Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 March 2026: RX has confirmed that the 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from 17-20 August 2026, with the venue remaining unchanged.

The decision to reschedule the event has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of customers, partners and colleagues, and to give the global travel and tourism community greater confidence and flexibility to attend.

Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market serves as a key global platform connecting destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality brands, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals from across the travel ecosystem.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Arabian Travel Market has long served as a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector.

“The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority, and the decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

The RX team remains committed to supporting all participants and will work closely with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the new dates.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, rooted in over 450 years of academic excellence, signs a strategic partnership with ISD Dubai Sports City to provide students in the UAE with easy access to world-class sports facilities. It has also partnered with Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Program to launch the Elite Football Programme, incorporating internationally acclaimed coaching methodologies and a nurturing sporting environment, underscoring the legacy school’s commitment to whole-child development.

Located in Dubai Sports City, ISD Dubai Sports City will provide Queen Elizabeth School students with privileged access to one of the most comprehensive sporting environments in the region. These include FIFA-standard indoor and outdoor football pitches, a 400-metre athletics track, professional tennis courts, a premium padel facility, a dedicated stadium, and a specialist Table Tennis Academy.

The Elite Football Programme, delivered in partnership with Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Program, will further elevate the school’s sporting provision. It embeds the Spanish club’s renowned coaching methodology and structured development pathways within the QE Flourish programme, setting a new benchmark for physical education in the region and empowering students with the values of resilience, teamwork and disciplined ambition.

“The partnerships with ISD Dubai Sports City and Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Program mark a defining moment for Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City. We are reinforcing our vision to deliver an education where academic excellence and elite sport go hand in hand. We want our students to thrive both in the classroom and beyond,” says Dan Clark, Principal of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City.

“Dubai Sports City is home to a community of over 8,000 students, and ISD Dubai Sports City sits at the very heart of that community. That position carries real responsibility and real opportunity. We have always believed that sport is one of the most powerful tools for developing young people, not just physically, but in terms of character, resilience, and ambition. Partnerships like this one with Queen Elizabeth’s School are how we fulfil that belief at scale. When we invest in the sporting development of the next generation, we are also investing in the long-term growth of sport in Dubai and across the UAE, its infrastructure, its culture, and its global standing. This is exactly the kind of legacy we are building towards,” says Daniels Petrovs, CEO of ISD Dubai Sports City.

“Partnering with Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City is a natural fit for us. Their commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development mirrors our own philosophy of delivering world-class sporting environments where young people can genuinely thrive. Queen Elizabeth’s Dubai students will have access to some of the finest facilities in the country, and we are proud to be the infrastructure behind their sporting ambition. This partnership is very much part of our long-term strategy to align ISD Dubai Sports City with the most forward-thinking educational and sporting institutions in the UAE, and to ensure that our premium offering continues to serve those who share our standards,” says Simon McGuinness, General Manager of ISD Dubai Sports City.

David Pendleton-Nash has been appointed as the Founding Director of Sport for the school and will play a leading role in driving high-performance and whole-school physical education development at the purpose-built campus. A former professional athlete with a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, his unique combination of elite performance experience and academic expertise ensures that Queen Elizabeth’s School’s sports offering is performance-driven and educationally rigorous.

“Access to facilities of this calibre, combined with Real Madrid methodology, allows us to establish a genuine high-performance environment within a school setting. Sports at Queen Elizabeth’s School will not simply be participatory; it will be aspirational. We are building structured pathways that identify, develop and challenge talented athletes, enabling them to compete at the highest levels available to them,” says David Pendleton-Nash, Founding Director of Sports.

Through competitions, elite training programmes and future international fixtures across the QE Global Schools network, students will have an abundance of opportunities to perform on larger stages, benchmark themselves against strong competition, and pursue excellence with discipline and ambition.

