AGP Executive Report

Gaza Education Under Siege: Gaza’s educators rebuilt broken photocopiers from rubble to keep the Tawjihi national exam running, enabling more than 95,000 students to sit for it despite near-total school damage. AI in Government Learning: Abu Dhabi’s “AI Everything” event (Oct 6–7) will spotlight large-scale AI deployment, including Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout to 35,000 government employees, as the region pushes AI into public services and critical infrastructure. Higher Ed Transformation: A Dubai forum on MENA higher education warned that universities often manage crises but still lack structural change, urging leaders to treat disruption as a catalyst for redesign. Student Support Programs: Kuwait launched the 2026–2027 “With the Students” competitions for 12th graders, aiming to develop talents and creativity through ministry-backed school activities. Academic Freedom Pressure: A report on Türkiye says academic freedom is “completely restricted,” citing governance changes that let presidents appoint university rectors without academic input. STEM Pathways: GE Vernova and PROTEC marked the graduation of 27 learners from an engineering academy, highlighting hands-on routes into STEM education.

Higher Education Under Pressure: Universities across the region and beyond are facing enrollment and funding strain, while U.S. policy moves to cut “international education” grants raise new questions for Middle East area studies and foreign-language programs. Academic Freedom: Türkiye’s higher education governance is being tightened, with a new report warning academic freedom is “completely restricted” after changes giving the president power to appoint university rectors. Student Support & Wellbeing: Kuwait’s Education and Information ministries launched the “With the Students” 2026-2027 competitions for 12th graders, while Saudi Arabia’s Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center became the first in the country to earn accreditation focused on comprehensive student wellbeing. Crisis Impact on Learning: UNICEF warns Lebanon’s war and displacement are pushing more children out of school and into hunger, with health access worsening. Digital Learning Push: Jordan’s Orange and “Madrasati” expanded its “Digital Schools” rollout, equipping public schools with tablets and learning devices for early grades. Child Protection Conference: Athens will host an Oct. 5–6 international conference on protecting children and preventing violence, bringing together researchers and policymakers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Aviation Education in Cambodia: OCIC and World Citi Colleges International will launch WCC International Aero Tech University in Phnom Penh, offering bachelor’s degrees in aircraft maintenance, airline operations, and tourism with a flight attendant track. Lebanon Child Deprivation: UNICEF reports 22% of Lebanese children are going to bed hungry and 20% have been out of school for a year amid displacement and economic strain. Qatar Education Access Funding: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation partners with David Webb at DJWE 2026 to fund buildOn’s program enrolling and retaining out-of-school children. Jordan Digital Schools: Orange Jordan and Madrasati expand the “Digital Schools” program, equipping public schools with tablets and learning devices for thousands of students and teachers. Saudi Autism Inclusion: Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center becomes the first in Saudi Arabia to earn IBCCES accreditation focused on comprehensive student wellbeing. Higher Ed Partnerships: Southampton Solent University signs a deal with Dubai’s Exeed College to deliver Solent degree programmes online across the Middle East. Student Wellbeing & Accreditation: The Saudi accreditation highlights a growing push for inclusive, wellbeing-centered education services.

Education Access & Philanthropy: Qatar’s Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is partnering with New York jeweller David Webb at DJWE 2026 to back children excluded from school, with proceeds supporting EAA and buildOn’s Enrol OOSC project across Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Haiti, Mali, Nepal and Senegal. Academic Recognition: University of Johannesburg awarded Sheikha Moza bint Nasser a PhD honoris causa, citing her focus on human rights and putting children’s education at the center of policy. UAE Digital Learning Push: Epson and Classera teamed up to bring AI-powered learning management and digital content tools into UAE schools, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s future-skills agenda. AI in Government & Research: Ai Everything Abu Dhabi 2026 (Oct 6–7) will showcase practical AI uses for government services, scientific research and critical infrastructure, including Microsoft’s rollout plans for Abu Dhabi government staff. Higher Education Mobility: UK TNE numbers rose to 699,660 students in 2024–25, showing overseas provision is now larger than onshore international enrolment. Campus Climate: UK charity data says antisemitic incidents at universities rose 14% in 2025/26, while debates over how to define antisemitism continue to shape education policy.

