About Emirates Aviation University
Source: https://www.eau.ac.ae/about-us
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
About Emirates Aviation University
Upcoming Open Day
View All
Top Search
Aviation Management PhD
Engineering Summer Camp
Prof Dr Zindoga Mukandavire
Post-doctoral Research Associate in Bayesian Machine Learning for Climate and Health Data
Keyword Suggestions
Explore the Middle East’s leading educational institution in aviation
About Emirates Aviation University
Apply
Overview
Kick-start your career in aviation with the best education the region has to offer
Accredited institution
Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority
Wide range of programmes
Offers an extensive range of programmes designed to provide students with the best aviation-related specialisations
Faculty of field specialists
With expertise in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, business management, aviation safety and security
Discover our programmes
Ratings and recognition
Emirates Aviation University is duly licensed and recognised by national and international education authorities.
Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, UAE
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), UAE
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, UK
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT), UK
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), UK
Emirates Aviation University is the latest higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates to receive recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), a prominent UK-based independent quality body and a global leader in higher education quality assurance.
Our international QAA membership offers students numerous benefits, including access to the latest resources and staff well trained in international best practices.
The Quality Assurance Agency
QAA International Membership
Emirates Aviation University is the first non-federal educational institution in the region to receive a 5 Stars QS rating in teaching, employability, facilities, inclusiveness and social responsibilities and 4 stars in academic development and internationalization categories. The university also received 5 stars for our MBA in Aviation Management programme.
More Details
Our Milestones
1991
Dubai Aviation College (DAC) established.
Dubai Aviation College (DAC) established.
Read more
1993
DAC awarded "Aviation Training Organisation Certificate" by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of UAE.
DAC awarded "Aviation Training Organisation Certificate" by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of UAE.
Read more
1999
The college is officially licensed by the Ministry of Education to grant academic awards.
The college is officially licensed by the Ministry of Education to grant academic awards.
Read more
2002
The college merges with the Emirates Group and is renamed Emirates Aviation College (EAC).
The college merges with the Emirates Group and is renamed Emirates Aviation College (EAC).
Read more
2004
New engineering and management programmes are launched.
New engineering and management programmes are launched.
Read more
2006
Partnership formed with Coventry University, UK.
Partnership formed with Coventry University, UK.
Read more
2007
EAC launches the first master's degree programme: MBA in Aviation Management.
EAC launches the first master's degree programme: MBA in Aviation Management.
Read more
2009
Professor Ahmad Al Ali becomes the Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali becomes the Vice-Chancellor.
Read more
2010
EAC is granted university status by the Ministry of Education and MBA programmes receive accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) UAE.
EAC is granted university status by the Ministry of Education and MBA programmes receive accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) UAE.
Read more
2011
EAC celebrates its 20th anniversary.
EAC celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Read more
2012
The KHDA awards "Academic Licensure" to EAC.
Read more
2014
EAC is officially renamed Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and a new campus is created in Dubai International Academic City.
EAC is officially renamed Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and a new campus is created in Dubai International Academic City.
Read more
2016
Master's programmes receive Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) accreditation.
Master's programmes receive Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) accreditation.
Read more
2017
On-campus accomodation opens.
On-campus accomodation opens.
Read more
2018
Engineering programmes receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals.
Engineering programmes receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals.
Read more
2019
EAU becomes the first non-federal educational instituation with a 5 Stars QS rating in the region and receives official accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
EAU becomes the first non-federal educational instituation with a 5 Stars QS rating in the region and receives official accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
Read more
2020
Applied bachelor programmes accredited by CAA.
Applied bachelor programmes accredited by CAA.
Read more
2021
EAU receives global quality accreditation from Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
EAU receives global quality accreditation from Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Read more
2023
PhD programmes accredited by the CAA and EAU becomes QAA International member.
PhD programmes accredited by the CAA and EAU becomes QAA International member.
Read more
2024
Airport Ground Handling programme receives approval from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and first classes start as PhD programmes are launched.
Airport Ground Handling programme receives approval from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and first classes start as PhD programmes are launched.
Read more
Our Milestones
A Warm Welcome from Us at EAU
Dear Student,
The year ahead promises to be an exciting one for you as a scholar, and as a part of the Emirates success story and the exciting developments in Dubai as well as the region.
The University has many new initiatives on the 'whiteboard', designed to make the courses more interesting and interactive. The icing on the cake of course is that the university is licensed and recognised by national and international awarding bodies.
