Commissioner

• Jan 2019 - Present

I have returned to the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) for a second appointment as Commissioner.The Commission (CAA) is the UAE Federal Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, and is charged with promoting educational excellence across the diverse institutions of higher learning in the UAE. As one of 6 Commissioners who report to the Minister for Education, I perform oversight, licensure, accreditation, monitoring, and regulation of the current 82 UAE colleges and universities and more than 720 academic programs, to ensure that students have a learning experience which is comparable to international norms. HEI’s within the UAE operate with quality systems that are based on USA (AACSB and Middle States), Australian (AUQA), or UK (QAA) Codes of Practice.I supervise External Review Teams, and act as chair or as a member in order to assure academic quality and standards. I monitor institutional compliance with Federal requirements and write detailed compliance reports, and consult with University Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Presidents, and Senior Officers regarding compliance, improvement, and institutional effectiveness. I review Applications for University Licensure and Program Accreditation and make Special Institutional Visits for a range of purposes.I represent the CAA on external committees and other bodies. Internationally, I am currently engaged with the Hong Kong Validation Authority (HKVA) and the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA) in Saudi Arabia, whilst also assisting UK Universities within the MENA region. I provide advice on matters related to institutional effectiveness and program management and improvement.

Professor Of Strategic Operations Management, Direcor of Academic Development

• Jan 2018 - Present

Direcor of Academic Affairs

• Jan 2015 - Present

The MBRSG was launched in 2005 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai as the first research and teaching institution focusing on governance and public policy in the Arab world. Federally, as part of the Government of Dubai, MBRSG supports good public governance in the UAE and the Arab World by serving as a knowledge platform and think tank, producing applied research, and disseminating best practice for Government leaders and policy makers. The School's operations are founded on global best practices developed in collaboration with the Kennedy School at Harvard University. The school is considered a unique model for academic institutions in the MENA region.As Director of Academic Affairs and a member of the Executive President’s senior management team, my role is to provide leadership for academic, administrative, developmental and fiscal planning. Providing support for the School to develop new academic opportunities, identifying likely ventures, and developing strategic plans. Externally I represent the School in an international context, and develop and maintain strong public relations in order to enhance the image of the School in the total community. I maintain an active engagement in international higher education validation and institutional review activities as a chair and panel member.

Commissioner for Higher Education

• Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

The Commission (CAA) is the UAE Federal Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, and is charged with promoting educational excellence across the diverse institutions of higher learning in the UAE. As one of 5 Commissioners who report to the Minister for Education, I perform oversight, licensure, accreditation, monitoring, and regulation of the current 82 UAE colleges and universities and more than 720 academic programs, to ensure that students have a learning experience which is comparable to international norms. HEI’s within the UAE operate with quality systems that are based on USA (AACSB and Middle States), Australian (AUQA), or UK (QAA) Codes of Practice.I supervise External Review Teams, and act as chair or as a member in order to assure academic quality and standards. I monitor institutional compliance with Federal requirements and write detailed compliance reports, and consult with University Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Presidents, and Senior Officers regarding compliance, improvement, and institutional effectiveness. I review Applications for University Licensure and Program Accreditation and make Special Institutional Visits for a range of purposes. I manage projects for the CAA, e.g. the revision of the National Standards for Distance Learning. I led the recent national review of MBA Courses offered in the UAE. I draft regulations, policies and procedures, working with consultants as necessary.I represent the CAA on external committees and other bodies. Internationally, I am currently engaged with the Hong Kong Validation Authority (HKVA) and the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA) in Saudi Arabia, whilst also assisting UK Universities within the MENA region. I provide advice on matters related to institutional effectiveness and program management and improvement. The CAA was recently to host the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) secretariat.

Director of Research and Knowlege Transfer (Dubai)

• Aug 2010 - Jan 2013

Head of Glyndwr Business School

• 2007 - 2010

Head of School of Operations and Information Management

• 2003 - 2007