The 2025 Annual Forum centred on the practical work of developing Open Science across the Arab region. The programme included presentations, case studies, and workshop sessions designed to support institutions and research communities in building the skills, structures, and shared understandings required for more accessible and collaborative scholarly work.

The Forum was hosted by the American University in Sharjah, under the patronage of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). The conference theme, Becoming Open: Building Capacities and Communities in the Arab World, guided discussions on how research cultures and professional networks in the region can continue to evolve in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and grounded in local priorities.