Global Impact 2026

MENA

Where Global Engagement & Student Success Meet

Abu Dhabi, UAE
March 25–27, 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE • March 25–27, 2026

Host sponsor  

COLLABORATION • INNOVATION • COMMUNITY • IMPACT

125

limited attendees

14

curated sessions

3 Days

of networking & learning

Global Impact is DA Global’s future-oriented gathering that convenes education professionals, student leaders, and industry partners to expand access and unlock the full potential of global education to drive student achievement, career readiness, and institutional impact. It’s one of the most collaborative forums for global experiential learning and student success.

Featured Speakers

Hear from leaders on the future of global education, student success, and career readiness

Ghassan Aouad, Ph.D.

Chancellor

Abu Dhabi University

Sherif Barsoum

Senior Associate Vice President of Global Services

New York University, USA

Erich Dietrich, Ph.D.

Vice Provost Undergraduate Education

New York University, Abu Dhabi

Ghada Elshimi, Ph.D.

 Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Academy of Liberal Arts

American University of Cairo

Andrew J. Gordon

CEO & Founder

DA Global Access Network

Arlie Petters, Ph.D.

Provost

New York University, Abu Dhabi

Carol Brandt, Ph.D.

Vice Provost & Associate Vice Chancellor, Global Education and Outreach

New York University, Abu Dhabi

Fatiah Touray, JD.

Assistant Vice Chancellor, Global Access & Engagement

New York University, Abu Dhabi

Schedule

GIC MENA takes place March 25–27, 2026. Explore the full agenda or see the overview below.

Wed March 25

12:00 PM
Registration

4:00 PM
Coffee break

5:00 PM
Welcome & Access & Ambition in the Gulf: Building a Global Learning Hub

6:30 PM
Welcome Reception

Thu March 26

8:45 AM
Registration

9:15 AM
From Vision to Capacity: Building the Global & Experiential Learning Engine

10:30 AM
Coffee Break & Partner Chat

11:00 AM
Session Block 1

12:15 PM
Lunch Conversation Tables

1:45 PM
Session Block 2

2:45 PM
Coffee Break & Partner Chat

3:15 PM
How Technology is Shaping the Future Global & Experiential Learning

Fri March 27

9:00 AM
Registration

9:30 AM
Session Block 3

10:30 AM
Coffee Break & Partner Chat

11:00 AM
Closing Plenary: 2030 and Beyond

12:00 PM
Lunch Conversation Tables

1:00 PM
Farewell Toast & Networking Marketplace

Registration & Pricing

Member and non‑member rates with Early, Regular, and Late phases. Group bundles available.

Members

Early • until Feb 27

$695

Regular • Feb 28 – Mar 25

$795

Non-Members

Early • until Feb 27

$795

Regular • Feb 28 – Mar 25

$895

MENA Region Institution

Early • until Feb 27

$545

Regular • Feb 28 – Mar 25

$645

What’s included

Access to all sessions, keynotes, expo, and networking events during the main conference.

Group pricing

Discounts for teams of 5+ and 10+. Contact us for custom packages.

Other Registration Options

Graduate student or coming from a low-income country? Learn more about discounted rates.

Travel Information

Global Impact 2026 – MENA will take place March 25–27, 2026, on the campus of New York University Abu Dhabi, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi skyline

Conference Location

Campus of New York University Abu Dhabi
Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Airports & Transport

Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

There are a variety of transportation & accomodation options that a visitor may consider.

Become a Sponsor

Showcase your solutions to leaders across global education, student success, and employer partnerships at Global Impact North America.

Why Sponsor GIC?

Decision-maker audience

Thought-leadership slots

Brand visibility on site & digital

Lead capture & analytics

Student and sponsor conversing

Justifying Your Attendance

Use these talking points and our editable letter to connect Global Impact to your unit’s goals.

Value points to include

  • Direct alignment with student success and employability goals.
  • Actionable practices for widening access to global learning.
  • Templates, frameworks, and data you can apply immediately.
  • Connections with regional and global partners for sustained impact.

Template letter

Download a short, customizable letter outlining learning objectives, costs, and expected outcomes.

Attendee smiling during session

Join Us

Shape the future of global education, student success, & career readiness.