ABSTRACT
The first chapter maps the pendulum of the internationalization versus localization of higher education (HE), affecting the means and ends of HE development, including in the Arab World. Hence, there is a rapid growth and interest in HE in the region in general and the resource-rich states of Qatar and the UAE in particular. This chapter aims to systematically collect, document, scrutinize, and critically analyze the current challenges facing HE in the Arab region, its features, impacts, and the factors that facilitate or inhibit its current shape and development. Furthermore, we will map and identify key scholarship and research strengths and weakness to set the stage for a future research agenda. Beyond this, our review is to consider policy informing HE development in this region. Based on a systematic literature search on Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS, a thematic analysis will be conducted using the Nvivo software package. This analysis allows us to identify policy, strategy and research patterns, trends, geographic origins, and the scope of scholarship affecting leadership and managerial perceptions in leading higher education institutions (HEIs). Our analysis will identify policies and theoretical, conceptual, and methodological limitations contributing to the nature of HE development in this region and its connection with global trends of HE development. Conclusions and implications for future research and practice will be discussed fully.
