AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STRATEGIC DIALOGUE: Advancement leaders gathered at Abu Dhabi University for CASE's Middle East Advancement Symposium, exploring alumni engagement, institutional alignment, and more. 

Credit: Abu Dhabi University

From 10–11 February, CASE convened 40 senior advancement and academic leaders at Abu Dhabi University for the 2026 Middle East Advancement Symposium. Delivered in a refreshed format, MEAS builds on the foundation of the CASE Middle East Advancement Conference. The symposium reflects CASE’s continued commitment to supporting institutions in a region where philanthropic ecosystems are developing rapidly, and institutional ambition is growing in scale and sophistication.

Bringing together delegates from across the Middle East—alongside relevant government authorities supervising philanthropic activity in the United Arab Emirates, artificial intelligence experts, and senior university leaders—MEAS created a forum for strategic dialogue grounded in regional realities. Discussions examined how giving and philanthropy are evolving, and how institutions can intentionally design and accelerate their philanthropic journeys through diversified modes and strategies of giving.

The programme opened with an address on philanthropy in the Middle East by H.E. Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of Social Investment Fund – Ma’an, followed by a plenary from Susie Balch, Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement at NYU Abu Dhabi, on integrated advancement—setting a clear strategic frame for the symposium. A recurring theme throughout was the imperative of institution-wide alignment. Delegates explored how, if philanthropy is to be sustained at scale, advancement must be embedded across leadership structures, from presidents and vice-chancellors to governing boards and colleagues throughout the institution. 

Equally central was the importance of a human-centred approach to alumni engagement. As institutions in the region strengthen their advancement capabilities, long-term relationship building, stewardship, and authentic community engagement will enable future growth.

CASE extends its appreciation to the symposium’s advisors—Sarah Al Sakkaf Al Hashimi, Associate Director of University Development Office, Abu Dhabi University; Salma Dannawi Oueida, Associate Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and University Events, American University of Beirut in Lebanon; and Manal Issa, Assistant President for Advancement, Al Hussein Technical University in Amman, Jordan—for shaping a forward-looking programme, and to all speakers and delegates for contributing to a dynamic and generous exchange of ideas. Special thanks to Abu Dhabi University for hosting the symposium on its campus.

As philanthropic momentum accelerates across the Middle East, MEAS underscores CASE’s role as a global convener—supporting institutions to build capacity, foster collaboration, and advance education in a changing world.

Continuing this trajectory, CASE will convene the Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference in Brisbane from 5–8 May, alongside Development for Deans and Academic Leaders from 6–7 May. Together, these programmes provide a timely platform for advancement professionals and academic leaders across Asia-Pacific to deepen strategic capability, exchange global best practice, and strengthen peer networks.

As the advancement landscape continues to evolve and institutional ambition grows, sustained investment in professional learning and leadership alignment will be critical to building resilient, high-performing advancement operations.

BUILDING CAPACITY, FOSTERING COLLABORATION: Delegates and advancement leaders from across the Middle East participated in dicussions, keynote presentations, and networking activities at the 2026 CASE Middle East Advancement Symposium at Abu Dhabi University. 

Credit: Abu Dhabi University