Emirates and Dubai are symbols of supreme success against all odds and are fast becoming global icons. The extraordinary changes wrought by the travel industry in Dubai opens up a world of career opportunities for you, which is why the university has carefully designed its aviation programmes to equip you with the necessary academic underpinning and management skills.
We hope the success of Emirates and Dubai will rub off on our student community and I look forward to hearing of your many triumphs in the coming years.
All the very best.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum
Chancellor - Emirates Aviation University
Dear Student,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Emirates Aviation University (EAU).
We are very proud of our mission of excellence and strong commitment to the success of our students. Our faculty and staff are well qualified, experienced, and dedicated to help you achieve your academic goals. Your education at EAU is an investment that will provide a lifetime of value and enable you to fully develop your potential. All programmes offered by the university have been developed to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills that are highly demanded in today's job market. During your time at the university you will be able to enjoy some of the extracurricular opportunities to help promote your continued growth and development. This website will provide information about the academic, vocational and training programmes, admission and registration regulations, and various services offered by the university.
I hope that you will take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the university for your personal, intellectual, and professional growth.
On our part, you will always find us ready to serve your needs in any way we can. I hope that you will join us in shaping the future of Higher Education and tomorrow's business environment.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Vice-Chancellor - Emirates Aviation University
Board Of Governors
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Steve Allen
Michael Doersam
Oliver Grohmann
Ahmed Safa
Rick Ward
Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif
Dr. David Pilsbury
Amira Al Falasi
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began his aviation career in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In the same year, he became Chairman of the newly founded Emirates, and helmed the launch of the airline with two leased aircraft to two destinations from Dubai. Today, he leads the Emirates Group, which includes dnata.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began his aviation career in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In the same year, he became Chairman of the newly founded Emirates, and helmed the launch of the airline with two leased aircraft to two destinations from Dubai. Today, he leads the Emirates Group, which includes dnata.
Emirates is now an award-winning global airline with a network of more than 150 destinations spanning six continents. With more than 270 aircraft, the airline has the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. Under his leadership, Emirates has been profitable for the last 30 years, a rarity in the airline industry.
Dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers that operates in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 85 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers worldwide.
Sheikh Ahmed has contributed immensely to Dubai’s global stature as a leading business, tourism, trade and transport hub, with aviation now accounting for 28% of its GDP. With several leadership roles in government, his role in the formulation of policies and strategies has helped strengthen Dubai’s vision, economy, communities and culture. He is a patron of many charitable organisations, and has won prestigious national and international accolades.
Sheikh Ahmed has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA. The Royal Aeronautical Society honoured his achievements in aviation with a fellowship at the 1994 Farnborough Air Show, UK. In May 2013, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from City University London – Cass Business School.
Read More
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Vice Chancellor, Emirates Aviation University (EAU)
Professor Al Ali has been Vice-Chancellor, Emirates Aviation University (EAU) since 2008. He directs the strategy of the university, fostering partnerships and forging new ones within the industry and government, to maintain the university’s excellent reputation in teaching and research. He also makes sure the university is self-funded and achieves its goals.
The aviation programmes – both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the university have grown significantly under his leadership.
Professor Al Ali graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Master of Science in mathematics from the University of London, and subsequently obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in applied mathematics from City, University of London, UK.
He is a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship, Associate Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its applications, and has served on numerous national bodies and committees, including as board member of the Dubai Statistics Center.
Previous roles include Assistant Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the Faculty of Science at the United Arab Emirates University, and has published several articles and papers in well-regarded journals of applied mathematics.
Read More
Steve Allen
CEO dnata
Steve Allen is responsible for all dnata’s businesses covering ground handling, catering and travel across six continents. In addition, he has responsibility for managing Emirates Group’s relationships with its associated businesses, including MMI, Emirates CAE Flight Training and Premier Inn.
Steve joined dnata in 2009 as Vice President Operations, where he was instrumental in the birth of the One dnata Strategy. He then moved to lead the Emirates Group Performance Development department in 2011 as Senior Vice President, and led a number of major change programmes. In 2015, he was appointed Divisional Senior Vice President UAE Airport Operations and also began overseeing dnata Travel and its ongoing transformation from June 2020. Steve was appointed dnata’s global CEO in March 2021. Prior to joining dnata, Steve had 15 years of experience in British Airways in the UK and Middle East.
