Erbil, Kurdistan Region – 18 August 2026
The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) welcomed representatives of the Council of Arab Universities to explore opportunities for academic collaboration and student development, with a particular focus on training, creativity, employability and professional skills. The meeting was led by Prof. Dr. Fawaz Ahmad Al-Zaghloul, Director of the Arab Council for Student Training and Creativity, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Nabil Adel Fakhri, Representative of the Arab Council in the Kurdistan Region; Dr. Bakhtiar Obeid Sharif, Member of the Executive Committee; and Eng. Jihad Nemer Al-Kharraz, Assistant Director of the Arab Council for Student Training and Creativity. The meeting was chaired by Asst. Prof. Dr. Zana Ibrahim, President of UKH, with the participation of Dr. Selar Othman Ali, QAA Manager, and Noor Jasim, PREE Manager.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to create meaningful experiences for UKH students beyond the classroom. The proposed collaboration includes three-to-six-week training opportunities at universities affiliated with the Council, allowing undergraduate students to strengthen their knowledge, employability skills and professional competencies. Students from all disciplines would also have the opportunity to present their research and creative projects at the Council’s annual International Creativity Forum, with the top three projects receiving recognition and awards. In addition, virtual soft-skills sessions would be introduced to further develop students’ personal and professional capabilities.
Both sides expressed their commitment and interest in implementing the proposed initiatives in 2027, further strengthening international academic cooperation and creating new opportunities for UKH students to gain experience, showcase their work and build valuable connections within the wider academic community.
