GCC countries are increasingly becoming a preferred destination for higher education and are attracting internationally reputed higher education institutions (HEIs) and trained faculty. The transformation can be attributed to the advancements made in developing the social, economic and education infrastructures. In this special issue, we have put the spotlight on this geographical region with regard to its higher education. The cover story of the issue features Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) which strives to provide students with the opportunity to study, practice and take part in developing professional performing and production arts in the region and internationally. An independent, non-profit, co-educational institution of higher education, SPAA promotes excellence in teaching and learning in a conservatoire. The institute fundamentally believes that the performing arts has the capacity to affect and benefit every single person.

SPAA provides a comprehensive education for the professional performing artist and for production and technical creatives. The issue also covers Skyline University College (SUC) which has a School of Business offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration and a School of Information Technology offering undergraduate degree programs which are fully-approved and accredited by the Ministry of Education (MOE), UAE. SUC has a well-equipped campus, which caters to its diverse student body needs including sports facilities. It provides additional learning opportunities and resources by way of a well-equipped library having a wide range of databases such as ProQuest, E-book Central, EBSCO and IGI Global, IEEE Computer Science Digital Library, SCOPUS and Online Learning Resources such as IGI and Springer Nature.

After scrutinizing the colleges and universities in this region, we have selected the top performers who have showcased exceptional academic expertise. With the intent to transform the lives of students, these colleges have exhibited the acumen to adapt to the evolution of the educational field and help students emerge victorious.

We look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.