Read More
Michael Doersam
Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Emirates Group
Michael joined Emirates in 2006 as Vice President for Outstation Finance and Risk Management at the Group’s headquarters in Dubai. In this role, he was responsible for the Finance activities across the airline’s network in more than 80 countries and the Group’s credit risk management in its home market of the United Arab Emirates. Two years later, in 2008 he was appointed Senior Vice President for Group Finance.
In June 2021 he was appointed Group CFO responsible for managing Finance Strategy, Financial Reporting, Treasury, Management Accounting, Global Financial Services and Insurance within the company. Michael is also a board member of Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Flight Catering, MMI/Emirates Leisure Retail, and Emirates-CAE Flight Training. He is actively engaged with the aviation industry as a member of the Airline Financial Advisory Council of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and also guest lectures at the University of St. Gallen. Prior to joining Emirates, Michael was Head of Controlling at Berlin-Chemie AG in the pharmaceutical industry. He began his career at Lufthansa AG where he held various managerial positions in Finance, Internal Audit, Cost Management, Corporate Controlling and Risk Management based in Cologne, Bangkok, Toronto and Frankfurt. Michael moved from Lufthansa to head all Finance-related activities for the Star Alliance organization before joining Thomas Cook AG (former C&N) as Director Corporate Controlling. Michael holds a Diploma in Business Administration at the Private University of the German Federal Reserve Bank, a Diploma in International Management from INSEAD Business School, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from the University of St. Gallen.
Read More
Oliver Grohmann
Executive Vice President Human Resources, Emirates Group
Oliver is a global Human Resources leader with extensive experience in different industries and across different regions. He has joined the Emirates Group in Dubai, UAE in 2019 and held different HR leadership roles across Emirates and dnata.
Originally from Germany, Oliver worked as a lawyer before embarking on his professional HR career at Lufthansa German Airlines. He held various local, regional, and global HR leadership roles in different divisions of Mercedes-Benz/Daimler, including Berlin, Stuttgart, and finally as Senior Vice President Human Resources Latin America, Central Europe, Africa, Asia, and Middle East, based in Singapore. He has also worked as Corporate Vice President Global Human Resources for LG Electronics and Hyundai Capital in Seoul, South Korea.
Read More
Ahmed Safa
Head of Engineering and MRO, Emirates Group
Ahmed Safa is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, organisation and guidance to a large multinational, multicultural teams across all Engineering and Maintenance disciplines. His team includes Operational Departments, Technical Fleet Organisation, Lifecycle Asset Management, Engineering Training, Engineering Facilities and Engineering Procurement.
Ahmed Safa joined Emirates in 1991 as an engineer and rose up the ranks. In 2006, he became Vice President and in 2007, he was appointed Senior Vice President, leading the front-end of engineering that supports the Dubai hub and outstations. Ahmed’s responsibilities expanded into Heavy Maintenance and Overhaul, and in 2016 he was asked to lead a broad number of sectors within Engineering, including supply chain, inventory management, design organisation, aircraft configuration, and engineering innovation among others. He is the nominated post holder for CAMO – Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation. Ahmed is a licensed aircraft engineer with a Master of Business Administration degree from Bradford University.
Read More
Rick Ward
Group General Council, Emirates Group
Rick Ward leads all legal support for Emirates, dnata, and their associated companies worldwide. He was in-house counsel for the Emirates Group from January 1998 to October 2001, and returned in 2007. He was appointed to his current role in February, 2012.
Rick worked in private practice with the law firm DLA Piper in Australia. As legal counsel for Deloitte, he was based in the regional Asia-Pacific office in Sydney and then in the global head office in New York. Rick graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). He also holds a graduate diploma in applied corporate governance and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Rick is qualified to practice law in Victoria, New South Wales and in New York.
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Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif
President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation
Dr. Sharif pursued his passion in healthcare by completing his medical training (MBBS) and attaining a PhD in Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University and an MSc in Healthcare Management from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI).
Dr. Sharif is also an active member on several prominent Councils including the UAE Genome Council, the Emirates Research and Development Council and the Advisory Board of the 4th Industrial Revolution Center in the UAE. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Thomas Jefferson University - Sidney Kimmel Medical College - Asano-Gonnella Center for Research in Medical Education & Health Care as well as collaborations with international institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast , one of the U.K.’s leading research-intensive
Read More
Dr. David Pilsbury
Vice President, University Partnerships at Oxford International
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International, at Coventry University from 2008 to 2021, his ambitious agenda elevated Coventry University to the UK’s 3rd largest recruiter, delivering a six-fold increase in overseas students. He established the UK’s largest overseas collaborative delivery programme and created the world’s largest global enhancement programme, making Coventry the UK’s leading provider of mobility experiences for five years running.
