What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 16:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00 Thursday 08:00 - 16:00 Friday 08:00 - 04:00

Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions

Home
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions

Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS)

The Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) was established in 2012 as a specialized center that focuses on the provision of capacity building opportunities to the Higher Education sector in the Arab Region and beyond through offering a large range of public and in-house training programs and consulting services spanning across different areas including strategy development, quality assurance, teaching and learning, technology integration, leadership development, governance and research among others. In addition, the Center provides mentoring and coaching services to individuals and institutions, supports with the transfer of ‘know-how’ and organizes various events such as the MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum to promote the ongoing dialogue between leaders of higher education.

30/09/2026

The success of the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF 2026) would not have been possible without the generous support of our valued partners, sponsors, supporters, and media partner.

Your trust, collaboration, and commitment to advancing higher education have played an instrumental role in making this year's Forum a truly impactful international platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

We extend our sincere appreciation to:

🤝 Partner
Association of Arab Universities اتحاد الجامعات العربية

📚 Knowledge Partner
British Council

🥇 Gold Sponsors
Coursera
Turnitin
Creatrix Campus

🥈 Silver Sponsors
McGraw Hill
Studiosity
Advance HE

🥉 Bronze Sponsors
Cengage
Explorance
Taylor & Francis Group
Edutech

⭐ Supporters
Emerald Publishing
Ajman University

📰 Media Partner
UniNewsletter

Thank you for your confidence in MENA-HELF and for helping create an inspiring platform that brings together higher education leaders from across the globe.

We greatly value your partnership and look forward to collaborating with you again at the 8th Biennial MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum in 2028.

30/09/2026

As the curtain falls on the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺, we extend our sincere gratitude to every speaker, moderator, partner, sponsor, and participant who made this year's Forum such a remarkable success.

Together, we explored global challenges, exchanged bold ideas, forged new partnerships, and reaffirmed higher education's critical role in building a more resilient future.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2028 for the 8th Biennial MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum—where the conversation continues, new ideas emerge, and together we shape the future of higher education.

Safe travels, and see you in 2028.

30/09/2026

We closed the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF 2026) with a strategic and forward-looking panel on governance — the foundation of institutional resilience in times of disruption.

Moderated by Dr Ashwin Fernandes, QS India and Vice President, Strategic and International Engagement, QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, the panel brought together distinguished global leaders:

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis and Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, India

Prof. Nader Elbokle, President, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Egypt.

Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost, American University of Bahrain (AUBH), Bahrain

Prof. Salim bin Hamood Al-Harthi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Community Service, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Dr. Nitesh Sughnani, Expert of Policies, Research & Programs, Knowledge & Human Development Authority, UAE

Dr. Shahin Bayramov, Rector, Qarabağ University, Azerbaijan

As higher education institutions confront accelerating technological change and evolving societal expectations, the discussion emphasized that governance models themselves must evolve — enabling agility, responsible innovation, and more adaptive decision-making structures.

Drawing on global and regional perspectives, panelists reflected on how governance reform can strengthen institutional resilience, enhance stakeholder engagement, and position universities to anticipate disruption while remaining relevant and mission-aligned.

A fitting and powerful conclusion to MENA-HELF 2026 — underscoring that transformation begins at the governance level.

30/09/2026

The fourth and final keynote address of the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF 2026) was delivered by Shizuka Kato, Policy Analyst, Skills and Future Readiness Division, Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In her address, she examined the accelerating shift toward skills-first hiring across OECD countries and other regions — where employers increasingly prioritize demonstrated competencies over formal qualifications.

The keynote underscored that while higher education remains central to skill formation, institutions must adapt to stay aligned with evolving labour market demands. Practical pathways highlighted included expanding micro-credentials, leveraging skills intelligence data to inform program design, and embedding more explicitly skills-based approaches within curricula.

A timely, policy-informed conclusion to the Forum’s keynote series — reinforcing how universities can strengthen their relevance and responsibility in a rapidly transforming workforce landscape.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

30/09/2026

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺'𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲—𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 at the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) brought together university leaders, policymakers, quality assurance professionals, industry experts, and international organizations to move beyond discussion and co-create strategic recommendations and future roadmaps for higher education.

🔹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Prof. Abhilasha Singh University in the Emirates, UAE
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹: Ramy Hassanien (Emerald Publishing), Prof. Professor Rasha Bayoumi, (University of Birmingham, UAE), and Prof. Professor Dr.Mohammed Hussein Ahmed (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kurdistan)

The group explored how universities can strengthen research ecosystems, foster innovation, enhance research quality, and build strategic partnerships that translate knowledge into meaningful economic and societal impact.

🔹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆–𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Mervin Bakker, Executive Director, European Association for International Education (EAIE), Netherlands and Dr. Marko Savic Vice President for Academic Affairs, Fujairah University, UAE

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹: Dr. Rana Sawaya, PFHEA, Dr. Said Saleem Al-Kittani, and Dr. Kinan A. Bahnassi.
Participants examined how universities and industry can move beyond transactional relationships to develop long-term partnerships that strengthen innovation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth.

