Abu Dhabi University Appoints Professor Waqar Ahmad as New Chancellor

Abu Dhabi University (ADU), internationally recognized for the quality of its education and research, has appointed Professor Waqar Ahmad as its third chancellor. The decision follows an extensive search for the right candidate that lasted over a year and attracted over a hundred applications.

Speaking on the appointment, Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the University’s Board of Directors, said: “We are honored to officially appoint Professor Ahmad as the third Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University. We were looking for an ambitious and accomplished leader for this key role. Professor Ahmad has excelled in his role as Interim Chancellor, and the University’s Board of Regents, the Board of Directors and I are confident that the University will thrive under his outstanding leadership, enhancing its national and international reputation and playing a key role in supporting the leadership of the UAE in achieving the government strategic plans for the UAE.”

Professor Ahmad said: “I am privileged to lead such a distinguished academic institution. I am committed to making student achievements the core of ADU’s success, in addition to working with my colleagues to strengthen corporate and community engagement and enhance the University’s research contribution. My ambition is to make ADU a key contributor to the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.”

Professor Waqar Ahmad joined ADU as Provost and later got promoted to Interim Chancellor. Prior to his tenure with Abu Dhabi University, he held various leadership positions in higher education and public services in England. For over 12 years, he was Deputy Vice Academic Chancellor Academic at Middlesex University, the role encompassing responsibilities for teaching and learning, student experience, research, knowledge transfer and the Dubai Campus.  

Professor Ahmad also served as Chief Social Scientist at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the UK. Previously, he was Professor of Primary Care Research and Director of the Centre for Research in Primary Care at the University of Leeds, Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York, and Associate Professor in Social Policy at the Department of Social and Economic Studies at the University of Bradford.

Professor Ahmad is a Fellow of the UK-based Academy of Social Sciences. He has authored multiple research publications on sociology and social policy, health and social care, religion and citizenship.