Prime Highlights
- Liwa University introduced the SHE LEADS Program to provide leadership training and empower women across UAE universities.
- The initiative supports UAE Vision 2071 and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women, fostering inclusive and future-ready institutions.
Key Facts
- The three-day program (Jan 20–22, 2026) hosted 45 women from nine universities and featured four interactive workshops on leadership, diversity, and inclusion.
- Delivered in partnership with UK-based Advance HE, the program included 18 global speakers sharing insights on higher education leadership and practical change-making.
Background
Liwa University has launched the SHE LEADS Program, a leadership initiative aimed at empowering women in higher education across the United Arab Emirates. This marks the first time the internationally recognised program has been delivered in the country. The three-day event took place from January 20 to 22, 2026, at the university’s Abu Dhabi campus.
The program was delivered in partnership with Advance HE, a UK-based organisation known for leadership development in higher education. It supports national goals under UAE Vision 2071 and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women, which focus on building inclusive and future-ready institutions.
SHE LEADS provided leadership training based on Advance HE’s global frameworks, while also matching the cultural and professional needs of the UAE and the wider MENA region. This made the content relevant to local universities and their leadership needs.
A total of 45 women participated in the program, representing nine universities. These included Liwa University, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, Ajman University, Al Ain University, and Fujairah University.
Dr Faiza Zitouni, Dean of Student Affairs at Liwa University and Principal Fellow at Advance HE, said the program was designed for women at different stages of their careers. It catered to academic staff, administrative professionals, and emerging leaders among employees and students. The program featured four interactive workshops that focused on leadership skills, diversity, inclusion and practical ways to create change within institutions.
The sessions also welcomed 18 speakers from around the world, who shared global insights on higher education leadership. Participants engaged in discussions, reflection activities and practical exercises aimed at building confidence, mentoring networks, and inclusive academic environments.
Professor Mohammed Mahjoub Diaf, President of Liwa University, said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to fairness and excellence. He said the program helped women leaders to drive meaningful change within their institutions and communities.
