Managing Partner's Foreword

Samer ForewordContents

Law Update: Issue 361 - Education

Welcome to this
month’s Law Update

This is a very special edition as the artwork you will see has been painted by the students at Mawaheb Art Studio and is an expression of their boundless creativity. Mawaheb, is a unique creative space for People of Determination, and we are proud to have collaborated with them. This initiative reflects our commitment to connect with our communities, and in this instance the artwork you will see is a culmination of our partnership with Mawaheb that included an event for the students. Through the pages of this edition, we are also giving you an opportunity to get to know the artists through a dedicated Mawaheb section. I hope you are as inspired as I have been through their creativity.

This Law Update officially signals the summer season coming to a close, and this traditionally means we see the education sector ramping up for another year. Across the region this sector continues its upward trajectory, and it goes without saying, education is vital not only for the future of the economy, but primarily for the development of our societies. From a regulatory perspective, Governments across the region are focused on developing an education sector that is world class. To this extent regulatory bodies across the region are busy streamlining the investment and operations processes for the sector, and this has in turn captured the attention of private sector investors. As a result, we see growing numbers of public, private, and international partnerships developing across the region.

For the education sector the positive sentiment is underpinned not only by the strong appetite for investment and the evolving regulatory landscape, but also by the bumper enrolment figures year on year. We continue to see a growing number of nationals, residents and international students making the region an educational hub, and this momentum will impact long-term plans to ensure our workforces are prepared for the new digital future.

With education being essential to our present and future success as a region, this Law Update presents a diverse range of topics that will ensure you are up to speed on the latest regulatory updates. For example, we feature articles that spotlight the revolution unfolding within classrooms via Artificial Intelligence (AI). This fascinating commentary discusses how AI has emerged as a guiding force, by delivering a level of personalisation to education that was previously unheard of.

In addition, we provide insights on specific jurisdictions and how they are navigating their academic landscape. For example, we include an article on the growing trend of expansion and collaboration in higher education institutes in Bahrain. This spirit of collaboration extends beyond Bahrain's borders, and can be seen in the UAE, where our lawyers write about cross-border expansion within the higher education sector, and how this strategic initiative is positioning the UAE as a vibrant hub for advanced learning. Another jurisdiction covered is Qatar, where we provide a snapshot of its educational journey, offering valuable insights into its achievements, challenges, and aspirations.

Finally, with Saudi Arabia undergoing a significant transformation across all its sectors, education sits at the heart of its Vision 2030, and our article gives you a sense of the achievements and strides being made in the Kingdom.

Outside of our focus articles we go beyond education to share with you significant regulatory developments. Within these pages, you'll find comprehensive articles delving into diverse topics, such as the reform of UAE petroleum trading regulations, and the application of foreign laws in Bahrain.

As you navigate through this year's Education Law Update, we invite you to share any questions or comments with us. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of the lawyers involved.