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As Middle Eastern higher education evolves, Maged Fahmy, Vice President of Ellucian MEA explains how digital transformation is driving innovation
Dubai, Dec 10, 2025: By 2030, higher education in the Middle East will look very different. With sweeping reforms and investment in digital learning, universities are racing towards world-class status and global expansion.
At the forefront of this change, Ellucian is helping universities adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of learners, with advanced student information systems and AI-driven solutions.
Describe the current momentum of change in higher education across MEA.
Governments in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are investing heavily in AI and cloud technologies to drive economic diversification, and universities are key players in advancing this regional vision.
Institutions are modernising systems, refreshing curriculums and expanding access to high-quality learning experiences that equip students with future-ready skills.
What does “putting students first” mean to you, and why is this so critical today?
It’s about providing a seamless, personalised digital experience that empowers students to learn, connect and succeed.
Today’s tech-savvy students expect flexibility, with micro-learning alongside traditional degrees. They want future-ready skills to compete for the best jobs. Universities are responding by using technology to meet their needs at every touchpoint.
How are institutions in the MEA region changing how they engage with students?
The pace of change is accelerating. More universities are using AI and data analytics to personalise students’ university experience – from virtual assistants that automatically answer questions to predictive analytics and digital tools that offer instant information to keep them on track.
It’s a game-changer for students and frees up staff to focus on providing more meaningful support.
How is Ellucian supporting institutions to better serve student needs?
Ellucian partners with universities to power their digital transformation, and collaboration is key to achieving this.
We work closely with each institution to understand exactly what it wants to achieve. Detailed discussions with senior leaders and departments uncover pain points. A clear transformation plan is then created that aligns with the needs of students, staff and the wider institution. Change management expertise also ensures smooth adoption of new systems and processes. It’s how we’ve supported more than 2,800 institutions worldwide to deliver secure, scalable solutions to meet their goals.
Can you share examples of how this transformation is already taking shape in the region.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reported more than 57,000 student enrolments across 66 higher education institutions in the UAE for 2024-25, the highest in a decade.
Digital transformation is accelerating the sector’s growth, and Ellucian’s solutions are at the heart of this. As a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, our Student Information System seamlessly connects people, processes and data, so institutions can expand student numbers, boost efficiency and empower staff.
Institutions including the University of Kalba, Sharjah Maritime Academy, the University of Al Dhaid and more, have already transformed from legacy systems to Ellucian SaaS and many others are following suit.
What’s next for higher education in MEA, and how is Ellucian preparing?
The next few years will be incredibly transformative in higher education. Saudi Arabia aims to have five universities rank among the world’s top 100 by 2030, while Qatar and the UAE have aggressive plans to embed AI into education. Universities are grasping this moment to attract students, both local and international. Ellucian’s established partnerships and our continued investment in AI and cloud technologies in the region puts us in prime position to support the industry during this ambitious growth cycle.
Learn more about Ellucian.
