Reimagining Education: Dr. Al Dhaheri on Innovation and Impact at Liwa University

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Liwa University, to discuss the university’s strategic direction, academic innovation, and vision for the future of higher education in the UAE. Dr. Al Dhaheri shared valuable insights into Liwa University’s commitment to excellence, student empowerment, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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

Liwa University aims to be an internationally recognized institution through quality education, research, and community outreach, while empowering our students to unleash their potential and pursue their passion. For the last three decades, Liwa University has positioned itself as an institute of choice for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residents and beyond offering accessible, future-oriented education that addresses evolving local market needs. Our strategy for the next five years is to build on our strong foundation and expand our industry partnerships to offer students more opportunities for practical real-life experiences. By doing so, we empower students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to graduate career-ready and prepared to drive real impact in their communities.

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

Liwa University is committed to embracing innovation in education by continuously enhancing our digital infrastructure and technology-enabled learning environments. Our campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are fully equipped with state-of-the-art, tech-rich facilities designed to foster interactive and immersive learning experiences. To further expand access and meet the needs of today’s diverse learners, we are also actively exploring hybrid learning models that provide greater flexibility, particularly for working professionals seeking to balance education with career and personal commitments. In line with this commitment, Liwa University is introducing new programs in IT and Engineering that incorporate AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning, as well as a Health Management Informatics program that leverages high technology in its teaching and learning, ensuring students gain future-ready skills aligned with industry needs.

3. What strategies are you implementing to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus?

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our values and are the foundation of Liwa University’s offering. Our flexible class schedules, competitive tuition with tailored payment plans, and nurturing environment welcomes students from all backgrounds, from high-school graduates ready to embark on the next chapter of life to seasoned professionals looking to acquire new knowledge or advance in their career. We are also exploring an option to introduce a hybrid learning model to further enhance accessibility to quality education. Furthermore, our open-door policy, low faculty-to-student ratio, multi-national faculty body, and over 40 active student clubs ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported.

4. What role do you see the university playing in addressing global issues like climate change or public health?

Our wide range of academic programs are well positioned to respond to real-world needs. We continuously monitor market trends and work closely with regulators to identify critical gaps, ensuring our programs remain relevant and impactful. In the field of public health, we offer degrees that support healthcare infrastructure, from health information management to laboratory analysis and emergency care. We are especially proud to offer niche programs that directly address regional healthcare burdens such as respiratory care and physiotherapy, as well as the UAE’s first and only dedicated bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. Through these programs, we aim to contribute to stronger national health outcomes and prepare graduates to address global health priorities.

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

Our strategic location in the heart of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain enables us to maintain close ties with leading industry players across both the public and private sectors. These partnerships provide our students with valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, project-based learning, and structured graduate training programs. Beyond industry experience, we work with employers to shape our curriculum around current and future market needs. This collaborative approach ensures that our graduates enter the workforce with relevant, real-life skills, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional readiness.

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

Student well-being is a top priority at Liwa University. Our family-oriented culture is reinforced across all departments and is embedded in every aspect of our campus culture. With a low faculty-to-student ratio, open-door policies, and dedicated administrative support, LU ensures that every student receives personalized attention, both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, we are continuously enhancing our facilities and extracurricular programs to create a well-rounded, enriching environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.

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

We have created an environment that is both academically stimulating and professionally rewarding for our diverse faculty. The recent transition from college to university status has opened exciting new avenues for research funding and participation in international academic networks. Strategically located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, our campuses also offer faculty a unique work-life balance combining the energy and convenience of urban living with a close-knit academic community. Furthermore, as a fast-evolving institution, Liwa University presents a rare opportunity for educators to play an active role in shaping the future of a dynamic university.

8. If you could share one motivational quote on a highway billboard, what would it say?

Quality education belongs to everyone