The modern school system is one of the most firmly rooted western-imported institutions in the Arab world. In particular, the Gulf countries have been investing heavily in the expansion and development of western-style modern school education system, especially higher education directly related to labor market. As a result, higher education institutions in the Gulf countries are now the most modern places in these countries including facilities, faculties, subjects, and norms. Interestingly, the Arab Gulf women's successes are most pronounced in education. Qatar, in particular, has the largest gap in the tertiary education enrollment rate favoring women over men, with over 63% for women compared to 11% for men, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics 2021. This presentation explores how this modern higher education system was successfully implemented, adapting to Qatari society, and how Qatari people perceive and value higher education. In particular, this paper will use statistical data from Qatar University and the results of questionnaire survey on Qataris perceptions of education. It aims to explore how modernization takes root in this country, using women’s representation in higher education as a lens.