AI in Education: Instructure (Canvas) is partnering with OpenAI to roll out “Ignite AI,” aiming to connect with up to 700 apps and improve learning and education administration across the region. Humanitarian Education Access: A UN coordinator warns Gaza’s crisis is still blocking schooling and recovery, noting 300,000 children learning in temporary spaces while water, sanitation, shelter and waste systems remain strained. International Students Policy: Brandeis faces new U.S. CPT rules that could sharply limit internships for F-1 students, raising fresh concerns for international student pathways. Higher Education Mobility: UK transnational education keeps expanding: 699,660 students studied for UK qualifications via TNE in 2024–25, surpassing onshore international enrolment. Local School Affordability: Lebanon’s economic crisis is pushing families toward public schools as tuition and even basic supplies become harder to pay. Gaza/Palestine Politics & Youth: Hamas and Islamic Jihad agreed on an electoral coalition with a former Fatah official, while debates over narratives and education continue to intensify.

University Safety & Hate Speech: A UK charity reports antisemitism incidents tied to universities rose to 95 in 2025-26, up from 83 the year before, prompting calls for zero-tolerance action and staff training. International Students: New CPT scrutiny rules are rattling international students at Brandeis, with students warning the changes could block internships that aren’t “integral” to any major. Digital Learning & Access: UNICEF and Helios Towers announce a multi-year push to expand school connectivity and portable learning (Giga and Learning Passport), starting in DRC, Malawi and Tanzania. Education, Tech & Skills: Nemetschek Group and the University of Jeddah sign an MoU to build digital skills for AEC students and train academic staff. Campus Dialogue on Antisemitism: Sul Ross State University hosts Sharaka for classroom conversations and a public discussion on antisemitism, Holocaust education and interfaith understanding. Healthcare Education Infrastructure: Saudi German Health UAE selects HPE’s self-driving network to support hospital expansion and medical education in the UAE.

AI & Skills in the Gulf: Brain Digits opened a new Abu Dhabi office in Masdar City to help government and universities integrate AI and build workforce capability, as the emirate targets an “AI-native” government by 2027. EdTech in Dubai: A new partnership between Napster and GEMS Education aims to create AI teacher avatars for 24/7, multilingual student support, with classroom simulations and tracking for teachers. Digital Learning Across Africa: Helios Towers and UNICEF teamed up to expand school connectivity and portable digital learning via Giga and Learning Passport, starting in DRC, Malawi and Tanzania. Higher Education Pathways: Nemetschek Group and the University of Jeddah signed an MoU to boost digital skills for AEC professionals using industry software and staff training. Women’s Executive Education: DIFC Academy and London Business School launched 10 scholarships for Emirati women to access executive education and leadership development. Global Education Policy Debate: US “Title VI” international education funding faces a constitutional clash as proposed cuts spark alarm among colleges and community institutions.

Education & AI in the Gulf: Dubai is moving toward AI-assisted teaching with reports that “AI teacher avatars” could be coming to schools, while GEMS Education in the UAE is partnering with Napster to build digital teacher avatars and classroom simulations aimed at launching before end-2026. Women & Executive Learning: DIFC Academy and London Business School announced 10 executive-education scholarships for Emirati women, tying the push to DIFC’s Emirati Women’s Month. Higher Ed & Digital Skills: Saudi Arabia’s University of Jeddah signed an MoU with Nemetschek Group to boost digital skills for engineering and AEC students via software licenses and staff training. Autism Support at UNGA: Qatar Foundation and partners launched the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding advocacy and implementation. Financial Literacy as Education: Kuwait’s Boursa Kuwait launched the third edition of “The Bell,” a month-long October program with universities and investment partners to teach public financial literacy. Learning Under Conflict: Coverage highlights Gaza students returning to makeshift schools after years of disruption, with renewed debate on what children are being taught.

K-12 Curriculum Controversy: Parents and officials in the US are challenging how Israel-Hamas and Palestinian activism are presented in classrooms, with accusations that some lessons minimize Oct. 7 or promote one-sided narratives. Higher Education & Skills: Saudi Arabia’s University of Jeddah and Nemetschek Group signed an MoU to boost digital skills for future AEC professionals, including software licenses and staff training. Women’s Executive Education: DIFC Academy and London Business School launched 10 scholarships for Emirati women to access executive education and leadership development. Autism Advocacy in Qatar: Qatar Foundation and global partners rolled out the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding coalition work and implementation focus. School Access in Conflict: In southern Lebanon, children returned to school in damaged, makeshift classrooms after strikes destroyed facilities. Education Policy in Jordan: Jordan launched the International Baccalaureate programme in public schools via King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence, with rollout planned from 2028. Tech Education in Kuwait: talabat and CODED Academy ran a two-day workshop at Abdullah Al-Salem University to train students in AI, product development, data analytics, and scalable web projects. Digital Health Training in Egypt: President Al-Sisi urged Orange to expand investment and training for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity as part of Egypt’s national digital health push. Reconstruction Rights in Syria: Human Rights Watch warned Syria’s reconstruction deals lack a human-rights framework, risking weak consultation and protections for displaced residents. Venture & Startup Ecosystems: Golden Gate Ventures plans a two-year programme in Uzbekistan to support 20 startup founders with mentorship and investment links across Asia, the Middle East, the US, and Europe.

