Please Wait.....
Report
Academic & Research Collaboration in GCC
Market Research Report I 2025-06-27 I 75 Pages I BCC Research
Description
Report Scope
This report explores the academic and research landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It provides a holistic analysis by examining economic indicators, the structure of the education system, and the opportunities for collaborative development within and beyond the region.
The study begins with an overview of the macroeconomic environment of each GCC country, highlighting nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in US$ billions (sourced from the International Monetary Fund) and total population in millions (based on the latest World Bank data up to 2023, with estimates for 2024 and projections for 2025). This contextual foundation is crucial for evaluating the scale and growth potential of the education sector. Due to limited data availability for some smaller GCC nations, the analysis is restricted to projections up to 2025.
A critical component of the study is evaluating government and private sector investment in education, represented by the share of education expenditure as a percentage of nominal GDP. This serves to indicate each country's commitment to the development of its academic ecosystem and human capital.
The study further examines the extent and diversity of the region's educational infrastructure. It includes a count and classification of educational institutions such as nurseries, primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training institutes. It also considers emerging models like online and distance learning centers that have recently gained popularity.
Student enrollment is analyzed in detail, considering the total number of students across various levels of education. All types of students, such as regular full-time students, part-time learners, and online students, which are further distinguished between local and foreign (expatriate) student populations, have been considered.
In addition to institutional and demographic analysis, the study assesses the state of academic and research collaborations across the GCC. It examines the nature and extent of partnerships among regional institutions and international academic and research bodies. Particular focus is given to government-led initiatives, funding programs for R&D, and the role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and scientific advancement.
Finally, the study estimates the total addressable market (TAM) for the education sector in the GCC from 2022 through the end of 2025. This includes projected spending on educational infrastructure such as campus development and facility upgrades, revenue generation from educational services including tuition, training, and certification programs, and investments in education technology encompassing digital platforms, tools, and AI-driven solutions. The TAM analysis helps identify the commercial potential and investment opportunities in the region's evolving education landscape.
The study aims to support policymakers, investors, academic institutions, and technology providers in understanding the scope for growth, collaboration, and innovation in the GCC education sector through this comprehensive framework.
Report Includes
- Analysis of the regional market for academic and research collaboration in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- An understanding of the opportunities and progress in academic and research collaborations in the GCC market
- Facts and figures pertaining to the current market dynamics, advances in technology and regulations
- Coverage of joint research programs, co-funded projects, academic exchange agreements, and the establishment of regional centers of excellence for academic and research collaborations in the GCC countries
- Information on international university partnerships, public-private research collaborations, sector-specific focus areas such as healthcare, energy and artificial intelligence, and government initiatives promoting excellence
Executive Summary
Summary:
This report provides a strategic overview of academic and research collaboration across the GCC region, highlighting key trends, government initiatives, institutional partnerships, and international cooperation. It examines how countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are investing in higher education and R&D to drive innovation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. The report offers valuable insights for policymakers, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders seeking to enhance cross-border collaboration and build knowledge-based economies in the Gulf.
This report explores the academic and research landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It provides a holistic analysis by examining economic indicators, the structure of the education system, and the opportunities for collaborative development within and beyond the region.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive Summary
Snapshot of Education Industry in GCC
Market Outlook
Scope of Report
Reasons for Doing This Study
Market Summary
Chapter 2 GCC Education Industry Outlook
Introduction
Global versus GCC Education Industry Analysis
Curriculum at a Crossroads: Blending Traditional Foundations with Modern Customizable Approaches
Teaching Reimagined: Innovation Leading Learning
Digital Leap: Integrating EdTech into the DNA of Education
Measuring Success: Student Outcomes and Global Benchmarks
Governance Matters: Policy Frameworks and Education Reform
Chapter 3 Market Dynamics
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
Digital Transformation and Technological Integration
Strategic Government Policies and National Visions
Expanding Role of the Private Sector in Education
Shifting Demographics and Growing Demand for Quality Education
International Collaborations and Academic Partnerships
Market Challenges
Quality Disparities Across Public and Private Institutions
Teacher Shortage and Reliance on Expatriate Workforce
Regulatory Complexity and Fragmented Oversight
Market Opportunities
Expansion of EdTech and Digital Learning Solutions
Investment in Vocational and Technical Training
Regional Demand for International and Specialized Curriculum
Growing Role of Private Higher Education and PPPs
Research Collaboration and Knowledge Economy Initiatives
Chapter 4 Saudi Arabia Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Outlook
Current State of Academic Research
Chapter 5 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Landscape
Current State of Academic Research
