Saudi Arabia Hosts Times Higher Education Summit, Showcasing Global Leadership in Innovation and Academia
Riyadh – In a historic milestone for the region, Saudi Arabia has become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the prestigious Times Higher Education World Academic Summit.
The event, held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), reflects the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a global hub for education, research, and innovation.
The three-day summit, themed “Universities as Agents of Change,” began on Tuesday and brought together more than 750 distinguished participants, including 105 keynote speakers representing 75 institutions across 28 countries.
The gathering convened leading university chancellors, presidents, and vice-chancellors, as well as decision-makers, industry experts, and academics from around the world.
The event serves as a platform to explore how universities can play a transformative role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Discussions focused on accelerating innovation, promoting sustainable development, strengthening global collaboration, and equipping students with the skills needed to lead in the 21st century.
Participants also exchanged insights on building inclusive education systems, advancing artificial intelligence, and creating solutions for future cities, healthcare, and climate resilience.
In his opening address, KAUST President Edward Byrne emphasized that hosting the summit in Saudi Arabia for the first time is a testament to the Kingdom’s growing leadership in science, technology, and higher education. He highlighted that KAUST continues to serve as a model institution that combines research excellence with real-world impact.
“Hosting this global summit demonstrates our shared vision for education as a catalyst for innovation and progress.
KAUST remains committed to advancing knowledge, empowering youth, and driving the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” Byrne said.
He added that the summit provides an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with international partners and strengthen the global exchange of ideas, paving the way for a more connected and innovative academic ecosystem.
Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer of Times Higher Education, commended the Kingdom’s progress in establishing itself as a global center of academic excellence.
He praised KAUST for its leadership and its mission-driven approach to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in research, development, and innovation.
“This year’s summit has brought together some of the most influential voices in higher education to share ideas and address challenges that affect universities worldwide,” Baty said. “The fact that it is being held here in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s remarkable journey toward becoming a leader in knowledge creation and sustainable innovation.”
The summit’s sessions delved into topics such as global competitiveness in education, research partnerships, digital transformation, and the evolving role of universities in shaping future economies. Attendees also examined how academic institutions can drive solutions for global priorities such as health, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
KAUST’s hosting of the summit underscores its reputation as one of the world’s top emerging universities and a key player in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
The institution continues to champion cutting-edge research in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, marine science, and biotechnology — contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
By hosting the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront of global dialogue on the future of education and innovation.
The event not only celebrates academic collaboration but also highlights the nation’s commitment to empowering the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders who will shape a more sustainable and prosperous world.
As the summit continues, the message from Riyadh and KAUST is clear — education remains the most powerful agent of change, and through collaboration and vision, universities can play a central role in creating a brighter, more connected global future.