Autonomous Mobility & Education: Nissan is bringing self-driving trials to Cambridge under the UK-backed “ADventure” project, using a 2022 LEAF to test safe autonomous passenger services with real community input—an approach that could shape future transport access for students and patients. Digital Skills & Health Training: Egypt’s President Al-Sisi urged Orange to expand investment and join the second phase of the national digital health project, including AI, cloud and cybersecurity training tied to youth job readiness. Autism Support in Qatar: Qatar Foundation and global partners launched the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, with a growing coalition now including education and health stakeholders. Schooling Under Strain in Lebanon: South Lebanon children returned to school in damaged, windowless classrooms after strikes, highlighting how conflict disrupts learning environments. Student Rights & School Policy: A Palestinian careers adviser in Sydney sued NSW over alleged instructions to remove a keffiyeh at school, raising issues of racial discrimination in education settings. STEM & Coding Pathways: In Kuwait, talabat’s “Next Tech Gen” ran a two-day workshop with CODED Academy at Abdullah Al-Salem University to build practical AI and digital project skills for students. IB Expansion in Jordan: Princess Sumaya attended the launch of the International Baccalaureate programme in Jordan’s public education system via King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence, with rollout planned from 2028. AI Skills Gap in the GCC: A report flags that Middle East AI growth is hitting a people problem—employers struggle to find talent to deploy and govern AI, not just access technology. Humanitarian Travel for Students in Iraq: Iraq is seeking US exemptions to keep Iranian airline routes open for humanitarian needs, including education and medical treatment.

Islamic Finance & Education Recognition: Bangladeshi-born economist Dr. Masum Billah received the Leader of the Islamic Economy Award 2026, highlighting research and professional education in Islamic finance. Autism Support at UNGA: Qatar Foundation and partners launched the next phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding coalition membership and implementation-focused work with governments and health systems. Schooling Under Strain in Lebanon: South Lebanon children returned to classes in a doorless, windowless setup after strikes destroyed their school, underscoring how conflict disrupts learning environments. Rights in Syria’s Reconstruction: Human Rights Watch warned Syria’s reconstruction deals lack a critical human-rights framework, with gaps on consultation, compensation, and residents’ ability to challenge decisions. Devolved Education & Extremism Concerns (UK): Scotland’s educators faced renewed scrutiny after correspondence showed how UKLFI raised concerns about a peace-focused teachers’ group and how education devolved authorities responded. STEM & Skills Pathways in the Gulf: In Kuwait, talabat’s Next Tech Gen with CODED Academy trained university students in building digital projects, while Dubai’s Gulf News LevelUP opened to connect graduates and professionals with advanced study and career skills. Learning Access & Equity: Jordan launched the International Baccalaureate programme in public schools, and Iraq sought US exemptions to keep flights running for humanitarian needs including education.

Autism & Inclusion: Qatar Foundation and partners relaunched the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition at UNGA, adding new members and pushing “commitment to implementation” with governments, researchers and healthcare links. Student Access & Equity: Iraq says it’s in talks with the US to seek exemptions from a ban on Iranian airlines, citing humanitarian needs including medical treatment, education and religious visits. Schooling Under Fire: In southern Lebanon, children returned to a doorless, windowless classroom after a strike destroyed their school, highlighting how conflict keeps education fragile. Tech Skills for Youth: In Kuwait, talabat’s “Next Tech Gen” with CODED Academy trained university students in building scalable digital projects, aiming to close the gap between learning and labor-market needs. AI Skills Gap: A report on the Middle East’s AI push flags a people problem—employers struggle to find talent to deploy, secure and apply AI. Career Pathways: Gulf News LevelUP opened in Dubai, bringing universities and professional providers together for master’s, executive education and career-focused learning. Education & Health Threats: Coverage also spotlighted schistosomiasis as a preventable, poverty-linked disease threatening children’s health.

