ECLBS and Euro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (EACC in Dubai) Hold Strategic Online Meeting to Advance Business School Rankings in the Middle East

Dubai/Riga, June 2025 — The European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) and the Euro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (EACC in Dubai) held a high-level virtual meeting this week to explore strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the academic quality and international ranking of business schools across the Middle East.

Hosted online from both Dubai and Riga, the meeting brought together senior representatives from both institutions to exchange ideas and lay the groundwork for joint initiatives that support academic excellence, quality assurance, and global competitiveness in Arab higher education.

Strategic Areas of Collaboration

The dialogue focused on four key pillars:

1. Accreditation and Quality Development

Both parties explored the creation of a joint framework for accrediting business schools in the region, aligned with globally recognized academic standards and quality assurance practices.

2. Academic and Professional Exchange

A mutual interest was expressed in launching cross-border exchange initiatives for faculty and students, fostering academic mobility, intercultural dialogue, and institutional development.

3. Joint Research and Capacity-Building Events

Plans were initiated for organizing conferences, workshops, and collaborative research projects centered on regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital transformation of business education.

4. Regional Expansion of the QRNW Ranking

ECLBS introduced its global Quality Ranking Network (QRNW) and proposed the creation of a dedicated Middle East category to highlight academic achievements and elevate the international visibility of regional institutions.

A Shared Vision for Regional Impact

Commenting on the meeting, Dace Jansone, Executive Board Member of ECLBS, stated:

“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.”

The EACC team echoed this vision, underscoring the pivotal role of education in driving regional economic resilience, sustainable development, and knowledge-based cooperation between Europe and the Arab world.

Next Steps

ECLBS and EACC agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership, with clear objectives and timelines for implementation. Initial joint actions will include regional needs assessments, outreach to academic institutions, and pilot programs focused on quality improvement and international accreditation readiness.

About the Partners

• ECLBS (European Council of Leading Business Schools) is a non-profit accreditation body founded in 2013 and headquartered in Riga, Latvia. ECLBS supports business schools globally through accreditation services, quality audits, and academic rankings via its QRNW platform, operating in alignment with internationally reputable quality networks. www.eclbs.eu

• EACC (Euro-Arab Chamber of Commerce) is a cross-regional organization fostering cooperation between Europe and the Arab world in trade, investment, and education. It operates through its offices in Zurich and Dubai, facilitating bilateral partnerships and development initiatives. www.eacc.ch

This collaboration marks an important milestone in promoting academic excellence and building impactful educational bridges between Europe and the Middle East.