As the academic year gets into full flow, the University of Birmingham Dubai has welcomed several key new leaders for the campus. Recently announced Professor David Sadler has arrived in the UAE to take the reins as Provost – the University’s most senior academic lead in Dubai. Meanwhile, the team has also welcomed Programme Directors for both the BSc Psychology programme and the BSc Business Management programme.
Dr Anthony Murphy has a strong background in forensic and clinical forensic psychology and has published several research papers around policing and the investigation of violent crimes. Having taught at the University of West London, and Kings College London, he is familiar with the teaching landscape of the region, joining the University of Birmingham Dubai as BSc Psychology Programme Director, from Middlesex University Dubai.
At the same time, Dr Mohamed Haffar has joined the team to lead the highest ranked business programme in Dubai (according to the QS World Rankings 2020). As Programme Director for BSC Business Management, Dr Haffarbrings many years of experience to the University of Birmingham Dubai, and a particular interest in globalisation, organisational behaviour and change management.
These appointments are a significant milestone for the University, and for the education sector in the UAE, in these difficult and uncertain times. Continuing to support the UAE Government’s National Agenda and the new Inclusive Education Policy Framework for schools, and a visible demonstration of the University’s optimism for the future, the arrival of these three highly-qualified and experienced leaders at the University of Birmingham will contribute to the quality of education and employability in the UAE and across the region.
University of Birmingham Dubai Provost, Professor David Sadler, said: “I am delighted to be here in the UAE and able to welcome Anthony and Mohamedto the growing team here in Dubai in person. Both are highly qualified academics with a great deal of experience and they join a strong team of talented and dedicated academics and a vibrant student community who all share the University’s commitment to providing the best possible learning experience for our students.
“The last few months have been particularly difficult for everybody, and there will undoubtedly be other new challenges ahead, but I am confident we will continue to make progress. I particularly look forward to meeting the students in Dubai, and to developing the campus as an all-round university experience.”
Whilst at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s (XJTLU) joint venture campus in China, Professor Sadler oversaw substantial growth in student numbers; enhanced the quality of education and developed a portfolio of research programmes. Student numbers increased from 2000 to 7000 and the number of academic departments doubled to 12, as XJTLU became the largest UK joint venture campus in China
As the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai, The University of Birmingham Dubai delivers the highest-quality education underpinned by a growing research focus in a leading global educational hub. The new campus, set to open in 2021, will be home for up to 2,900 students with a total capacity of 4,500- featuring innovative teaching and research space to encourage cross disciplinary working. There will be a focus on learning spaces incorporating digital technology.
Prospective students can find more information on applying for courses at the University of Birmingham Dubai at https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai/study/apply/index.aspx
