UAEU Chancellor Zaki Nusseibeh Speech at the Academic Leadership Retreat - October 14th, 2024 Al Ain

Good morning, Acting Vice Chancellor, Deans, distinguished academic administrators, and esteemed faculty members,

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you all to this Academic Leadership Retreat. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment—a moment not just to reflect on our progress, but to reimagine our future and reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence. This retreat is not merely a meeting; it is an opportunity to rally together and advance UAEU’s vision of becoming a world-class research-intensive institution that leads, inspires, and innovates.

Our university’s story began in 1976, when the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a beacon of knowledge and excellence that would shape the destiny of our nation. From these noble origins, UAEU has grown to become the most comprehensive university in the UAE. We are a bastion of knowledge that has educated over 80,000 alumni and contributed more than 25,000 SCOPUS-indexed publications. No other institution in the country can match our legacy, our achievements, or our impact. And in two short years, we will celebrate our 50th anniversary—a milestone that will remind us of how far we have come and how much further we must go.

Today we are here to embrace a vision for that future, to define how we will rank among the top 200 global research universities. This is no small feat, but it is achievable. How? Through your unwavering dedication, your relentless pursuit of knowledge, and your commitment. Together we will make UAEU not only a leader in the region but a formidable force on the global stage. The road ahead may be steep, but together, we will progress.

We have laid a strong foundation. Our classrooms are no longer traditional spaces—they are dynamic hubs, infused with the latest technologies, and designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking. Our research facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. They enable cutting-edge discoveries. With these investments, we have created an ecosystem where bold ideas can flourish, and transformative research can thrive.

But these facilities are only as powerful as the minds that use them. The true power of a university lies in its people—in you. Your expertise, your mentorship, and your passion are what will turn these investments into effective outcomes for our students, our nation, and the world.

Yet, for our impact to resonate, we must communicate our purpose clearly and compellingly. We must inspire not just our students and faculty, but also the wider community—our industry partners, our alumni, and the public. Our research and educational mission must be transparent and relatable. We must do more than inform; we must inspire action and create lasting change.

Through our nine Colleges, we now offer undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs covering almost every academic discipline. We must ensure they continue to have relevance. Our programs must evolve continuously to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. I urge you to critically review each program, ensuring it aligns with the UAE’s national agenda and the future needs of industry and society. Ask yourselves: Are we equipping our students with the skills they need for tomorrow’s challenges? Are we leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies? If not, then it is time to reimagine our curricula.

Artificial Intelligence is not just a tool—it is a revolution. A revolution that is reshaping every field of human activity and redefining how we live, work, and learn. By integrating AI into our academic programs, we are not just preparing our students for jobs—we are preparing them to create jobs, solve problems, and build a future where technology serves humanity. We must be bold and imaginative, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Our research and innovation are guided by values that reflect who we are: respect for UAE culture and traditions, a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, transparency, and a relentless drive for excellence. These values are not just words; they are the bedrock upon which we build everything we do. We serve to empower, build partnerships, and address the pressing challenges facing global society.

Our research productivity is already on an upward trajectory. In 2024 alone, we filed over 100 patents. We are producing research with powerful impact, publishing in top-tier journals, and attracting international attention. Yet, despite these successes, our achievements are not fully reflected in global rankings. I urge you to explore new strategies to amplify our visibility and ensure that our progress is recognized on the world stage.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The UAEU’s future does not depend on a single individual or even a single team. It depends on all of us—working together, supporting each other, and striving toward a common goal. This retreat is not just a platform for ideas; it is a call to action. Let us seize this moment to shape a bright future for our university.

To conclude, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all your remarkable contributions. Your dedication is what makes this university great, and your willingness to embrace new challenges is what will propel us forward. I am confident that with your collective vision and efforts, we will not only reach our goals but surpass them.

Let us go forward from today’s discussions inspired and energized to build a future where UAEU stands as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and impact—not just for the UAE, but for the world.

Thank you.

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