The British Council successfully wrapped up the 11th annual MENA UK Study Tour, bringing together prominent education leaders and practitioners from across the MENA region. This year’s tour reinforced its legacy of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and tackling key challenges in education, underscoring the British Council’s dedication to global educational excellence.
Empowering School Leaders in the Digital Era
With the theme "Leading in the Digital Age," the tour equipped school leaders with strategies to navigate digital transformation. Discussions covered AI integration in education, teacher recruitment and retention, and self-evaluation frameworks, addressing both opportunities and challenges in today’s evolving academic landscape.
Fakhar Jaffery, Director Exams for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait & Bahrain at the British Council, stated: “This year’s tour offered school leaders from KSA and Kuwait firsthand insights into digital learning transformation, leadership, and teacher retention. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, we aim to support schools in delivering high-quality education aligned with national and global standards.”
Fostering Collaboration for Quality Education
Participants praised the experience as transformative. Muhammad Tanveer, Principal at Pakistan International School, English Section, Riyadh, remarked: “The tour provided invaluable insights into effective academic practices and policies, benefiting our schools and the wider education system.” Azra Nayeem, Principal at New World International School Dammam, added: “Discussions on AI in education and recruitment strategies offered actionable solutions to enhance teaching and leadership.”
The week-long program featured visits to top UK institutions such as The Perse School, Avanti House Secondary School, and Homerton College, Cambridge. Key sessions explored ethical AI use, staff retention strategies, and leadership development in the digital era.
Reaffirming its commitment to global education, the British Council continues to create platforms for meaningful dialogue and professional growth. The MENA UK Study Tour remains a vital initiative in advancing education, enriching curricula, and driving positive change across the region.