As part of the QE Flourish programme, the school has designed an enrichment framework designed to develop character and unlock the full potential of every student. They can also join the QE Elite Sports Academy, which nurtures high-potential talent through advanced training, performance tracking and exposure to regional and international sporting competitions. Students across all Year groups will also participate in the structured QE House programme throughout the academic year, fostering healthy competition, leadership and school spirit.

Upon opening for the 2026-2027 academic year, the school plans to introduce inter-school competitions across Queen Elizabeth’s School’s global network, providing UAE students with the opportunity to represent their school on an international stage.

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, affirmed that the UAE’s celebration of Emirati Children’s Day on March 15 reflects the leadership’s unwavering commitment to empowering its young generations as the foundation of the nation’s future. She noted that the day represents an opportunity to renew the country’s dedication to preparing Emirati children to achieve the UAE’s aspirations.

Her Excellency stated that celebrating Emirati Children’s Day under the theme “The Right to Digital Knowledge” reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering children with access to knowledge, strengthening their learning, innovation, and role in shaping the nation’s future.

Her Excellency Al Amiri added that the Ministry of Education prioritises building students’ digital skills from an early age by integrating modern technologies, AI, and programming into the curriculum, while providing an advanced digital learning environment aligned with global developments and the needs of the knowledge economy.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri expressed appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), Mother of the Nation, for her continuous support and pioneering initiatives in childhood care, which have played a major role in empowering Emirati children and ensuring their comprehensive development.

His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, affirmed that the theme “The Right to Digital Knowledge” reflects the UAE’s commitment to preparing future generations with the skills needed to engage with modern technologies responsibly. He noted that digital literacy is essential for building knowledge-based societies driven by innovation and global competitiveness.

He added that the Ministry of Education is strengthening this right by developing digital curricula, expanding programming and AI education, and providing a modern learning environment that enables students to access digital knowledge and contribute to a future-ready, creative generation.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 March 2025 – Huawei has announced the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, the world’s first dual-driver ANC earbuds. Delivering a breakthrough lossless listening experience and significantly enhanced noise cancellation, the new flagship earbuds redefine the listening experience across music, calls, and productivity, setting a new standard for wireless earbuds. The earbuds are offered in four colourways inspired by nature— Sand, White, Grey, and Blue. The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 will be available for purchase later this month in the UAE through official channels and select retail stores.

Dual-Engine AI Noise Cancellation: Instant Silence

Moving beyond merely reducing noise, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 pioneers a new noise cancellation paradigm as the world’s first earbuds with a dual-driver ANC architecture. Its Ultra-Linear Dual-Magnet Driver and Ultra-Thin Micro Planar Diaphragm Driver work in unison as independent noise cancellation engines. The low-frequency driver is optimised to tackle persistent rumbles, while the high-frequency driver swiftly neutralises sudden, sharp sounds.

Integrated with a new MIMO AI Sensing model that processes noise data up to 400,000 times per second, the system intelligently coordinates both drivers to emit precise anti-noise waves in real-time. This ensures the earbuds automatically adjust to provide optimal noise cancellation performance, improved to 220% compared to the previous generation.

High-resolution audio tuned by HUAWEI SOUND

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 integrates an innovative Dual-Drive Acoustic System with L2HC 4.0 audio codec technology. This combination enables high-resolution lossless audio at up to 2.3 Mbps and supports 48 kHz / 24-bit lossless transmission when paired with certain phones, like the HUAWEI Mate 80, Mate X7 Pura 80 series, etc., running HarmonyOS 4.3 or later with Huawei’s proprietary Bluetooth protocol L2HC 4.0 enabled. It faithfully recreates an authentic, immersive listening experience.

By separating high and low frequencies through its dedicated dual-driver design, the earbuds deliver exceptionally layered sound: crystal-clear highs, deep and powerful bass, and finely rendered details. HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 offer four distinct sound profiles: HUAWEI SOUND Balanced, HUAWEI SOUND Voice, HUAWEI SOUND Classical, and HUAWEI SOUND Bass.

