Hamdan Bin Zayed chairs Abu Dhabi University board of trustees meeting
Hamdan bin Zayed: The UAE President prioritizes education as a top national priority, and a leading driver of global competitiveness Education is a cornerstone of the nation's unity, progress, and prosperity We are proud of Abu Dhabi University’s academic and research achievements and community impact nationally, regionally, and globally
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and President of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the critical role of education in strengthening national unity, fostering social cohesion, and shaping individuals who take pride in their identity, heritage, and accomplishments, while striving to embrace modernity, anticipate the future, and spread values of goodwill, tolerance, and peace globally. Since the establishment of the union, education has been a fundamental pillar in the vision of the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. He was keen to make education a unifying force that brought together the people of the UAE and aligned their aspirations within the fabric of the union, upholding the noble values of Emirati society.
His Highness highlighted that the education system has been a cornerstone of human capital development since the establishment of the union, equipping the national labor market with skilled Emirati professionals across all sectors to meet the country’s diverse development needs. Over the decades, these specialized national talents have set remarkable examples of excellence, leadership, and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the UAE’s journey of growth, prosperity, and progress.
He commended the steadfast support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God preserve him; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. Their commitment to education ensures it remains a top national priority and a leading driver of global competitiveness.
This came during His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan's chairing of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Trustees meeting, attended by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Vice President of the Board, along with board members H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, H.E. Staff Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, H.E. Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, H.E. Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, H.E. Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Directors, and Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University.
At the start of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his pride and appreciation for Abu Dhabi University’s efforts and its remarkable academic and community achievements at the national, regional, and international levels. He highlighted the university’s commitment to effectively translating the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, by prioritizing investment in people as an investment in the future. Abu Dhabi University continues to make significant strides as a leading national institution in higher education, excelling in quality performance and delivering educational outcomes that prepare graduates to meet the labor market’s evolving needs in the UAE and the region, guided by the best academic and practical practices.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan instructed Abu Dhabi University to continue excelling academically, in research, and within the community by implementing programs and initiatives that align with the nation’s ongoing development and prosperity across all sectors. He underscored the importance of fostering a learning environment that inspires creativity, excellence, innovation, and leadership among students.
During the meeting, His Highness reviewed a presentation by Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal, outlining the university’s strategic pillars and future academic development plans. The presentation highlighted the university’s vision to solidify its position and enhance its role in the higher education sector locally, regionally, and globally. It also detailed upcoming academic programs and initiatives aimed at meeting evolving labor market demands, particularly in light of the integration of advanced technology and artificial intelligence into education systems. This vision reflects the necessity for educational institutions to keep pace with rapid advancements in these areas.
During the presentation, Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal highlighted the university’s recent achievements, including a significant academic milestone in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Abu Dhabi University ranked 191st globally, advancing 60 places compared to the previous year, and was listed among the top 200 universities worldwide. It also topped the list for the best university in the UAE for teaching excellence and ranked first in the country for employability of its graduates, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking. The university secured second place in the GCC, third in the Arab world, and 174th globally. Additionally, it ranked 172nd globally for research quality.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Director of Abu Dhabi University, emphasized the university’s commitment to translating the leadership’s directives by maintaining excellence in its academic journey. He noted that the university's College of Business Administration ranked as the best in the UAE in its field, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Furthermore, the university ranked 60th in the list of the world’s best universities under 50 years old in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, 89th among the most prestigious universities in Asia, according to the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024, and 8th globally for the best small universities according to the Best Small Universities Rankings 2024. Abu Dhabi University was also ranked among the top 501 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025, advancing 79 positions, and 12th in the Arab world, moving up 11 places. Additionally, the university earned five stars in the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars Rating for 2022.
His Highness concluded the meeting by praising the excellence achieved by the university’s teams, urging everyone to maintain this outstanding effort, which solidifies the university’s position and role both nationally and internationally. He emphasized the importance of strengthening its mission to shape the future and provide innovative solutions to various developmental challenges across all key sectors.
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