Riyadh will host the 6th International Conference on Education in the Arab World 2026
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host the 6th International Conference on Education in the Arab World, which will bring together leading experts, academics, and educational decision-makers from January 9-11, 2026. This major scientific gathering serves as a strategic platform aimed at reshaping the future of education systems in the region and addressing current challenges in light of rapid global changes and the technological revolution in the knowledge sector.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
Riyadh's hosting of this event is not merely a matter of protocol; it aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to develop a robust educational system that keeps pace with global best practices. This hosting underscores the Kingdom's leading role as a regional hub for knowledge and educational decision-making, where Arab countries, through such platforms, seek to unify their visions on how to bridge the gap between educational outcomes and the evolving needs of the labor market.
Conference development journey
In a statement, the conference chairman, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Zahrani, noted that the sixth edition represents the culmination of a successful journey that began under exceptional circumstances. The first two editions were launched virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, before evolving into in-person meetings with international participation in the past three editions. This development reflects the urgent need for continued educational dialogue and the direct exchange of experiences between practitioners and researchers.
Digital transformation and educational leadership themes
Digital transformation issues top the conference agenda, with Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Barrak, former Deputy Minister of Education, offering in-depth insights into the role of emerging technologies in reshaping the educational environment. These discussions are of paramount importance given the global trend towards hybrid learning and the reliance on artificial intelligence to personalize the learning experience, which necessitates a flexible response from Arab educational institutions.
For her part, Shura Council member Professor Dr. Lubna Al-Ajmi highlights the ethical and skills-based aspects, outlining strategies to enhance reading comprehension and instill values of integrity. This approach underscores that technological advancement must proceed in tandem with the ethical and skill-based development of students.
Teacher development and flexible policies
The conference, through its various sessions featuring prominent academics such as Professor Dr. Rashid Al-Abdulkarim from King Saud University and Professor Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Ammar from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, will discuss the necessity of adopting flexible curriculum policies and developing professional development programs for teachers. Teacher competence is the cornerstone of any educational reform process, necessitating an examination of successful international models and their adaptation to the local context.
Expected impact and sustainable partnerships
The conference concludes with practical workshops, most notably Dr. Mohammed Al-Amri's "MAT 4 System" workshop, which aims to empower educational leaders. The conference is expected to produce practical recommendations that will contribute to developing a roadmap for decision-makers in the Arab world, enhancing the quality of education and supporting the building of sustainable knowledge societies, as well as establishing long-term research partnerships between participating universities and research centers.
