Amman:The second Arab Universities and International Student Recruitment Agents Forum (AURAF 2026) commenced on Wednesday, gathering representatives from Egypt, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
According to Jordan News Agency, the forum aims to strengthen partnerships between universities and recruitment agents, broaden student opportunities, and increase international student enrollment in higher education institutions. This two-day event, organized by the Association of Arab Universities (AARU) in collaboration with Belgravia Advisers, features participation from 12 Arab universities.
AARU Secretary-General Amr Ezzat Salama emphasized the significance of building on the success of the first forum. He highlighted that over 3,000 cooperation and exchange agreements have been signed, demonstrating the strategic priority of international recruitment and partnerships for AARU. The association collaborates with more than 50 universities across 22 Arab countries, aiming to drive enrollment growth despite facing challenges in the education sector.
Salama pointed out that while AI-driven tools are increasingly influential in recruitment, human interaction remains essential for establishing trust with students. He also noted that Arab universities are enhancing their global competitiveness by developing modern campuses and expanding English-taught programs.
Amir Haikal, Executive Director of Belgravia Advisers, remarked on the importance of investing in youth, fostering cross-border dialogue, and providing practical training to prepare future generations for the evolving global market. The first day of the forum concluded with business-to-business networking sessions, which will continue on Thursday before the event concludes with the signing of several memorandums of understanding and partnership agreements.