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IREG 2025 Conference

University Rankings - Gurdian of Quality in Research and Teaching
at Abu Dhabi University, UAE

PROGRAM

(as of 10 June 2025)

8 December 2025 (Monday)

Arrivals – all day

IREG Executive Committee ( close meeting)
Welcome Reception (for IREG participants- evening)

9 December 2025 (Tuesday)

Grand Opening of joint IREG 2025 and ICASF 2025 Conferences

Panel of Rectors and university Presidents
Do Rankings Affect University Strategy? Looking for Solutions, Avoiding Mishaps

University leaders from different parts of the world will discuss how to navigate rankings challenges in designing a sustainable strategy for their university. Some universities have expressed their disapproval of rankings, others look for new approaches to evaluation of research. The Session will provide opportunity to present and discuss different opinions.

Main ranking session
Meet the Global and Regional Rankers – Gain Insight into Their Strategic Priorities

Regardless their shortcomings, rankings have become an important part of the higher education landscape. Authors of global and regional university rankings will present their rankings characteristics and directions. There will be time for “difficult” questions from the audience.

10 December 2025 (Wednesday)

Session for University Ranking officers
Reimagining Rankings – Supporting a University’s Place and Direction with a Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

The session is aimed primarily at university officers responsible for reading and interpreting rankings, collecting data and answering surveys or questionnaires sent out by ranking organizations. Experts with long career will share their professional experience in advising university leadership on how rankings help define the current university position and set goals for strategic development.

General Assembly of IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence (close meeting, IREG members only)
Gala Dinner for delegates to the IREG 2025 and ICASF 2025 Conferences

More to come

ICASF/IREG 2025 VENUE and HOTELS

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl
A luxurious 5-star hotel on the Corniche, offering beautiful Gulf views and resort-style amenities.

Distance: ~720 m (8-minute walk)
Website: Click here
For Special ICASF/IREG 2025 Rates and Bookings, Please Contact:
Ahmed Shalaby
Sales Manager – Government
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
phone: +971 2 510 1234 | +971 50 169 9249

OTHER HOTELS

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
Elegant 5-star property with refined Arabian décor and Corniche frontage.

Distance: ~600 m (7-min walk)
Website: Click here

Bab Al Qasr Hotel
Opulent beachfront hotel with luxury spa, infinity pool, and shuttle service to Emirates Palace.

Distance: ~550 m (6-min walk)
Website: Click here

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Premium business and leisure hotel in the iconic Etihad Towers complex, featuring an observation deck.

Distance: ~2 km (3–5 minutes by car)
Website: Click here

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
Stylish 5-star resort on the Corniche offering multiple dining options, sea-view pool, and easy access to public transport.

Distance: ~0.9 km (about a 10-minute walk) from Emirates Palace
Website: Click here

Sheraton Hotel Khalidiya
Comfortable 4-star hotel on the Corniche with convenient transit links and modern facilities.

Distance: ~3.5 km (10–15 min drive)
Website: Click here

Oryx Hotel
Friendly 4-star hotel on Zayed Street offering easy city access and a budget-conscious stay.

Distance: ~1.6 mi (~2.6 km, 8–10 min drive)
Website: Click here
Booking Link: Click here
Promo Code: ORADUIC (Please use this code to avail of the special ICASF 2025 discount.)

Organizers

Registration fees:

400 EUR (or 450 USD) – Standard registration
260 EUR (or 300 USD) – IREG Observatory members

IREG conference offers a unique, neutral and unbiased platform to learn and discuss pros and cons of university ranking and their impact on higher education

It is a good tradition of IREG to come back to the Arab Region with its annual conference. We were in Doha, Qatar in 2017, an in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2021 (virtually only due to COVID). In 2025 – IREG will meet at Abu Dhabi, UAE 9-11 December.

Record investments in higher education and research make the Region and the United Arab Emirates in particular a fascinating place to observe the progress universities there have made. We can see universities actively contribute to the sustainable development of the country and the region. For this, IREG host, the Abu Dhabi University, invites the delegates to also join the 3rd International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2025) that will take place in sync with IREG 2025.

Come to:

IREG 2025 Conference
University Rankings – Guardian of Quality in Research & Teaching
9-11 December 2025