and researcher in Information Technology and Cybersecurity at Majan University College in Oman. His work focuses on curriculum innovation, industry-aligned education, applied research, and initiatives aimed at enhancing student experience and graduate outcomes. Dr Ramalingam is actively involved in academic leadership, research collaborations, and projects that support national development priorities.
Prof. Mohammad Ghazal SFHEA
Professor of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, and Director of the Research Institute for AI and Emerging Technology, Abu Dhabi University, UAE
Prof. Mohammad Ghazal SFHEA is a Professor of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, and Director of the Research Institute for AI and Emerging Technology at Abu Dhabi University. He has advised UNESCO and the UAE Ministry of Education on AI education, and his work has been featured by leading international media outlets. Prof Mohammad is an IEEE Senior Member and ABET program evaluator, has published over 400 papers and has also mentored award-winning students at national and international levels.
Dr. Sameh Fawzy Gad Elsonbaty
Associate Professor of Basic Medical Sciences, Liwa University, UAE
Dr. Sameh Fawzy Gad Elsonbaty is an Associate Professor of Basic Medical Sciences at Liwa University in the UAE. Dr Elsonbaty has over 25 years’ experience in higher education, clinical practice, and research and has worked in academic leadership in institutions across the MENA region, and with national and international quality assurance and accreditation bodies (CAA, AHPGS). In addition to his academic career, he is a certified consultant pediatrician and has contributed significantly to public health education through media, conferences, and community outreach.
Speakers for Session 3
Dr Sofia Ligawen
Quality and Academic Development Directorate, Bahrain Polytechnic
Dr Sofia conducts curriculum review and evaluation, facilitates programme validation initiatives, and manages the Post Graduate Certificate programme. She also serves as an external validator and evaluator for the National Qualifications Framework in Bahrain.
Dexter Cadiente
Quality and Academic Development Directorate, Bahrain Polytechnic
Dexter manages external examination, develops and reviews policies and regulations, evaluates programmes for curriculum enhancements, and provides training and mentorship to new academic staff members on applied tertiary education pedagogy. He is also recognised as an Evaluator and Validator for the National Qualifications Framework under Bahrain’s Education and Training Quality Authority.
Hawra Alnooh FHEA
Academic Leader in Teaching and Learning, Bahrain Polytechnic
Hawra has over 15 years’ experience in higher education. She leads the Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning (CTTL) programme and drives innovative, inclusive pedagogy across the institution. Her work focuses on integrating AI and emerging technologies to enhance student success, engagement, and personalised learning, while maintaining strong quality, equity, and accessibility standards. She is committed to learner-centred education, reflective practice, and preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Professor Samar Ahmed
Professor of Forensics and Academic Lead, Rabdan Academy
Professor Samar is an academic strategist specialising in curriculum design, accreditation, forensic sciences, and emerging technologies in higher education. A former Academic Dean, she now serves in an advisory role, focusing on strengthening academic governance, enhancing programme quality, and developing rigorous, future-ready systems. Her work explores how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping curriculum design, assessment validity, and academic integrity, including the development of AI-informed learning frameworks that support critical thinking while enabling responsible innovation.
Dr Amal Gadalla
Assistant professor in Biomedical Sciences, Abu Dhabi University.
Dr Amal Gadalla is an experienced medical and biomedical educator who has taught across the UK, Sudan, Oman, and the UAE. She is committed to advancing higher education through student-led, research-informed teaching that bridges disciplines and cultural contexts. Her work focuses on developing curricula and learning environments that foster analytical depth, professional identity formation, and positive learning experiences. She champions inclusive, dialogic, and methodologically robust approaches that empower students as active participants in their intellectual and professional development.
Dr Constanine Andoniou
Associate Professor of Education at Abu Dhabi University
Dr Constanine Andoniou’s research spans across information theory, postmodernism, digital learning theories, digital transformation, and the integration of educational technology in teaching and learning environments. His research focuses on AI integration in education, particularly in examining how artificial intelligence reshapes human cognition, transforms pedagogical practices, and redefines the role of educators.
Spotlight session 1
Innovations to support access, retention, attainment and progression
Took place on 20 January 2026
Speakers for spotlight session 1
Mostafa Youssef, FHEA
Senior Advisor for Academics, Learning and Development, British University in Egypt
Mostafa Youssef participates in strategic planning, policy development, and university committees to promote innovative teaching and learning. His work includes partner collaboration, staff development, and supporting module redesign integrating pedagogy, technology and enhanced feedback.
Dr. Habil Slade Ogalo PFHEA
Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University – Bahrain
Dr Habil Slade Ogalo has over 20 years’ experience in academic practice and research. A committed social entrepreneur and philanthropist he drives educational innovation and community development with roles including student advisor, curriculum reviewer and thought leader in business education.
Dr. Sana’a AlReiahy
Assistant Professor of Education and Program Coordinator, MEd Educational Leadership, Abu Dhabi University
Dr. Sana’a AlReiahy is an Assistant Professor of Education and Program Coordinator, MEd Educational Leadership in the College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences at Abu Dhabi University. Prior to working at ADU, Dr Al Reiahy held leadership positions at the Queen Rania Teacher Academy and the Ministry of Education in Jordan, and was a Bilingual School Inspector with KHDA in Dubai.
Dr Ahmad Hosseini
Head of the Academic Department of Foundation Studies, Global College of Engineering and Technology (GCET)
Dr Ahmad Hosseini is an academic leader and researcher specialising in philosophy, social ethics, and higher education. He is currently Head of the Academic Department of Foundation Studies at Global College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Muscat, where his work focuses on development and innovation in higher education systems. Dr Hosseini is also an External Reviewer for OAAAQA in Oman, a co-researcher on Strategic Research Grant projects, a co-author of several international book chapters, and an editor and reviewer for peer-reviewed academic journals.
Project timeline
- Publication of Excellence Showcase: 8 January 2026
- Spotlight sessions from January to May 2026
- 7 May 2026 – In-person event: Face-to-face networking and development event hosted at Abu Dhabi University
If you and colleagues are constantly needing to navigate the pressure to enhance student outcomes while adapting to rapid technological change and evolving government priorities then Elevate MENA gives you access to cutting-edge teaching practices that are actually relevant to your regional context.
Kristian Rumble – Head of Partnerships (MENA) – Advance HE
The program will connect you with fellow educators across the Gulf who are facing similar challenges, whether that’s integrating AI into curricula or improving employability outcomes for graduates. You will be able to showcase your innovative work on a global stage while learning from proven practices that have worked in institutions like yours.
