President’s Message

Dear Students,
Welcome to a new academic year at the University of Dubai! Whether this is your very first semester with us or you're returning to pick up right where you left off, I am genuinely happy to have you here as we begin AY 2026–2027 together.
Every year, I look for one idea to carry through this message; something that captures what I hope this year will feel like for you. This year, it's simple: Dubai-it. This city didn't become what it is by waiting for the perfect moment. It got built by people who showed up, took the opportunity in front of them, and got to work. That's the spirit I want you to bring to your time at UD. Don't just attend this year, Dubai-it. Take the harder course. Join the club you've been curious about. Raise your hand in class. Apply for the internship before you feel fully ready. Start the project. That's how this year turns into something you're proud of.
We remain firmly committed to giving you an education that prepares you for the world you're actually walking into, one that moves fast and rewards people who can think, adapt, and lead. Alongside your coursework, we continue to grow our partnerships with government and industry, our professional certification pathways, and the hands-on experiences that put you in real rooms with real stakes, well before graduation day.
We're also proud of the role UD plays in the UAE's broader vision for a sustainable future. As a student here, you'll find plenty of chances to put that into practice, whether through coursework, student-led initiatives, or projects that reach beyond our campus into the community.
None of this works without the values we hold ourselves to. As members of the UD community, we expect integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to doing right to one another. I'd ask you to hold onto that standard, especially when no one's watching, and to help build a campus where different perspectives are welcomed and people feel heard.
Get involved. Our Department of Student Services is there to help you find your footing, whether that's a student organization, a community service opportunity, or simply someone to point you in the right direction. You are not doing this alone. Your classmates, your professors, and everyone on our staff are here because we want to see you succeed.
This Catalog is one of the tools we're giving you to make that possible. It lays out the policies, services, and resources you'll rely on throughout the year. Take the time to actually read it. It'll save you a headache later, and it'll help you make the most of everything UD has to offer.
Here's to a year of ambition, curiosity, resilience and follow-through. Welcome to AY 2026–2027. Now go and Dubai-it.
Warm regards,
Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki
President, University of Dubai