The internationalization of higher education in the Gulf region has become a strategic priority for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as they seek to position themselves as global knowledge hubs. Through significant investments, these nations have formed partnerships with prestigious foreign universities, established branch campuses, and implemented policies to attract international students and faculty. While these initiatives are designed to elevate academic standards and integrate global best practices, questions remain about the depth and sustainability of these efforts. Are they truly reshaping higher education, or do they represent a surface-level transformation? This workshop zooms into the development of internationalization in the Gulf, examining whether it is a meaningful shift or a mere catchphrase.