His Highness further said: “Within the next 20 years, we want it to rank within the top 200 universities worldwide. Locally, the university aims to become one of the top three for contributions in research within the next ten years.

 

“Dubai National University will provide high-quality programmes that enhance Dubai’s educational ecosystem and support the emirate’s ambitions, cementing Dubai’s position among the top ten cities worldwide in quality of education over the next decade.

 

“The world is changing rapidly,” His Highness added, “and our real challenge is creating a generation that excels academically and keeps pace with Dubai and the UAE’s future aspirations,” he said.

 

He further noted: “We are not just building a university; we are building a future that transcends borders. Our goal is to establish a knowledge centre that will be a beacon for science, a hub for youth, and a resource for the future. Hamdan bin Mohammed has been appointed as the University’s President, Maktoum bin Mohammed as Vice President, and Ahmed bin Saeed as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The institution will also be guided by a global advisory council with experts from various disciplines. Dubai National University will be a powerful contributor to Dubai’s academic standing, ensuring it remains a leader in scientific endeavours that benefit humanity.”

 

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and President of Dubai National University, said: “Dubai continues, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to proactively drive human development and enhance its world-class infrastructure for higher education and scientific research. Empowering academic talent is essential for cultivating highly competent leaders who can pioneer future sectors, lead innovation, steer R&D, accelerate economic and social development, and ultimately continue to drive Dubai’s transformation.”

 

He added: “Dubai National University will develop local talent, attract global expertise, and foster academic collaboration with institutions, research centres, and experts worldwide, embodying Dubai’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. It will support our knowledge community, contribute to shaping our future, and advance Dubai’s goal to become one of the world’s top 10 cities for education over the next decade.”

 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced the formation of the Board of Trustees for Dubai National University, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The board includes Omar Sultan Al Olama, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Aisha Abdulla Miran, Ahmed bin Byat, and Professor Alawi Al Sheikh Ali.

 

The university will also have a Global Advisory Board comprising international experts in various fields, including Dr Mohamed El-Erian, a renowned global economist, Saeb Eigner, Professor Fadel Adib and Fadi Ghandour. The board's role is to foster collaboration with the global academic and scientific community, anticipate new trends and developments and propose new university programmes and research areas that align with students' ambitions and Dubai's aspirations.

 

Dubai National University will attract outstanding students from both the UAE and around the world through very competitive admission criteria based on the highest global standards. It will focus on creating partnerships with the community, government and businesses, ensuring students have access to top research laboratories and internships in industry and government. It will also offer students scholarship opportunities, an outstanding university experience and a range of other benefits.

 

Supporting the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by enhancing human capital and enriching national values among youth, the university will also elevate Dubai’s status as a leading destination for youth empowerment, especially in terms of accessing employment opportunities in the private sector.