• Dr. Ali Bin Harmal: Abu Dhabi University's strategy shapes the future of education and contributes to national development goals

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi University (ADU), has appointed Professor Ghassan Aouad as ADU’s new Chancellor. Prof. Aouad will spearhead ADU’s journey of excellence in academia and research nationally, regionally and globally through working closely with staff and professors to strengthen ADU’s position as a leading academic institution across all levels. Prof. Aouad will support in fostering scientific research and best practices in the field to elevate international rankings and recognition.

Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), welcomed the appointment of Prof. Aouad as a step forward in ADU’s successful academic journey. This appointment coincides with the University’s 20th anniversary of excellence, offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs with over 7500 students enrolled in its campuses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra.

Dr. Bin Harmal stressed that ADU has successfully established an innovative academic strategy that is in line with the UAE’s 50-year development plan. Under the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, the strategy aims to drive national development through innovative scientific research that foresees the future, enhances national economy and keeps up with the rapid scientific and technical advancement.

Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “We extend our thanks and gratitude to ADU’s former Chancellor Prof. Waqar Ahmad, who supported the University’s mission through innovative efforts that paved the way towards achieving international rankings and outstanding academic milestones. Today, we will continue the University’s journey of excellence and proud milestones over the coming years with Prof. Aouad.”

Prof. Ghassan Aouad expressed his excitement to join ADU as he referenced the University’s speedy success in leading international academic rankings and accreditations. These accomplishments have strengthened ADU’s position as a leading innovative University in the region since 2003. On this occasion, Prof. Aouad said: “I strive to continuously work towards advancing the University’s growth and achievements in international rankings.”

Prof. Ghassan Aouad has academic experience for 25 years. During which he worked in many universities in the UK and the region and recorded outstanding contributions through holding senior leadership positions in these academic institutions. Additionally, in 2014 Prof. Aouad was appointed as the President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and presented more than 50 keynote speeches and lectures. Prof. Aouad has published 92 papers in top rated refereed journals and presented his work in more than 50 countries. His research and studies covered many scientific topics, including 93 research papers in international journals, 131 refereed conference papers and 38 internal papers and technical reports. In addition to the publication of seven book chapters and four published books. Prof. Aouad was named as one of the top ten academic leaders shaping executive education in the Middle East by the Middle East Economic Digest.

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About Abu Dhabi University:

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region’s leading academic institutions and one of the UAE’s top three universities according to the Times Higher Rankings, working in line with the UAE Government’s National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world class research. Established in 2003, with campuses across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, the University has a total enrollment of over 7,500 students from over 100 nationalities. Structured into Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering and Health Sciences, ADU offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Abu Dhabi University is known for its cutting-edge, internationally accredited programs, additionally, ADU’s graduates are highly employable and work in high jobs and further studies with the university and other prestigious institutions. ADU provides its diverse faculty and students with world-class resources, facilities and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support researchers in the production of knowledge and research-based problem solving. The University enjoys strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and with public and private sector organizations. With institutional accreditation from the US-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC), ADU is ranked 301-350 universities in the world according to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University rankings and received 5 stars in the 2022 QS Stars rating. Abu Dhabi University is among the top three universities in the UAE in holding prestigious accreditations at institutional, college or subject level.

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Media Contacts
Weber Shandwick for Abu Dhabi University
Sara Farrah
Sfarrah@webershandwick.com