UAE Education & Career Pathways: Gulf News LevelUP opened in Dubai, expanding from student recruitment to postgraduate and professional upskilling, with master’s, MBAs, PhDs and career-focused seminars running through tomorrow. UK Student Visas: UK Home Office figures show sponsored study visa applications and Indian grants down year-on-year; guidance stresses applicants must tell one clear, consistent story linking course, finances and study plan. Iraq–Iran Air Access: Iraq says it’s in talks with the US to secure exemptions from the Iranian airlines ban, citing humanitarian needs including medical treatment, education and religious travel. Middle East AI Skills Gap: Microsoft announced $10bn+ investment in Middle East cloud and AI through 2030, but coverage highlights the bigger challenge: employers struggling to find AI-ready talent. Rural School Access in Egypt: In Fayoum, an “Eco Classroom” built from 9,000 plastic bottles helps children who previously walked over 2 km to reach school. Public Health for Children: A reminder that schistosomiasis (bilharzia) remains a preventable threat to children where sanitation and clean water are lacking. Gaza Schooling Damage: South Lebanon children returned to destroyed schools after strikes, with reports focusing on the loss of learning spaces.

UAE Education Admissions: UAE schools say they’re drawing a wider mix of families, with growing enrolment from Turkey, Spain, Singapore and Russia alongside continued demand from Britain and India. War and Schooling in Lebanon: In southern Lebanon, children returned to classes in damaged, doorless and windowless spaces after an Israeli strike destroyed a school, with displaced families facing disrupted learning and basic facilities. AI and Ethics in Education: Pope Leo XIV’s France visit put “a paradise of machines” warning at the center of his message, urging education in ethical discernment and insisting technology must stay “at the service of humans.” Gaza Recovery Planning: A UN-linked Gaza recovery proposal outlines a back-to-school program and broader rehabilitation plans, but stresses that access, security and political conditions remain major obstacles. Tunisia Education Reform Stalemate: A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy conflicts between unions and the state, risking human capital loss unless dialogue pathways reopen. Global Education Policy Signals: The UN ratified a new equal-area world map to correct Mercator distortions, with knock-on implications for how countries are represented in education and technology.

Education under fire (South Lebanon): Children in southern Lebanon returned to school in destroyed facilities after an Israeli strike, with classes held in doorless, windowless rooms and unfinished spaces—highlighting how war disrupts learning far beyond the classroom. AI ethics and education (Vatican/France): Pope Leo XIV opened a France visit warning against a “paradise of machines,” urging ethical discernment and training minds to keep humanity central as AI accelerates. Education policy deadlock (Tunisia): A policy brief says Tunisia’s education reform has stalled since 2023 due to legitimacy conflicts between unions and the state, with mistrust blocking dialogue and raising risks of human-capital loss. Mental health access (South Kashmir): A study finds nearly 30% of people with psychiatric morbidity never sought help, with faith healers the most common first contact and referral pathways to care falling short. Digital skills push (Gulf): Microsoft announced a $10bn-plus Middle East investment framework through 2030 focused on AI infrastructure, digital resilience, and training millions in digital skills. Schooling and inclusion (Pakistan): Orange Tree Foundation partnered with 10Pearls to scale education access via a centralized scholarship and donor/student management system. Higher education spending scrutiny (Qatar/MENA): Georgetown University’s MENA “educational services” spending rose sharply since 2021, as US oversight of higher-ed ties to the region increases. Nontraditional learners (US): A feature on University of Illinois Springfield highlights support for nontraditional students balancing work and family—framing flexibility as part of educational access.

AI in TVET: A WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 panel says AI can boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training, but adoption must tackle infrastructure gaps, unstable power, and high costs while keeping learning human-centred. Education access: A spotlight on nontraditional students at the University of Illinois Springfield argues that older, working, and online learners bring perspectives that enrich classrooms. Gaza schooling: Reporting notes Gaza students are returning to makeshift schools after years of disruption, raising urgent questions about what children are being taught. School policy & identity: Texas approved new social studies standards that reshape how Israel is taught, with implementation planned for later grades—another example of education standards becoming a battleground. Scholarships: The Bahamas government is considering bringing back bonded scholarships that require graduates to return and work for the state or designated agencies. Regional investment in education: An MoU in Vietnam links finance to education infrastructure and quality initiatives, with Ho Chi Minh City as the hub. Workforce leadership: The Chartered Management Institute launches in Dubai to build management and leadership capability across MENA, citing demand for hundreds of thousands of managers by 2030.