Star Oval Design

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 debuts with an all-new Star Oval design. Crafted with a diamond-cut surface technique and adorned with the HUAWEI SOUND logo, the earbuds exhibit a distinctive play of light and shadow in every detail.

The new case is 5.5% smaller than its predecessor, and for the Sand, White, and Grey models, it features a new excimer film layer process that creates a unique micro-texture for a smooth, skin-friendly feel. The Blue variant features premium, eco-friendly vegan leather.

Awareness Mode and Adaptive Volume

Beyond creating silence, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 intelligently manage your sonic environment. Its advanced Awareness Mode uses ultra-clear microphones and AI processing to blend ambient sounds naturally and safely into your audio, allowing you to stay aware of important announcements or conversations without removing an earbud. Complementing this is the Adaptive Volume feature, which automatically adjusts media volume in response to changing environmental noise, from a quiet library to a busy street, ensuring optimal listening clarity without any manual intervention.

Dual-Device Connection & Audio Sharing

Designed for the dual-device lifestyle, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 offers effortless Dual-Device Connection. Simultaneously paired to your phone and laptop, the earbuds intelligently switch audio sources based on activity, answering a call on your phone, then seamlessly returning to your laptop’s video. Furthermore, the Audio Sharing feature allows you to wirelessly share your audio stream with a second pair of compatible Huawei earbuds, perfect for enjoying music or movies together with a friend.

Additionally, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 earbuds boast an IP57 rating Dust- and Water-resistance, ready for diverse usage scenarios. For a complete and customizable audio experience, users are recommended to explore the HUAWEI Audio Connect app, available for download on iOS and Android devices.

United Arab Emirates, 09 March 2026: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced that 48 higher education institutions (HEIs) have joined the National Work Experience Platform for higher education students in the UAE. Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, Nafis, the platform connects academic learning with work experience and strengthens students’ readiness for the labour market.

In the three months since its launch, 37 public and private sector training providers have also joined the platform, offering 545 work experience opportunities across key sectors including finance, insurance, ICT, administrative services, education and real estate. Opportunities span multiple fields such as engineering, human resources, accounting, marketing, statistics and taxation, as well as data, giving students diverse pathways to build practical skills and enter the workforce confidently.

Khalfan Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Director of Employment Support and Labour Market Partnerships Department at MoHESR said: “The National Work Experience Platform has seen strong momentum in recent months, with increasing engagement from stakeholders. This reflects rising awareness of the importance of integrating academic learning with work experience and supports the development of a competitive, future-ready workforce.”

Alsuwaidi added: “Through this initiative, we aim to equip students with work experience that enhances their readiness for the labour market. We are also expanding participation and diversifying work experience opportunities to create a supportive environment aligned with the needs of key economic sectors.”

MoHESR affirmed that all work experience opportunities available via the platform comply with the standards outlined in the Ministerial Resolution governing Work Experience and its guidelines, ensuring effective and high-quality work experiences that strengthen students’ practical skills.

To promote the platform and its registration process, the Ministry organised five introductory workshops for HEIs, attended by around 700 representatives. The sessions covered platform usage, requirements for listing work experience opportunities and means of connecting students with training providers.

The National Work Experience Platform offers an integrated digital environment that enables students to access quality work experience opportunities while allowing HEIs and training providers to manage and monitor work experience programmes. Its integration as part of the Nafis platform also supports the development of a unified national database, strengthening institutional collaboration and positioning work experience as a bridge preparing national talent for the workforce.

Abu Dhabi, 28 February 2026: The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the ‘National Month of Reading 2026’, to be held throughout March, in alignment with the declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’ under the theme ‘Growing in Unity’. The initiative aims to reinforce the role of family in fostering a love of reading among children, while strengthening authentic Emirati values.

