September 10, 2025
The Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS), headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
First established in 2017, the partnership has brought significant value to higher education institutions across the Arab region and beyond. Through joint initiatives, CLICKS and QAA have co-organized online and in-person programs, participated in each other’s events, and supported capacity-building efforts designed to strengthen quality assurance and enhancement practices. Several of these in-person programs were delivered across different Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, Egypt, and Lebanon, among others.
The virtual signing ceremony took place on the afternoon of September 10, 2025, with the MoU signed by Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou, CEO of CLICKS, and Mr. Nicholas Bayley, Executive Director for Business Development and Engagement from QAA, in the presence of representatives from both organizations.
In the context of the renewed agreement QAA Chief Executive Vicki Stott said: “I am delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for Learning Innovations & Customized Knowledge Solutions, which marks a significant step forward in promoting quality and innovation in higher education between the UK and the UAE. This partnership will enable greater collaboration, sharing of expertise, and support the enhancement of academic integrity and continuous improvement for educators and learners in both countries”
Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou, CEO of CLICKS, shared: “At CLICKS, we are delighted to continue our partnership with QAA. Over the years, our collaboration has enabled us to deliver a wide range of online and in-person programs, while actively contributing to each other’s activities. As we look ahead, we are excited to expand this partnership to reach new geographies, engage wider audiences, and address emerging trends such as the impact of AI and digital transformation on higher education quality.”
Under the renewed agreement, CLICKS and QAA will jointly:
- Organize workshops (online and in-person) to strengthen capacity building within the higher education sector.
- Coordinate and support conferences in areas of shared interest, including through mutual participation in each other’s events.
- Facilitate the exchange of best practices across institutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Create networking opportunities for educators, policymakers, and leaders to promote collaborative projects and partnerships.
The first activity under the renewed MoU will be the two-day workshop, “Transitioning from Compliance to Enhancement,” scheduled for December 10–11, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. For more information Click Here
In addition, QAA will also be present and exhibiting at the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF), taking place in Dubai in April 2026. Several other online and in-person joint activities are also being planned for 2026 and beyond which will shortly be announced.
About QAA
QAA is a world-leading quality agency with unmatched experience in providing impartial regulatory and collaborative quality assurance and enhancement. As an independent charity, QAA works in partnership with governments, funding bodies, and higher education providers in the UK and internationally to ensure that learners experience the highest standards of education.
