Middle East and Asia visits strengthens University of London global collaboration

University of London Pro Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) Alistair Jarvis CBE has visited key partners across the Middle East and Asia, exploring new collaborations and celebrating long-standing relationships.

Starting in Riyadh, Alistair joined a high-profile delegation of 15 UK universities for a series of strategic meetings with education leaders in Saudi Arabia. The mission, organised by the Department for Business and Trade and led by Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK's International Education Champion, focused on developing new relationships between UK and Saudi universities.

In the United Arab Emirates, Alistair visited the University of Dubai's campus for meetings with President, Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, and senior leadership team members Professor Hussain Al-Ahmad and Dr Mohammad Ghazi Rababah. Their discussions focused on expanding academic collaboration between the University of London and the University of Dubai to offer a wider range of UoL programmes in Dubai. 

While in Dubai, Alistair also met His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge Foundation, and Wes Harry, Director of Human Capital. This major foundation are focussed on promoting knowledge and education globally and were interested in the University of London’s mission to open up access to high quality education worldwide and our work to expand global access to knowledge through the transformation of Senate House Library.

The tour concluded in Hong Kong, where Alistair presided over a special University of London graduation ceremony at HKU SPACE. The event held particular significance as it marked 60 years of partnership between the institutions - one of our most successful and enduring international teaching collaborations.

Alistair Jarvis said, "It was fantastic to see the exciting potential for collaboration across all three countries. These partnerships, whether six decades old or just beginning to flourish, show how international collaboration can transform educational opportunities that benefit students worldwide."