His Excellency Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said: “The ‘National Month of Reading 2026’ celebrates the value of knowledge and its pivotal role in strengthening national identity. It highlights family as a cornerstone in cultivating a reading culture, which remains essential to preserving our identity, values and authentic Emirati heritage.”

His Excellency highlighted that fostering reading habits within the family contributes to the intergenerational transmission of cultural and intellectual heritage, builds awareness about the unique values guiding the Emirati society, preserves its cultural cohesion and strengthens national belonging. His Excellency also stated that reading is integral to nurturing a conscious generation which actively engages in community development and positively shapes the nation’s future.

The Month of Reading initiative features a ‘Reading Retreat’, with participation from approximately 30 federal and local entities, public benefit organisations, as well as representatives from the cultural and education sectors. The retreat marks the 10th anniversary of the declaration of the ‘Year of Reading’ and the issuance of the Reading Law in 2016.

It aims to explore various challenges in implementing the Reading Law, propose initiatives to address them and present the results of the UAE National Reading Index 2025 survey. The discussions will cover the methodology of developing it for the coming years and highlight the UAE’s achievements in the domain of reading from 2016 to 2026. In addition, long-term strategic initiatives for 2026/2036 will be developed as part of the future National Reading Plan.

As part of the initiative, a wide range of activities and events will be organised at the Ministry of Culture’s Cultural and Creative Centres across the UAE, with the aim of cultivating reading habits among society members.

The National Month of Reading is one of the Ministry’s flagship cultural initiatives, delivered as part of its strategy to establish a strong science and knowledge ecosystem. Another facet of this broader strategy is the National Framework for Emirati Cultural Activities in Schools, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, targeting students of all age groups, from kindergarten to Cycle 3, across both public and private schools.

Since 2016, the UAE has taken critical measures to establish reading as an easily accessible right for all. These include approving the National Strategy for Reading 2016-2026, encompassing 30 key national directives across the education, health, culture, community development, media and content sectors, as well as the issuance of the first-of-its-kind Reading Law establishing legislative frameworks and executive programs, while clearly defining government responsibilities to embed reading as a sustainable national value.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), has affirmed that UAE Education Day – established by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and marked annually on 28 February – reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to education as a cornerstone of its development model.

His Excellency emphasised that this transformative model solidifies education as a paramount national priority and a foundation for empowering national talent. It further catalyses growth in the sectors driving the economy of the future, rooted in the UAE’s steadfast conviction that investment in education is a long-term strategic investment in the nation’s developmental trajectory.

His Excellency added that education in the UAE represents an integrated national project that embodies the vision of the country’s wise leadership. Focusing on sophisticated skill development, it aligns educational outcomes with the evolving requirements of the labour market and nurtures generations capable of innovation and global leadership. H.E. also noted that this commitment to education is a consistent national doctrine, positioning the human element as the core driver of sustainable and comprehensive development.

Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Al Falasi paid tribute to the dedicated efforts of all professionals within the education sector, extending particular appreciation to the academic and administrative staff at the Higher Colleges of Technology and commending their pivotal role in supporting the next generation and empowering a cadre of national leaders who will continue to advance the UAE’s development journey and contribute to a successful, prosperous future.

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, February 27, 2026: The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has inaugurated the Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center (ATAIC), marking a strategic milestone in the university’s evolution from a consumer of innovation to a contributor to its creation.

Established under the School of Engineering and Computing and supported by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority’s (TDRA) ICT Fund, ATAIC is designed as a catalyst for regional transformation – advancing applied research, industry collaboration, and future-ready talent development in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

More than a research facility, ATAIC serves as a strategic engine to power the next chapter of Ras Al Khaimah’s economic and intellectual growth. The Center bridges academic theory with real-world industry demands, ensuring that graduates are not only job-ready, but future-proof in an era defined by agility, adaptability, and digital transformation.

Speaking at the inauguration, Professor Bassam Alameddine, President of AURAK, stated: “The Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center is much more than a new research facility; it is a strategic engine designed to power the next chapter of our region’s economic and intellectual story.

