The Middle East may be the most fascinating region of the world to focus on the potential of higher education. The sector has huge challenges but great opportunities. Some countries in the region are becoming global hubs for international students; new universities are creating partnerships with the world’s finest institutions; and huge investments are being made in research infrastructure. Combined with ambitious leadership, we are seeing more and more evidence of high-quality research and innovative teaching. The cradle of civilisation may be producing new knowledge economies. At the 2018 Middle East and North Africa Universities Summit, on the theme of “Fulfilling our potential: developing the knowledge economy for the MENA region”, Times Higher Education will progress our university ranking methodology to create the clearest vision yet of where the best institutions in the region are today, and where the light is from the new stars. As countries change from economies built on natural resources, and governments rapidly forge new alliances, how can universities play a leading role in securing a sustainable and prosperous future for their host nations and the region? What are the strategies that university leaders can employ to enable them to meet the grand challenges affecting a region with so much potential for progress? Our Middle East and North Africa Universities Summit 2018 will be the perfect opportunity to hear from key figures in the region, share experience, understand the policy debates, explore the latest innovations and celebrate new achievements.