Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Abu Dhabi University, has emphasized the UAE's commitment to maintaining a world-class education system under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This commitment has positioned the nation as a leader in global competitiveness and quality-of-life indicators.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the importance of investing in people as a core pillar of sustainable development. He noted that this aligns with the enduring vision set by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His remarks were made during the first meeting of the Abu Dhabi University Board of Trustees for 2026. The meeting was attended by notable figures including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and other distinguished board members.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Abu Dhabi University's academic achievements, such as its ranking among the world's top 350 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and its placement within the 201-250 band globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These achievements underscore the high standards of UAE's educational institutions and the support extended by the UAE President to this vital sector.
The board meeting highlighted Abu Dhabi University's academic progress, with over 65 programmes currently offered across disciplines such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and health sciences. The university has also seen significant growth in research output, with over 1,100 scientific papers published in 2025, and an increase in patents and faculty members recognized as influential scientists.
Abu Dhabi University has strengthened its international academic standing through global accreditations for engineering and business programmes and is working on further accreditations to enhance educational quality. The university has expanded international partnerships and research initiatives and organized global conferences to bolster its worldwide academic presence.
The board discussed future growth strategies, including plans for new academic programmes at its Dubai campus and expanded offerings in areas like artificial intelligence and international relations, aligning with market demands and global education trends.
In conclusion, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed Abu Dhabi University's role as a distinguished model in higher education, scientific research, and community engagement, contributing to the UAE's development journey under the guidance of the nation's leadership.