jordan pulse -

Heavy rain and cold weather on Tuesday accompany launch of Times Higher Education Arab Universities Summit 2025 at Amman Ahliyya University. Event, held in cooperation with University of Jordan, marks first time Jordan hosts a THE summit of this scale, reflecting international confidence in Jordanian higher education.

Opening attended by Phil Baty, THE Global Affairs President, senior Times officials, Maher Hourani, Sari Hamdan, university deans, academics from Jordanian universities and delegates from more than 20 Arab and international countries, including Saudi Cultural Attaché representative.

In opening remarks, President Sari Hamdan says hosting summit strengthens Jordan’s global academic standing, noting that Amman Ahliyya ranks in 401–500 band in THE rankings. Says summit is strategic chance to deepen cooperation and discuss future of higher education and innovation in Arab world.

Phil Baty praises progress of Jordanian universities and capacity to host major global event, calling Jordan a promising regional model in education and research.

Under “Distinguished Host”, Vice President Ahmad Hamdan outlines university’s strategic vision and progress in global rankings.

Khalifa University President Ibrahim Al Hajri presents vision on reshaping Arab universities from research to innovation leadership.

Day One features specialised sessions on: • Digital future and AI in academia
• Exam protection in AI era (Aml Damashqi)
• Institutional design for change (Rossell, Lindsay, Mazoughi)
• From campus to commercialisation (Fayez, Ahmad, Elias, Scalisi)
• THE Arab Universities Rankings 2025 data seminar (Mansour, Peacock)
• Digital-first university strategy (Zaheri, Damashqi, Hamza, Mujahid, Serour)
• Innovation ecosystems: research to regional impact (Nicklaus, Berram, Gharib, Saeed, Safir)

Participants praise high-level organisation and advanced technical facilities provided by Amman Ahliyya, coordinated with THE team.

Day One concludes with interactive panels on global partnerships and academic exchange. Summit continues Wednesday with further sessions on innovation, academic excellence and entrepreneurship.