🔹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Nesma Mansour Mostafa, Head of Higher Education Insights and Student Mobility, British Council, Egypt
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹: Prof. Sherine Farouk, Catriona McCarthy, and Prof. Francois Therin.

Discussions focused on how regional collaboration can strengthen higher education systems through shared approaches to quality assurance, research, student mobility, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building.

The recommendations emerging from these sessions will be consolidated into a series of 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, providing practical guidance and roadmap recommendations for higher education leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. These reports will be published following the Forum as part of the 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

30/09/2026

A high-level and forward-looking discussion at the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) reframed accreditation ; not as a compliance exercise, but as a strategic lever for innovation, resilience, and institutional relevance.

Moderated by Narimane Hadj-Hamou, Chair of the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 & 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦, the panel brought together global accreditation leaders:

Dr. Mazen Hasna, Chairman, National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, Qatar

Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education, Egypt

Dr. Ryan Harnett, Vice President for Membership, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, USA

Dr. Boushra Rahal Alameh, President, Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE), Iraq

Dr. Nodir Ergashev, First Deputy Director, National Quality Assurance Agency for Education, Uzbekistan

Mr. Rob Stroud, Executive Director, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, QAA, UK

The conversation explored how well-designed quality frameworks can both safeguard trust and equity while enabling agility, digital innovation, diverse learner pathways, and evolving governance models. Global perspectives highlighted how accreditation systems can actively support institutional renewal, alignment with future skills, sustainability priorities, and meaningful societal impact.

30/09/2026

A timely keynote conversation at the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) addressed one of the most pressing questions facing the sector today:

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁?

Moderated by Rawan Yasmin, Head of Higher Education Portfolio, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, the conversation featured:

Amal Dimashki, Regional Director, MENAT, Turnitin, UAE
Dr. Rima Mattar, Provost, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik

The discussion explored how institutions can move beyond ad-hoc AI adoption toward coherent governance frameworks that balance innovation with integrity, equity, and quality — ensuring AI becomes a sustainable institutional capability rather than a short-term tool.

A focused and strategic exchange on leading AI integration with responsibility and foresight.

30/09/2026

MENA-HELF 2026 marked an important step towards strengthening regional and international cooperation through the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding between CLICKS and:

🔹 𝗞𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗞𝗔𝗔𝗘), represented by Dr. Boushra Rahal Alameh, President, Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE), Iraq

🔹 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗨𝘇𝗯𝗲𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻, represented by Dr. Nodir Ergashev First Deputy Director, National Quality Assurance Agency for Education, Uzbekistan

🔹 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, represented by Dr Cigdem Canbay Turkyilmaz, Rector, Samarkand State Technical University, Uzbekistan

The agreements were signed on behalf of 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 by Dr. Narimane Hadj Hamou Hadj-Hamou, Founder and CEO, during the second day of the Forum.

These partnerships establish a foundation for collaboration in quality assurance and accreditation, institutional capacity building, leadership development, internationalisation, research and knowledge exchange.

30/09/2026

One of the most dynamic sessions at the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) was the debate tackling a bold and timely question: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗜?

The debate featured:

Professor-Dr-Hassan Abdalla PFHEA FRSA, Provost, University of East London, UK

Prof. Khaled Assaleh, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ajman University, UAE

Prof. Momna Hejmadi, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Bath, UK

Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost, University of Birmingham, UAE

The debate confronted the growing influence of digital platforms, micro-credentials, AI-enabled delivery, and non-traditional providers — all of which are challenging the long-standing value proposition of campus-based universities.

At the same time, panelists examined the counterargument: that universities remain central to research, knowledge creation, social mobility, and civic development — suggesting that transformation, not obsolescence, is the more likely trajectory.

Drawing on global trends and MENA-specific realities; including regulation, credential recognition, and workforce alignment. The session invited critical reflection on whether universities are losing ground or redefining their role in an AI-driven educational landscape.

A lively and thought-provoking exchange that sparked robust discussion well beyond the session itself.

30/09/2026

A thought-provoking fireside chat at the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔-𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) examined a fundamental question facing the sector today: 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 — 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴?

The session was moderated by Catriona McCarthy Director Education, British Council, UK, and featured 𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗔𝗺𝗿 𝗘𝘇𝘇𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities

Through an open and reflective exchange, the discussion explored how institutional strategies, partnerships, and programs translate into tangible value for communities and societies. It examined how impact can be meaningfully defined and measured, where gaps persist between institutional narratives and demonstrable outcomes, and what it takes to move from intention to evidence.

A candid and timely conversation on how higher education can deepen its relevance and strengthen its measurable contribution to resilient futures.

Address

Dubai Silicon Oasis, SIT Tower
Dubai

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 04:00

Website

http://www.cli-cks.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions:

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Dubai?

Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The School

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request