Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence

Khalid Arar; Rania Sawalhi

doi:10.30828/real.1997171

Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence

Abstract

This article systematically reviews empirical evidence on higher education leadership in the Arab World. The review focused on empirical and conceptual studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1980 and 2023. It drew on bibliographic data from Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, including identifying data sources, the search strategy, data collection, eligibility criteria, data selection, and data analysis. We conducted a descriptive analysis to trace the development, volume, geographic distribution, and trends of research from a broad perspective, followed by a thematic analysis of the main topical areas. The paper first presents an overall descriptive macro-outlook of study volume, geographic distribution, and trends, and then the main topical areas and themes, including governance policies, leadership styles, technology integration, social change, organizational culture, and research development, with subthemes for each. The paper concludes with theoretical and methodological reflections on current research features and recommendations for a future research agenda, policy, governance, and how leadership can better catalyze and address the immediate context and global trends in higher education development.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Not applicable

Project Number

Project was not funded

Ethical Statement

The systemic review adhered to ethical procedure

Thanks

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Education Management, Education Planning

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Khalid Arar ^*
0000-0003-4094-966X
United States

Rania Sawalhi
0000-0002-6629-7607
Jordan

Publication Date

September 27, 2026

Submission Date

July 17, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1997171

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA43BH66FJ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Arar, K., & Sawalhi, R. (2026). Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, 11(3), 918-960. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1997171

AMA

1.Arar K, Sawalhi R. Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. REAL. 2026;11(3):918-960. doi:10.30828/real.1997171

Chicago

Arar, Khalid, and Rania Sawalhi. 2026. “Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 (3): 918-60. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1997171.

EndNote

Arar K, Sawalhi R (September 1, 2026) Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 3 918–960.

IEEE

[1]K. Arar and R. Sawalhi, “Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence”, REAL, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 918–960, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.30828/real.1997171.

ISNAD

Arar, Khalid - Sawalhi, Rania. “Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11/3 (September 1, 2026): 918-960. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1997171.

JAMA

1.Arar K, Sawalhi R. Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. REAL. 2026;11:918–960.

MLA

Arar, Khalid, and Rania Sawalhi. “Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, vol. 11, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 918-60, doi:10.30828/real.1997171.

Vancouver

1.Khalid Arar, Rania Sawalhi. Higher Education Leadership in the Arab World: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. REAL. 2026 Sep. 1;11(3):918-60. doi:10.30828/real.1997171