“At AURAK, we recognize that AI is not just a tool for automation; it is a fundamental shift in how humanity will solve its most complex problems. ATAIC is our response to that shift. It is where we bridge academic theory with the high-stakes demands of the global market, ensuring our graduates are not merely job-ready, but future-proof.”

Professor Alameddine also expressed his appreciation to the TDRA’s ICT Fund for its pivotal support in establishing the Center, noting that the partnership reflects a national commitment to strengthening research and education in advanced technologies.

Dr. Khouloud Salameh, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing and Director of ATAIC, emphasized the Center’s capabilities and long-term vision: “ATAIC provides a state-of-the-art innovation ecosystem equipped with high-performance computing clusters, AI workstations, robotics kits, and IoT devices. Beyond infrastructure, it is a collaborative platform where students, faculty, and industry partners co-develop applied solutions in machine learning, smart systems, and digital transformation.”

ATAIC’s core activities include applied research and development, industry-driven projects, and business incubation. Student projects showcased during the inauguration demonstrated practical AI applications developed in collaboration with industry partners.

The launch event was attended by representatives from TDRA, Ras Al Khaimah Statistics, Julphar, Dell, Microsoft, AWS, Huawei, and IBM, underscoring AURAK’s commitment to a model of co-creation between academia and industry.

The establishment of ATAIC aligns directly with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and reinforces AURAK’s role in positioning Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging hub for smart systems, data science, and advanced digital innovation.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 25, 2026: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has become the first university in the UAE and the Middle East to receive Academic Accreditation from the Association for Project Management (APM) for its Master of Project Management (MPM) program. The milestone positions ADU at the forefront of project management education in the region and provides students with a globally recognized qualification aligned with international professional standards.

Awarded to ADU’s College of Engineering, the accreditation confirms that the MPM program aligns with the APM Body of Knowledge and meets rigorous international benchmarks for quality, ethics, and professional competence. As an extension of this accreditation, students receive complimentary APM Student Membership, granting access to global professional networks, industry publications, conferences and career development resources that support their transition from academic study to professional practice. Graduates also benefit from an accelerated pathway to Full APM Membership after three years of experience instead of the standard five, enabling them to achieve formal professional recognition earlier in their careers. This accreditation further enhances graduate competitiveness in both local and international job markets while supporting a stronger, industry-aligned talent pipeline across the UAE.

The achievement advances ADU’s Vision 2027, which emphasizes globally accredited education, strong industry integration, and graduate employability. It also contributes to the UAE’s broader goals of building a knowledge-based economy and strengthening national project delivery capabilities across strategic sectors.

Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of the College of Engineering at Abu Dhabi University, said: “Achieving APM Academic Accreditation reflects ADU’s commitment to academic excellence and to delivering programs that are benchmarked against the highest international professional standards. It also highlights the College of Engineering’s strong academic foundation and its position among the leading engineering colleges in the UAE and the region. As the first university in the MENA region to earn this distinction, we are reinforcing our leadership in project management education and ensuring that our graduates are equipped with globally recognized credentials, real-world competencies, and a clear professional pathway that enhances their career progression both locally and internationally.”

APM Academic Accreditation is a widely distinguished mark of quality awarded to universities that demonstrate strong engagement with the project management profession and clear alignment with globally established frameworks. It assures students that their education meets rigorous professional standards and equips them with a strong foundation for sustained career growth.

Jan Lonnen, Senior Accreditation and Assessment Manager at APM, said: “This accreditation is a positive step for APM and Abu Dhabi University. It shows the growing focus in the UAE on strengthening project skills and raising standards in how projects are delivered aligned to highly regarded global standards. By achieving APM accreditation, the university is giving students a recognized mark of quality and helping build a stronger project management community locally. It also supports a more consistent talent pipeline, aligned to international best practice, that benefits employers and major programs across the region.”