Research Collaboration Landscape
Funding Sources
National Research Priorities
Chapter 6 Oman Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Landscape
Current State of Academic Research
Research Collaboration Landscape
Funding Sources
National Research Priorities
Chapter 7 Qatar Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Landscape
Current State of Academic Research
Research Collaboration Landscape
Funding Sources
National Research Priorities
Chapter 8 Kuwait Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Landscape
Current State of Academic Research
Research Collaboration Landscape
Funding Sources
National Research Priorities
Chapter 9 Bahrain Education Industry Outlook
Overview
Population Trend Overview
GDP Trend Overview
Education Infrastructure Overview
Student Demographics
Market Size Analysis
Academic Research Overview and Collaboration Landscape
Current State of Academic Research
Research Collaboration Landscape
Funding Sources
National Research Priorities
Chapter 10 Concluding Remarks and Recommendations
Recommendations for Strengthening Academic Research and Collaboration in the GCC
Chapter 11 Appendix
Methodology
Sources
Abbreviations
List of Tables
Summary Table : Total Addressable Market for the Education Industry in GCC, 2022-2025
Table 1 : Comparative Analysis of Academic Research and Collaboration in GCC Nations
Table 2 : Factors Influencing the GCC Education Industry
Table 3 : Key Challenges in the GCC Education Industry
Table 4 : Opportunities in the GCC Education Industry
Table 5 : Saudi Arabian GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 6 : Educational Institutes in Saudi Arabia, 2022-2025
Table 7 : Number of Students Enrolled in Saudi Arabia, 2022-2025
Table 8 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in Saudi Arabia, 2022-2025
Table 9 : Key Operators in the Saudi Arabian Education Sector, 2025
Table 10 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of Saudi Arabia, 2024-2025
Table 11 : The UAE GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 12 : Educational Institutes in the UAE, 2022-2025
Table 13 : Students Enrolled in the UAE, 2022-2025
Table 14 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in the UAE, 2022-2025
Table 15 : Operators in the UAE Education Sector, 2025
Table 16 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of the UAE, 2024-2025
Table 17 : Oman GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 18 : Educational Institutes in Oman, 2022-2025
Table 19 : Students Enrolled in Oman, 2022-2025
Table 20 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in Oman, 2022-2025
Table 21 : Key Operators in the Oman Education Sector, 2025
Table 22 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of Oman, 2024-2025
Table 23 : Qatar GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 24 : Educational Institutes in Qatar, 2022-2025
Table 25 : Students Enrolled in Qatar, 2022-2025
Table 26 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in Qatar, 2022-2025
Table 27 : Key Operators in the Qatar Education Sector, 2025
Table 28 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of Qatar, 2024-2025
Table 29 : Kuwait GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 30 : Educational Institutes in Kuwait, 2022-2025
Table 31 : Students Enrolled in Kuwait, 2022-2025
Table 32 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in Kuwait, 2022-2025
Table 33 : Key Operators in the Kuwait Education Sector, 2025
Table 34 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of Kuwait, 2024-2025
Table 35 : Bahrain GDP Trends, 2022-2025
Table 36 : Educational Institutes in Bahrain, 2022-2025
Table 37 : Students Enrolled in Bahrain, 2022-2025
Table 38 : Total Addressable Market Size of the Education Sector in Bahrain, 2022-2025
Table 39 : Key Operators in the Bahrain Education Sector, 2025
Table 40 : Recent Developments in the Education Sector of Bahrain, 2024-2025
Table 41 : Information Sources in this Report
Table 42 : Abbreviations Used in this Report
List of Figures
Summary Figure : Total Addressable Market for the Education Industry in GCC, by Country, 2022-2025
Figure 1 : GCC Education Industry Snapshot
Figure 2 : Market Dynamics of the Education Industry in the GCC Region
Figure 3 : Saudi Arabia: Snapshot
Figure 4 : Saudi Arabian Population Trends, 2022-2025
Figure 5 : Saudi Arabian Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025
Figure 6 : Educational Institutes Shares in Saudi Arabia, by Type, 2025p
Figure 7 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in Saudi Arabia, 2025p
Figure 8 : The UAE: Snapshot
Figure 9 : The UAE Population Trends, 2022-2025
Figure 10 : The UAE Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025
Figure 11 : Educational Institutes Shares in the UAE, by Type, 2025p
Figure 12 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in the UAE, 2025p
Figure 13 : OMAN: Snapshot
Figure 14 : Oman Population Trends, 2022-2025p
Figure 15 : Oman Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025e
Figure 16 : Educational Institutes Shares in Oman, by Type, 2025p
Figure 17 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in Oman, 2025p
Figure 18 : QATAR: Snapshot
Figure 19 : Qatar Population Trends, 2022-2025p
Figure 20 : Qatar Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025e
Figure 21 : Educational Institutes Shares in Qatar, by Type, 2025p
Figure 22 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in Qatar, 2025p
Figure 23 : KUWAIT: Snapshot
Figure 24 : Kuwait Population Trends, 2022-2025
Figure 25 : Kuwait Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025e
Figure 26 : Educational Institutes Shares in Kuwait, by Type, 2025p
Figure 27 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in Kuwait, 2025p
Figure 28 : BAHRAIN: Snapshot
Figure 29 : Bahrain Population Trends, 2022-2025
Figure 30 : Bahrain Spending on the Education Sector, 2022-2025
Figure 31 : Educational Institutes Shares in Bahrain, by Type, 2025p
Figure 32 : Enrolled Students Shares, by Educational Levels in Bahrain, 2025p
Figure 33 : Recommendations for Academic Research and Collaboration in the GCC
- Not Sure / Need Reassuring
- Confirm Content
-
Content is provided by our partners and every effort is made to make Market Report details as clear as possible. If you are not sure the exact content you require is included in this study you can Contact us to double check. To do this you can:
Use the ‘? ASK A QUESTION’ below the license / prices and to the right of this box. This will come directly to our team who will work on dealing with your request as soon as possible.
