The closing ceremony of the International Medical Education Conference (IMEC–ICME 2025), hosted by the International Medical University (IMU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, announced that the next conference ICME 2027 will be held at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in collaboration with Riphah International University, Pakistan. This announcement follows days after the signing of a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening international academic collaboration in medical education between the two. The partnership will provide a platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge among academics, researchers, and professionals, besides the joint organisation of the international conference.

The collaboration between AGU and Riphah International University underscores both institutions' commitment to advancing medical education, enhancing quality assurance and accreditation systems, and promoting innovation and social accountability, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The two universities are currently working to develop a platform for interaction among global experts in medical education and to establish joint educational programmes such as forums, lectures, training workshops, and research projects. Hosting ICME 2027 in Bahrain marks a qualitative milestone, as it will be the first time the conference takes place within the Gulf region.

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al-Fuhaid, President of AGU, and Mr Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor of Riphah International University, reiterated their shared commitment to making ICME 2027 a distinguished global event that fosters excellence, collaboration, and sustainable impact in medical education.

Representing Riphah International University at the conference announcement were Prof Dr Yawar Hayat Khan, Prof Dr Raheela Yasmin, and Prof Dr Rehan Ahmed Khan. From AGU, the team included Dr Mai Sater, Professor Khabab Elhag, and Dr Archana Prabu Kumar. Both institutions reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening regional and international cooperation in health education. The announcement was attended by a select group of educators, academics, and healthcare professionals from around the world.