The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Board of Trustees, led by His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of UAEU, convened today in Abu Dhabi for its second meeting of the 2024/2025 academic year. The Board discussed UAEU’s ongoing strategic initiatives to propel the institution into the world’s top 200 universities by 2026, in alignment with the goals set out in UAEU’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026.

His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh warmly welcomed the Board members and the Advisory board members, expressing his deep appreciation to them. The Board’s discussions focused on four key strategic areas, 1.  Academic Program Optimization: evaluating program efficiency and alignment with market demand to ensure offerings align with UAE’s national priorities and future workforce needs, 2.  Research Productivity and Innovation: Reviewing strategies to boost research quality and output through enhanced collaboration and innovation in key national priority areas, 3.  Faculty Classification and Recruitment: Supporting UAEU’s shift to a research-intensive model by endorsing measures for recruiting high-caliber faculty talent, and 4.  University Ranking and Employability: Exploring strategies to strengthen employer connections and improve employability rates in line with QS ranking criteria.

Additionally, His Excellency Prof. Riyadh Almhehaideb, Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, presented the committee’s recommendations. The Board approved two new programs—a Master of Science in Forensic Science and a Dual PhD in Environmental Engineering in collaboration with McGill University, Canada, and KU Leuven, Belgium. Amendments to the Doctor of Medicine Program were also endorsed to ensure graduates are equipped to address UAE’s evolving healthcare needs.

The Audit and Risk Committee, chaired by His Excellency Saeed Al-Bahri, presented the 2023 audited financial statements, which received Board approval.

In closing, His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh expressed deep gratitude to the Board members for their expertise and dedication to UAEU’s mission. He underscored the importance of their contributions in guiding the university toward its ambitious goals, fostering knowledge, and advancing societal progress across the UAE.