Education policy specialists from Arab Bureau of Education for Gulf States (ABEGS) member nations commenced a three-day summit in Muscat on Monday, focusing on implementing blended learning across GCC education systems.

Key Statements:

1. Omani Undersecretary Hamad Al-Sarhani (Educational Affairs Advisor):

   • "We're witnessing profound digital transformations requiring innovative educational models"

   • Highlighted blended learning as the optimal fusion of physical/digital instruction

   • Praised the Arab Educational Research Center's (AERC) ongoing GCC initiatives

2. AERC Director Dr. Mohammed Al-Shuraika:

   • Called blended learning "an effective solution" for modern education challenges

   • Cited benefits:
     ✓ Enhanced knowledge accessibility
     ✓ Expanded self-learning opportunities
     ✓ Optimized educational technology integration

   • Recognized Oman's hosting efforts and member states' participation

Summit Details:

• Duration: 3 days with 9 working sessions

• Focus Areas:
  • Implementing AERC's blended learning program outcomes
  • Developing policy specialists' skills in designing hybrid learning environments
  • Integrating pedagogical methods with digital tools

Participant Profile:
Curriculum developers, education supervisors, and policy makers from all GCC states under ABEGS framework.

Institutional Background:
The Kuwait-based AERC was established per 1977 GCC Education Ministers' decision to:

• Advance educational research

• Standardize assessment methods

• Serve all GCC members (UAE, Bahrain, Yemen, Kuwait, KSA, Oman, Qatar)