GCC approves unified academic accreditation rules across member states

Cairo: The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) education ministers have approved unified guidelines on accrediting academic degrees in the six nations at a meeting held in Kuwait.

Kuwaiti Minister of Education Jalal Al Tabtabai said the ministers had approved several joint initiatives during the meeting this week, including a unified guide to the care of gifted and disabled students, and the creation of a joint research database.

The meeting marked a "milestone" in consolidating cooperation and integration among the GCC countries in higher education and scientific research, added Al Tabtabai.

"It reflects the shared commitment to developing the higher education system to meet the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC countries," he said.

The officials, moreover, agreed to introduce a special part on Gulf citizenship into the educational curricula.

Regarding the unification of GCC curricula, Al Tabtabai said: "Even if there is an idea in this respect, some curricula cannot be unified across the GCC states, especially those related to the country's history."

He said recommendations had been made on some Kuwaiti proposals presented to the meeting. They include unifying the education system and the exchange of talented and distinguished teachers across the GCC countries.

"Exchanging teachers means exchanging and benefiting from expertise," he elaborated.

Besides Kuwait, the GCC grouping comprises the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.