UAEU Holds Academic Leadership Retreat to Discuss Strengthening Its Pioneering Role in Education and Research

The United Arab Emirates University held an “Academic Leadership Retreat” attended by H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, and H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor, along with academic and administrative leaders and faculty members.

The retreat aims to discuss ways to enhance institutional and academic performance, accelerate progress in education, research, and innovation, and keep pace with rapid global transformations in technology and the knowledge economy.

In his address during the meeting, H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh emphasized that the Academic Leadership Retreat is an opportunity to exchange visions and ideas on strengthening the university’s role in shaping and anticipating future development pathways, thereby enhancing its status as a leading institution in academic excellence and scientific research in the country and the region. He added: “UAEU is a pioneering national institution, a source of academic and research excellence and a driving force in preparing generations capable of contributing to building a safe and sustainable society and a knowledge and innovation-based economy.”

He noted that over its five-decade journey, the university has become a leading research institution with growing regional and international impact. It currently offers 53 undergraduate programs and 71 graduate programs, all accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. More than 90% of eligible academic programs have received international accreditation, with expectations to reach 100% by 2026.

He also stressed the importance of developing the scientific research ecosystem and strengthening its alignment with national priorities in areas such as water, renewable energy, health sciences, and digital transformation. He pointed out that in 2024, university researchers published more than 3,000 scientific papers indexed in Scopus, over 70% of which appeared in Q1-ranked journals an achievement that reflects the university’s global excellence. He added that these results are the product of strategic partnerships with governmental, industrial, and academic institutions inside and outside the UAE, enabling the translation of research outcomes into practical applications and innovation opportunities.

H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh concluded by emphasizing that the academic, administrative, and student body is the foundation of the university’s strength and distinction, noting that this meeting reflects a spirit of teamwork and a shared vision toward a more innovative and sustainable future.

The retreat also discussed several important topics, including digital transformation and artificial intelligence in education, enhancing the university’s reputation, supporting talent and community engagement, research and innovation for national impact and global leadership, and developing students’ skills and readiness for the job market and entrepreneurship.