news

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, US Meta Arees International University signed a strategic partnership agreement with Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy. The agreement was signed by Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of US Meta Arees International University, and Ms. Doha Belabid, CEO of Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy, in the presence of Mr. Mohammed Al Hammadi, CEO of Enwan Media Company, with media coverage provided by the latter. The strategic partnership agreement includes the accreditation of Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy by the American Academic Board affiliated with US Meta Arees International University in the field of training and professional programs across all specialties. Under this agreement, Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy becomes authorized to grant American training certificates as well as advanced professional American degrees up to the level of Professional Doctorate. The agreement also extends cooperation in the areas of school and university education, as well as parallel events and activities. Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad emphasized that the university spares no effort in networking and strengthening collaboration with key and pioneering institutions, as exemplified by this agreement with Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy, which possesses exceptional expertise and innovative, forward-thinking leadership. From the university’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., Dr. Osama Al-Mustafa, CEO of the University, expressed his joy over this agreement via a direct online connection, welcoming the fruitful cooperation and wishing Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy success in activating this unique strategic partnership. For her part, Ms. Doha Belabid explained that since its establishment, Khatwa Bkhatwa Management Consultancy has been dedicated to developing human resources by providing specialized training programs, along with offering a full range of consultancy and supportive workshops. She added that the institution seeks expansion and global outreach, which is now embodied through this partnership with US Meta Arees International University.

US Meta Arees International University participated in the graduation ceremony of 150 students from Dar Al-Ilm Institute in Dubai, who received their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum, Member of the University’s Board of Trustees, along with Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, President of US Meta Arees International University. The ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, and a distinguished group of academic and media figures. In her keynote address, Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum expressed her joy in sponsoring and attending the graduation ceremony of Dar Al-Ilm Institute for Training and Education. She emphasized that while education and graduating new cohorts of students remain a priority, the real aim is not to produce theses and research locked away in drawers and libraries, but to encourage living research and dynamic dissertations that change reality, advance society, and foster creativity and innovation. Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, President of US Meta Arees International University, also delivered a speech on behalf of the university. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to adopting new educational policies that focus on understanding, reasoning, application, and innovation. He further reaffirmed the university’s vision of graduating free-thinking learners who think outside the box, are instilled with noble ethical values, and possess powerful transformative energy. Following the speeches, the graduation certificates were presented to the students by the patron of the ceremony, Sheikha Dr. Afra Al Maktoum. US Meta Arees International University was also honored during the event, alongside a number of distinguished figures and strategic partners, in an atmosphere filled with excitement, joy, and pride in success and excellence.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved the services provided by US Meta Arees International University in the field of secondary education and dual enrollment programs. This step represents a significant advancement in the university’s institutional expansion plan, enabling it to reach underserved groups by offering preparatory secondary education programs that qualify students for further academic study at the university, in addition to launching dual enrollment programs starting from the high school level. In the official statement of adoption for the “Secondary Schools Strategy” issued by the U.S. Department of Education, it was stated: “As a registered institution in good standing with the Department of Education in the State of Virginia, US Meta Arees International University recognizes the importance of responsive and future-ready educational models. The implementation of the Secondary Schools Strategy will contribute to strengthening educational equity, innovation, and global competitiveness.” US Meta Arees International University, in its statement, explained that the Secondary Schools Strategy aims to expand access to high-quality education for non-traditional learners and to establish flexible learning platforms that integrate secondary and higher education outcomes. It also seeks to bridge the gap between essential high school competencies and advanced university-level education. This strategy will be implemented through a series of international partnerships and initiatives, with the university reaffirming its full commitment to complying with the standards and reporting mechanisms of the Department of Education in the State of Virginia, as it advances this transformative educational strategy, which represents a vital part of shaping the new future of education worldwide.

US Meta Arees International University, headquartered in Washington, D.C., through its international representative office outside the United States in the United Arab Emirates, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with ousos Company for Training, Education, and Human Resources Development in Syria. The agreement includes the administrative and logistical hosting of the university at ousos Company’s premises in Damascus. The agreement was signed by Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, President of the University, and Ms. Rola Al-Hamwi, General Manager of ousos. Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad welcomed this strategic cooperation with a well-established company distinguished by its professional, high-quality logistical, administrative, and technical facilities, as well as its good reputation in Syria. He pointed out that the university seeks to establish its presence in many countries around the world outside the United States of America, with Syria at the forefront due to its strategic location, historical scientific standing, and intelligent, creative youth resources. Ms. Rola Al-Hamwi, General Manager of ousos, considered that cooperation with US Meta Arees International University represents a well-studied step aimed at granting Syrian youth advanced educational opportunities and international academic degrees that open the doors of the future for them. From the university’s office in Washington, D.C., Dr. Osama Al-Mustafa, Executive Director of the University, welcomed this strategic cooperation, wishing ousos Company success in this joint step with the university on the path of knowledge and technology. It is worth mentioning that US Meta Arees International University is a licensed and registered university in the United States of America, in the state of Virginia, and is located in Washington, D.C., near the White House. The university has six colleges in Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse, Public Health and Medical Services, Science, Education, Media, and Business Administration.

