Mission Creep: curricularising knowledges in a new transnational university in the Persian Gulf

In the transition from resource-based to knowledge-based economies in the Persian Gulf, transnational higher education institutions, including international branch campuses, play a vital role in expanding educational opportunities. This case study focuses on a university established by a New Zealand consortium in the region. Originally aiming to blend Arab-Islamic and Western principles, the study uncovers a shift towards a curriculum shaped by a perceived 'secular' and 'universal' worldview. By examining the decision-making process of expatriate educators in selecting and justifying course content, the research highlights the importance of understanding cultural contexts and critically evaluating assumptions in the design of international curricula