Write to directly on support@scotts-international.com with details. Please include as much information as possible including the name of report or link so our staff will be able to work on you request.
Telephone us directly on 0048 603 394 346 and an experienced member of team will be on hand to answer.
-
- Sample Pages
-
With the vast majority of our partners we can obtain Sample Pages to support your decision. This is something we can arrange without revealing your personal details.
It is important to note that we will not be able to provide you the exact data or statistics such as Market Size and Forecasts. Sample pages usually confirm the layout or the Categories included in Charts and Graphs, excluding specific data.
To ask for Sample Pages by contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Check for Alternatives
-
Whilst we try to make our online platform as easy to use as possible there is always the possibility that a better alternative has not been found in your search.
To avoid this possibility Contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346 and a Senior Team Member can review your requirements and send a list of possibilities with opinions and recommendations.
-
- Confirm Content
- Prices / Formats / Delivery
- Prices
-
All prices are set by our partners and should be exactly the same as those listed on their own websites. We work on a Revenue share basis ensuring that you never pay more than what is offered elsewhere.
Should you find the price cheaper on another platform we recommend you to Contact us as we should be able to match this price. You can Contact us though through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Discounts
-
As we work in close partnership with our Partners from time to time we can secure discounts and assist with negotiations, this is part of our personalised service to you.
Discounts can sometimes be arranged for speedily placed orders; multiple report purchases or Higher License purchases.
To check if a Discount is possible please Contact our experienced team through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Available Currencies
-
Most Market Reports on our platform are listed in USD or EURO based on the wishes of our Partners. To avoid currency fluctuations and potential price differentiations we do not offer the possibility to change the currency online.
Should you wish to pay in a different currency to that advertised online we do accept payments in USD, EURO, GBP and PLN. The price will be calculated based on the relevant exchange rate taken from our National Bank.
To pay in a different above currency to that advertised online please Contact our team and a quotation will be sent within a couple of hours with payment details.
-
- Licenses
-
License options vary from Partner to Partner as is usually based on the number of Users that will benefitting from the report. It is very important that License ordered is not breached as this could have potential negative consequences for you individually or your employer.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Global Site License
-
The Global Site License is the most comprehensive license available. By selecting this license, the Market Report can be shared with other ‘Allowed Users’ and any other member of staff from the same organisation regardless of geographic location.
It is important to note that this may exclude Parent Companies or Subsidiaries.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Formats
-
The most common format is PDF, however in certain circumstances data may be present in Excel format or Online, especially in the case of Database or Directories. In addition, for certain higher license options a CD may also be provided.
If you have questions or need clarification about the specific formats we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Delivery
-
Delivery is fulfilled by our partners directly. Once an order has been placed we inform the partner by sharing the delivery email details given in the order process.
Delivery is usually made within 24 hours of an order being placed, however it may take longer should your order be placed prior to the weekend or if otherwise specified on the Market Report details page. Additionally, if details have been not fully completed in the Order process a delay in delivery is possible.
If a delay in delivery is expected you will be informed about it immediately.
-
- Shipping Charges
-
As most Market Reports are delivered in PDF format we almost never have to add additional Shipping Charges. If, however you are ordering a Higher License service or a specific delivery format (e.g. CD version) charges may apply.
If you are concerned about additional Shipping Charges we recommend you to Contact us to double check.
-
- Prices
- Ordering
- By Credit Card
-
We work in Partnership with PayU to ensure payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way. PayU is the e-payments division of Naspers.
Naspers operates in over 133 International Markets and ranks 3rd Globally in terms of the number of e-commerce customers served.
For more information on PayU please visit: https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us
-
- By Money Transfer
-
If you require an invoice prior to payment, this is possible. To ensure a speedy delivery of the Market Report we require all relevant company details and you agree to maximum payment terms of 30 days from receipt of order.
With our regular clients deliver of the Market Report can be made prior to receiving payment, however in some circumstances we may ask for payment to be received before arranging for the Market Report to be delivered.
-
- By Credit Card
- Security
- Website security
-
We have specifically partnered with leading International companies to protect your privacy by using different technologies and processes to ensure security.
Everything submitted to Scotts International is encrypted via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and all personal information provided to Scotts International is stored on computer systems with limited access in controlled environments.
-
- Credit Card Security
-
We partner with PayU (https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us) to ensure all credit card payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way.
PayU offers 250+ various payment channels and eWallet services across 4 continents allowing buyers to pay electronically, whether on a computer or a mobile device.
-
- Website security