THE Awards Arab World: stories behind the submissions

Hugh Martin spoke to the shortlisted teams for the AQ-sponsored Leadership and Management Team of the Year Award at the THE Awards Arab World, exploring the people, ideas and achievements shaping higher education across the Arab world.

These interviews offer a closer look at the work behind the nominations, celebrating the leadership, collaboration and impact making a difference across the sector.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University

How can university leaders use thought leadership to build a stronger institutional culture? In this interview, Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, shares how authentic communication, celebrating colleagues’ achievements and making expertise accessible can raise a university’s profile while empowering its wider community. He reflects on the importance of people-centred leadership and why universities must look beyond reputation to the impact they have on students and society. Read more…

Prof. Waleed M. Sweileh of An-Najah National University

How can a university build a thriving research culture in a challenging financial and political environment? In this interview, Professor Waleed M. Sweileh of An-Najah National University shares how a coordinated approach to research, international collaboration and investment in early-career academics has helped strengthen research output and create opportunities for Palestinian higher education more widely. Read more…

Professor Mohamed El-Shinawi, President of Galala University

How can a new university establish itself as an international institution while delivering meaningful impact for its students and wider community? In this interview, Professor Mohamed El-Shinawi of Galala University in Egypt shares how a clear strategic vision, international partnerships and a focus on innovation, research and sustainability have helped drive the university’s growth from 750 to 18,000 students in just six years. Read more…

Professor Essam ElKordi, President of Alamein International University

How can a new university grow while preparing students for the demands of a changing world? In this interview, Professor Essam ElKordi of Alamein International University in Egypt shares how the university has developed from 450 students and two programmes in 2020 to around 12,000 students across eight faculties. He discusses the role of international partnerships, innovative approaches to learning and community engagement in shaping the university’s future. Read more…

Dr. Ian Campbell, Senior Vice President, National Transformation Institute, KAUST

How can a research-intensive university turn scientific excellence into meaningful national impact? In this interview, Dr. Ian W. Campbell of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) discusses how the university is strengthening the link between research, innovation and Saudi Arabia’s priorities. He explores the importance of collaboration, commercialisation and a more focused approach to innovation, as well as how strong partnerships and a willingness to experiment can help translate research into real-world solutions. Read more…