Al ain: Chaired by Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, the Board of Trustees convened today for its sixth and final meeting of the 2024/2025 academic year. The Chancellor opened the meeting with a welcome to the Board's new appointee, Mouza Al Muhairi, and expressed gratitude to all members and external advisors for their commitment and contributions in support of the University's strategic priorities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Chancellor highlighted the University's progress within the QS 2026 ranking, attributing its 229th place achievement to the leadership of the UAE. The Board reviewed the University's future agenda regarding academic excellence, research development, and institutional policy. Among its deliberations, the Board considered student success and research excellence, commending the graduation of the University's 44th cohort and noting the strategic appointment of new faculty members to enhance global research standing and student-to-faculty ratio.
The Board discussed high-impact initiatives aligned with the University's strategic plan, including aligning the University's planning cycle with the Strategic Planning Framework for Federal Entities of the Prime Minister's Office, launching the High-Performance Computing Centre, and forming a strategic partnership with the Dubai Media Council. Other initiatives included the opening of the Fatima bint Mubarak Centre for Arabic Language Education in Japan and the UAEU-MOFA 'Academic Carnival' initiative promoting sustainability and food security. The completion of Phase 3 of the University's solar energy project was also highlighted, now providing 30% of campus electricity needs.
The Board approved several recommendations from the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, chaired by Prof. Reyadh Almhehaideb, including a new Master's programme in Strategic and Defence Studies, the creation of a Desert Environment Research Centre, revisions to International Student Fees, the Academic Calendar for 2025-2026, and a revised Research Policy.
Recommendations from the Audit and Risk Committee, chaired by Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, were also approved, including policies on Occupational Health and Safety, Generative Artificial Intelligence, and Data Governance.
In his closing remarks, the Chancellor thanked the Trustees for their guidance and stewardship, emphasizing the University's achievements and strategic momentum. He stated that the support ensures UAEU continues to serve as a beacon of academic excellence on both national and international scales.