APM is the only chartered professional body for project management worldwide, formally recognized as the authority responsible for setting standards, ethical principles, and professional competence for the discipline globally.

The accreditation further enhances the program’s value by reinforcing its alignment with current industry tools and methodologies. It ensures graduates are prepared to lead complex projects across different sectors and contribute strategically to national development priorities.

Having spent three decades as a female academic, navigating lecture halls, boardrooms, committee meetings, and research networks, I am convinced that universities which prioritise inclusion and representation of women are progressive because they outperform their competitors. Gender equality is not solely an ideological aspiration. It’s an operational strategy that strengthens research quality, accelerates innovation, and enhances student learning journey. These personal observations are confirmed by increasing scholarly research which repeatedly concludes that women’s leadership in higher education is a strategic pathway to improving educational quality and institutional reputation. Inclusive systems supported by emerging technologies can transform longstanding barriers into enablers of participation and work–life balance. Therefore, inclusion of women across all fields of academia should be regarded as central to unlocking otherwise invisible institutional talent.

Across the MENA region, the pressing nature of this reality is palpable. A large bibliometric analysis of over 1.7 million papers shows that gender parity in research is “far from being achieved,” with men holding higher representation and senior authorship positions. Remarkably, the same study notes that several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, are demonstrating measurable progress in women’s participation in STEM. These findings suggest that policy commitment matters because when institutions enable women’s advancement, the research ecosystem is positively recalibrated. Well-designed, policy-driven gender equity strategies do more than improve representation; they increase female participation and promote diverse academic discourse, catalysing long-term cultural shifts toward inclusivity. Why does this matter for academic excellence? Simply put, diversity expands intellectual bandwidth. Cultivating varied scholarly voices in academia is an enabler for breakthrough thinking and a prerequisite for innovation-driven economies.

Regional scholarship echoes the relationship between leadership diversity and institutional quality. Research on Emirati women leaders highlights persistent barriers to career progression and institutional support, calling for culturally responsive policies to dismantle structural constraints. Similarly, a study of Lebanese higher education found that women possess the potential to be transformative leaders and that excellence in educational institutions is linked to their presence in executive roles. Undoubtedly, when women are included in leadership, universities strengthen governance and strategic capacity. Still, structural barriers persist. Cultural and organisational constraints, from stereotypes to work–life pressures, continue to limit women’s access to strategic positions. When talent is constrained by bias rather than ability, universities effectively self-sabotage their pursuit of excellence. This argument extends beyond equity into competitiveness. Institutions that diversify leadership are better positioned to respond to complex societal challenges because they draw on broader cognitive and experiential resources. Gender-equal environments also model the collaborative behaviours like critical inquiry, tolerance and ethical engagement with global problems, which we seek to instil in graduates.

Representation shapes aspiration and for students, the implications are profound. When learners encounter leaders who represent varied identities and pathways, they begin to envision themselves as contributors to knowledge rather than mere recipients of it. Inclusive universities produce graduates who are not only employable, but are cognitively agile, socially literate and well equipped to lead in pluralistic societies. In such educational contexts, gender equality is not merely done as a compliance exercise. It signals that an institution is meritocratic enough to recognise talent wherever it resides and courageously dismantles structures that impede it. Universities that embed equality into their DNA are better at responding to complex societal challenges by drawing on broader cognitive and experiential resources. This is the hallmark of academic excellence!

The future university will not be defined solely by citation indices or research income, but by its ability to see brilliance in all its forms and its penchant to create favourable conditions for that. Some mistakenly reduce inclusion to an act of charity. On the contrary, it is a winning strategy. Balanced gender representation in academia is a critical future-focused infrastructure and should never be reduced to being just for optics. If universities wish to optimise research quality, catalyse innovation, and transform student learning, the choice is evident, because institutional excellence begins in spaces where gender equality is non-negotiable.