The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has announced the appointment of Dr. Fadi Ahmad Aloul as the new Chair of the UAE Board of Deans of Engineering. This prestigious national board includes deans from engineering, information technology, and computer science colleges across various universities in the country. Dr. Aloul’s leadership marks a significant step in enhancing the quality of engineering education and research initiatives within the United Arab Emirates.
Leadership and Vision
Established on October 11, 2012, the UAE Board of Deans of Engineering serves a vital role in fostering engineering education and promoting academic standards throughout the nation. Currently comprising 20 members, the council acts as a platform for sharing best practices, encouraging collaborative research, and supporting academic accreditation efforts. Dr. Aloul expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to have the trust of my fellow deans who elected me to chair the UAE Board of Deans of Engineering. Working together in a united national framework allows us to enhance the quality of engineering education and research, contributing to training graduates who can meet the UAE’s ambitions for a competitive knowledge economy.”
Strategic Priorities
Dr. Aloul will guide the council for a two-year term, focusing on improving coordination and collaboration among engineering colleges in the UAE. His responsibilities include organizing council meetings, overseeing strategic initiatives, and steering collective efforts to elevate the standards of engineering education and research nationwide. “My priority as the council chair is to foster communication and cooperation among the engineering colleges across the UAE, systematically sharing activities and best practices to create broader opportunities for joint initiatives in education, research, and innovation,” he added, illustrating his commitment to advancing national development goals.
Contributions to Engineering Education
As the Dean of the College of Engineering at AUS, Dr. Aloul oversees a faculty of 104 members, 21 administrative staff, 26 lab instructors, and over 2,800 students. The college offers ten undergraduate programs, ten master’s programs, and four doctoral programs. Under his leadership, there has been a comprehensive development of undergraduate and graduate programs to align curricula with labor market needs and emerging technologies. The college has also launched new programs and established six major research groups, five of which have progressed into university research centers, responding to the evolving demands of the workforce.
A Distinguished Background
Dr. Aloul holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree with honors in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University. His research interests span cybersecurity, smart applications on mobile devices, educational methodologies, and engineering design improvement. He is a certified professional in information systems security and has received numerous prestigious awards. His notable accolades include the Diversity in Engineering Award from the Global Engineering Deans Council and Airbus, as well as the Sheikh Khalifa Higher Education Award.
The appointment of Dr. Aloul as the Chair of the UAE Board of Deans of Engineering underscores the American University of Sharjah’s commitment to engineering education and its pivotal role in cultivating engineering talents and developing the profession both within the UAE and beyond. With its active academic programs, dynamic research centers, and strong partnerships with governmental and private sectors, AUS continues to contribute significantly to nurturing human capital and fostering innovation, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a competitive knowledge-based economy.