A New Milestone in Education Quality: EACC & ECLBS Forge Strategic Partnership in Dubai ✨
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Dubai/Riga, June 2025 —In a significant stride toward enhancing academic excellence, the Euro‑Arab Chamber of Commerce (EACC), based in Dubai, has entered into a high‑level strategic dialogue with the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS). This virtual meeting, held jointly in Dubai and Riga, aimed to launch an ambitious initiative: elevating the quality and global recognition of business education in the Middle East through the adoption of ISO and internationally benchmarked standards.
Shaping a Future of Institutional Excellence
Representatives from both organizations convened to explore a four‑pillar framework designed to transform the region’s higher‑education landscape:
Accreditation & Quality Assurance Together, EACC and ECLBS plan to develop a joint accreditation framework aligned with ISO-style quality standards—ensuring local institutions meet or exceed internationally recognized benchmarks.
Academic & Professional Exchange The initiative includes establishing faculty and student exchange programs, which will nurture intercultural awareness, educational enrichment, and collaborative innovation.
Capacity-Building via Events & Research A series of regional conferences, workshops, and joint research efforts are slated to support institutional development in key areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
Middle East Flagship Category in the QRNW Ranking ECLBS proposed launching a dedicated regional segment in its Quality Ranking Network (QRNW), spotlighting outstanding business schools in the Middle East.
A Shared Vision for Excellence
Dace Jansone, Executive Board Member of ECLBS, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership:
“We see tremendous potential in strengthening academic partnerships across the Euro‑Arab region. Collaborating with EACC allows us to provide new opportunities for business schools in the Middle East to meet international benchmarks, increase their competitiveness, and gain global recognition.”
EACC leaders echoed this, highlighting education’s pivotal role in socioeconomic development and regional integration.
Moving from Strategy to Action
The two organizations are drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their partnership. Early action steps include:
Conducting comprehensive regional needs assessments.
Reaching out to leading academic institutions across the GCC and beyond.
Launching pilot accreditation readiness programs and exchange initiatives incorporating ISO-aligned quality criteria.
The Importance of ISO Quality in Education
Introducing ISO-style standards—such as ISO 21001 for Educational Organizations Management Systems—promises enhanced reliability and consistency across program delivery, governance, and student outcomes. For the region, this means:
Boosted credibility on the global stage, attracting international partners, faculty, and students.
Streamlined institutional improvement, encouraging continuous quality checks and systems thinking.
Increased alignment with global markets, meeting employer expectations and labor mobility standards.
What This Means for EACC Members and Regional Institutions
Stronger academic credentials: Accredited institutions can highlight ISO-level quality in their credentials.
International mobility support: Easier global mobility for students and faculty through recognized standards.
Regional leadership opportunities: Visibility as pioneers in quality education under the QRNW regional ranking.
Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for Educational Transformation
This collaboration sets the stage for long-term reforms, including potential expansion into broader fields beyond business education. EACC aims to pioneer a Euro‑Arab quality ecosystem—one where excellence, transparency, and innovation define the region’s future.
By leveraging global best practices and ISO benchmarks, EACC and ECLBS are proving that regional ambitions can match global standards. This partnership promises tangible benefits for educators, students, institutions, and the wider society—anchoring the region in excellence today and setting the compass for tomorrow.
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