How Are the Policy Initiatives Being Enacted to Strengthen Regional Higher Education in the GCC Received and Implemented?

Background/purpose. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have witnessed many developments in various fields due to their commitment to unity and cooperation. The GCC has launched initiatives inspired by the European Universities Initiative to support regional higher education. These initiatives include establishing networks and associations, promoting collaboration, and developing joint programs. The expected benefits include improved educational quality and international collaboration, and competitiveness. Research also reveals challenges and tensions that arise when implementing policies within regions. This study aims to explore the perceptions of academic staff on the impact of implementing regional policy initiatives on their practices and collaborations in HEIs in the GCC. Materials/methods. This study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the diverse perspectives of academic staff. Using criterion sampling, participants were selected based on their roles and responsibilities related to policy engagement. Six in-depth interviews, with a qualitative survey, were conducted to examine how regional policy initiatives influence day-to-day academic practices. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. The findings reveal challenges, including geopolitical tensions, institutional autonomy constraints, and varying educational standards, that hinder regional progress. Conclusion. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of bridging the gaps between senior management and low-power stakeholders, including staff members and students, for more effective policymaking and implementation at higher education institutions (HEIs) within the GCC.