H.E. Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hishr Al Maktoum, Member of the Board of Trustees of US Meta Arees International University and a faculty member, was crowned Woman of the Year at the Al-Hasbah Award Forum for Inspiring Women, organized by Ghobashah Events Foundation under the chairmanship of cultural expert Dr. Khalid Al Dhanhani. The forum included a rich dialogue session that presented courageous opinions, inspiring experiences, and remarkable success stories. After being announced as Woman of the Year, Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hishr Al Maktoum delivered a speech in which she affirmed that the presence and empowerment of Emirati women is not something new, but rather a historical legacy present throughout every stage of the UAE’s development, even before the discovery of oil, when Dubai had women who were traders, poets, teachers, doctors, and even in the police field. She added: “On Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate together this renewed triumph of women—their triumph through participation, their role, and their social, family, and professional integration in all aspects of life.”

With the presence of H.E. Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hishr Al Maktoum, the Ghobashah Events Foundation, chaired by H.E. Dr. Khalid Al Dhanhani, launched the first edition of the Al-Hasbah Award Forum for Inspiring Women. US Meta Arees International University participated in the forum as a strategic partner, represented by H.E. Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, President of US Meta Arees International University, who delivered a speech on this occasion. He stated that the university considers the excellence of Emirati women in all fields, while preserving their national identity, to be a true embodiment of the goals and principles of sustainable development. He further emphasized that empowering women is the empowerment of a vibrant and sustainable human civilization. During the forum, H.E. Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hishr Al Maktoum was honored and granted the title “Woman of the Year” in recognition of her work, initiatives, and profound influence on society. A number of other pioneering and inspiring Emirati women figures were also honored, in an atmosphere of sincere and serious dialogue, filled with love and peace.

Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at US Meta Arees International University and the affiliated American Academic Board for Training, presented Dr. Samer Mzaiek with his official membership certificate in the American Board. Dr. Samer Mzaiek now joins the ranks of internationally certified trainers of the American Academic Board in the fields of branding, marketing management, and sales. In addition, he has joined the faculty of the College of Business Administration at US Meta Arees University.

Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at US Meta Arees International University and the affiliated American Academic Board for Training, presented the well-known actor and director, Mr. Wael Sharaf, with his official membership certificate in the American Board. Mr. Wael Sharaf now joins the ranks of internationally certified trainers of the American Academic Board in the fields of acting, directing, and filmmaking. In addition, he has joined the faculty of the College of Media at US Meta Arees University, where he will contribute to teaching courses in acting and directing.

In a move that strengthens international partnerships in the field of professional and creative training, the American Academic Board for Education and Training, affiliated with US Meta Arees International University – Washington, D.C., has officially signed an accreditation agreement with Fishbone, a leading company in media and artistic production based in Dubai. Under this agreement, Fishbone is accredited to deliver professional training programs in the fields of acting, directing, media, and filmmaking. The agreement was signed in the presence of: Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at US Meta Arees International University and President of the American Academic Board Dr. samer Mzaiek, CEO of Fishbone Mr. Wael Sharaf, renowned actor and director, and Director of Professional Training and Development Programs at Fishbone In his speech, Dr. Monkez Al-Akkad explained that this collaboration is part of the Board’s strategy to expand its partnerships beyond the United States, with the goal of supporting high-quality professional empowerment, ensuring excellence in training in line with international standards, and linking education and training to labor market needs. Dr. Osama Al-Mustafa, President of US Meta Arees International University and Dean of the American Academic Board, expressed from Washington his pleasure with this partnership and welcomed Fishbone to the network of accredited institutions. Dr. samer Mzaiek also expressed his pride in this accreditation, noting that it opens new opportunities for Fishbone to offer world-class training programs and enhances its global credibility. Similarly, Mr. Wael Sharaf expressed his enthusiasm for launching specialized training programs in acting, directing, media presence, and filmmaking, noting that this partnership represents a dynamic model of intellectual and professional cooperation based on innovation and leadership.

Issued by Dr. Ferial Tucker, Dean of the College of Education at US Meta Arees International University, a new book representing the culmination of her doctoral dissertation from the University of Cambridge, entitled: “Gifted Education in Palestine: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph.” The book sheds light on the resilience and triumphs of gifted learners in the most challenging environments. It highlights the unique traits that distinguish these learners—traits shaped by adversity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. It reveals inspiring stories of award-winning students and the distinctive characteristics that fuel their journey from local recognition to global impact. This book stands as a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of unleashing the talents of young learners in the face of conflict. The multi-method research incorporated extensive data collection during one of the most challenging periods in Palestine. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies enhanced the rigor of the research, providing both depth of understanding and credibility through multiple data sources. The university’s leadership has extended its congratulations to Dr. Ferial Tucker for her recent publication, wishing her continued excellence in scientific and field research in the field of gifted and talented education.