How Saint Joseph University Dubai is Preparing Students for Real-World Impact

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Ms. Nathalie Sabbagh, Director of Saint Joseph University Dubai, to explore the university’s vision for the future, academic priorities, and strategies to enhance student engagement and well-being. Ms. Sabbagh shared thoughtful insights into the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

1. What is your vision for Saint Joseph University Dubai’s future, and how do you plan to achieve it in the next five years?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, our vision is to be a university that transforms human capital into distinguished and engaged professionals serving the development of the UAE and the region, by committing to excellence in teaching and research, and cultivating analytical thinking, leadership, ethical values, and social responsibility.

Over the next five years, we aim to expand our academic offerings to meet the evolving needs of the UAE and the broader region. This includes developing specialised programs in areas such as digital law, data science, and dispute resolution, while maintaining the strong foundation and academic rigour for which Saint Joseph University is known. We believe that legal education must evolve in parallel with society, and we are preparing our students to be agile, ethical professionals ready to navigate complex legal and social landscapes.

Another key pillar of our strategy is experiential learning. We are committed to enhancing our students’ educational journeys through hands-on opportunities such as legal clinics, mediation competitions, moot courts, and partnerships with local and international institutions. These experiences not only build practical skills but also foster critical thinking and a deep sense of civic engagement.

Internationalisation is also central to our vision. We are strengthening our ties with global universities and legal institutions to offer joint programs, faculty exchanges, and student mobility opportunities. This international dimension broadens our students’ perspectives and positions them for success in both regional and global legal markets.

At the same time, we are deeply invested in community engagement. Our campus in Dubai is not just a place of learning—it is a space where academic knowledge meets real-world impact. Whether through access to justice initiatives, legal awareness campaigns, or research projects that address local challenges, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to the society we serve.

2. How is the university adapting to the challenges of digital learning and integrating new technologies into education?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, we recognise that the integration of new technologies into education must go hand in hand with a strong commitment to ethics and academic integrity. As digital tools become increasingly present in both teaching and learning, our priority is to guide students and faculty in using these technologies responsibly and meaningfully.

In the classroom, we are incorporating digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools in ways that enhance understanding, collaboration, and critical thinking—while also emphasising their ethical use.

We actively educate our students about digital ethics—particularly in relation to academic honesty, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI-generated content. For example, students are taught to distinguish between support tools and unauthorised assistance, and are encouraged to critically assess the reliability and sources of digital information. We believe that cultivating this awareness is essential in preparing students to navigate the professional and ethical challenges of the modern world.

Moreover, our policies and guidelines around academic integrity have been updated to reflect the realities of digital learning. We use plagiarism detection tools and promote transparent citation practices, while also fostering a culture where creativity and intellectual effort are valued and protected.

3. How are you fostering partnerships with industry to enhance job opportunities for students?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world is central to our mission. We are actively fostering partnerships with industry leaders, law firms, international organisations, and government entities to ensure our students graduate with both strong academic foundations and practical, career-ready skills. During the last academic year, more than 12 new partnership agreements were signed with different industry leaders in law and translation to promote internship, employment and research opportunities.

One of our key strategies is embedding industry engagement into the student journey from day one. Through structured internship programs, legal clinics, and mentoring initiatives, we create early exposure to real-world settings where students can apply their knowledge, build networks, and gain confidence. These experiences are not optional extras—they are integral to our curriculum and to our students’ professional development.

We also collaborate with industry partners to co-design workshops, guest lectures, and training sessions that bring current practice into the classroom. This helps ensure our programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving demands of the job market, particularly in areas such as arbitration, mediation, digital law, and compliance.

4. What steps is the university taking to support student mental health and well-being?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, we believe that student success is not solely measured by academic achievement—it must also be supported by emotional resilience, mental well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. We view mental health as a key component of our holistic approach to education, and we are committed to creating a campus environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

To that end, the University offers confidential counselling services through the Faculty of Psychology, providing students with access to qualified mental health professionals who can support them through personal, academic, or emotional challenges. These services are available in multiple languages and are tailored to the diverse backgrounds of our student community.

5. How do you plan to attract and retain top faculty in a competitive academic environment?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, we recognise that attracting and retaining exceptional faculty is essential to delivering high-quality education, advancing research, and building a vibrant academic community. In a competitive global academic landscape, our strategy is grounded in creating a supportive, mission-driven environment where faculty can make a meaningful impact.

We offer faculty the opportunity to be part of a university that combines academic excellence with a strong social mission. Many educators today are drawn not only to reputation or salary, but to institutions where they feel their work has purpose. At USJ Dubai, faculty contribute to shaping the next generation of legal and civic leaders in a dynamic, intercultural context.

6. How is the university leveraging alumni networks to support current students and recent graduates?

At Saint Joseph University Dubai, we view our alumni not only as proud graduates of the institution but as lifelong members of our academic community and vital partners in supporting student success. Our alumni network is a powerful resource, and we are actively working to strengthen these connections to benefit both current students and recent graduates.

Many of our alumni hold leadership roles across law firms, government institutions, corporate legal departments, and international organisations. We leverage these connections to create internship opportunities, facilitate job placements, and open doors for students and young graduates looking to enter competitive industries.

Alumni regularly return to campus as guest speakers, panellists, or workshop facilitators. Their real-world experiences enrich classroom learning and provide students with direct exposure to current trends, challenges, and expectations in the field.

We also host alumni gatherings to strengthen bonds within our global community. These events serve as platforms for professional networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between alumni and current students.

By actively engaging our alumni network, we are building a strong, intergenerational community where knowledge, opportunity, and support are continuously passed forward.

Motivational quote:

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the choice to give more effort every single day.”