National University of Dubai: A Future-Ready Institution

The National University of Dubai (NUD) represents a bold new vision for higher education in the UAE and beyond. Dubai is a city of extraordinary growth – globally connected, fast paced, multicultural and highly innovative. It attracts people from around the world to develop their potential and encourages organizations to engage in strategic research and industry partnerships.

NUD is part of this exciting development of the city and the region. An ambitious institution aiming to grow a dynamic community of academics, researchers, students and staff in a forward-focused environment driven by innovation, cutting-edge technological advances and an ambitious research and development agenda.  NUD was established to support these developments locally and, over time, globally with the goal of ranking among the top 50 young universities within the next decade and ranking among the top 200 global universities within the next 20 years.

Led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, as Supreme President, the university will be steered by a distinguished Board of Trustees and an international Advisory Council. The university’s leadership will play a critical role in fostering Dubai’s academic and scientific leadership, developing future leaders, and advancing the city’s ambitions to be a global leader in transformative education.

The university will offer world-class programs that enhance Dubai’s higher education landscape and support Dubai’s path to becoming one of the world’s top 10 destinations for education. Positioned as a key driver of innovative learning and scientific advancement, the university will serve Dubai’s development journey as a future-focused hub of knowledge and research, empowering Emirati youth, research excellence, and industry engagement.

With a mission to drive sustainable growth and societal progress, the university is dedicated to empowering a new generation of leaders, innovators, and scientists. By championing interdisciplinary scientific collaboration, cutting-edge technology and experiential learning within flexible and agile programmes, the National University of Dubai will yield a transformative impact nationally, regionally, and globally.

We are seeking an inaugural Provost, who will be responsible to the President for leading the university’s academic strategy, institutional research, faculty development, and student success initiatives. As the chief academic officer, the Provost will play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and operational direction of the institution, ensuring that it attracts outstanding faculty and students while fostering a culture of academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement. This role presents a unique opportunity to define and establish the academic framework of a university poised to become a leading center of higher learning and education in the region and beyond.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and dynamic leader with a track record of success in academic administration within a world-class institution. The Provost will be instrumental in building a collaborative and forward-thinking academic environment, driving excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation and an ability to lead transformative change, they will work closely with faculty, students, and stakeholders to ensure the University’s growth and impact.

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the selection committee. For informal enquiries and questions, Perrett Laver may be contacted via Arshya Dayal on Arshya.Dayal@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7392, or Emma Stone, Country Managing Partner in the UAE, at Emma.Stone@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for applications for this position is 24th April 2025.

Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates and the Selection Committee will then meet to decide on a shortlist of candidates. These individuals will be invited for initial on-line interviews in May 2025 followed by visits to Dubai for in-person interactions and formal interviews with the Board of Trustees. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.

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