Prior to this, David was founding CEO of the Worldwide Universities Network, Head of Research Policy for Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Assistant Director R&D at Cambridge University Hospital. He spent several years in strategic consultancy and investment banking after completing his DPhil and postdoctoral research at Oxford University. He has won many awards including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and the European Association for International Education’s (EAIE) premier award for Internationalisation. He holds numerous Board level and advisory positions including with JISC, China-Britain Business Council, THE Student, EURIE, NARIC and the Hainan Government.
Read More
Amira Al Falasi
SVP-HR of Group Training & Development
Amira Al Falasi has been with the Emirates Group for over 18 years and has held executive HR roles within the Group. Amira is a strategic thinker and has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of Digital HR and learning and development.
Amira’s expertise covers a range of topics along the HR value chain (including Employer Branding, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Leadership and Talent Assessment and Development, Retention Management, Change Management and Communication). Amira is currently responsible for defining, developing and delivering learning and talent development strategies across the Emirates Group to the highest standards in alignment with the overall Group business strategy. Amira formerly was the head of Emiratisation and Talent Acquisition for the Group and presently is SVP-HR of Group Training & Development. In 2024, Amira was awarded the Woman in leadership BUNYAM Award with certificates of distinguished recognition by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence. This prestigious award was in recognition of Amira’s unwavering contributions to the enhancement of talent and developing young leaders for a sustainable future.
Read More
Board Of Governors
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Environmental Impact
Learn about our sustainability, energy conservation, recycling efforts and transportation policy
Upcoming Open Day
View All
Top Search
Aviation Management PhD
Engineering Summer Camp
Prof Dr Zindoga Mukandavire
Post-doctoral Research Associate in Bayesian Machine Learning for Climate and Health Data
Keyword Suggestions
Explore the Middle East’s leading educational institution in aviation
About Emirates Aviation University
Apply
Overview
Kick-start your career in aviation with the best education the region has to offer
Accredited institution
Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority
Wide range of programmes
Offers an extensive range of programmes designed to provide students with the best aviation-related specialisations
Faculty of field specialists
With expertise in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, business management, aviation safety and security
Discover our programmes
Ratings and recognition
Emirates Aviation University is duly licensed and recognised by national and international education authorities.
Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, UAE
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), UAE
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, UK
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT), UK
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), UK
Emirates Aviation University is the latest higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates to receive recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), a prominent UK-based independent quality body and a global leader in higher education quality assurance.
Our international QAA membership offers students numerous benefits, including access to the latest resources and staff well trained in international best practices.
The Quality Assurance Agency
QAA International Membership
Emirates Aviation University is the first non-federal educational institution in the region to receive a 5 Stars QS rating in teaching, employability, facilities, inclusiveness and social responsibilities and 4 stars in academic development and internationalization categories. The university also received 5 stars for our MBA in Aviation Management programme.
More Details
Our Milestones
1991
Dubai Aviation College (DAC) established.
Dubai Aviation College (DAC) established.
Read more
1993
DAC awarded "Aviation Training Organisation Certificate" by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of UAE.
DAC awarded "Aviation Training Organisation Certificate" by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of UAE.
Read more
1999
The college is officially licensed by the Ministry of Education to grant academic awards.
The college is officially licensed by the Ministry of Education to grant academic awards.
Read more
2002
The college merges with the Emirates Group and is renamed Emirates Aviation College (EAC).
The college merges with the Emirates Group and is renamed Emirates Aviation College (EAC).
Read more
2004
New engineering and management programmes are launched.
New engineering and management programmes are launched.
Read more
2006
Partnership formed with Coventry University, UK.
Partnership formed with Coventry University, UK.
Read more
2007
EAC launches the first master's degree programme: MBA in Aviation Management.
EAC launches the first master's degree programme: MBA in Aviation Management.
Read more
2009
Professor Ahmad Al Ali becomes the Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali becomes the Vice-Chancellor.
Read more
2010
EAC is granted university status by the Ministry of Education and MBA programmes receive accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) UAE.
EAC is granted university status by the Ministry of Education and MBA programmes receive accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) UAE.
Read more
2011
EAC celebrates its 20th anniversary.
EAC celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Read more
2012
The KHDA awards "Academic Licensure" to EAC.
Read more
2014
EAC is officially renamed Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and a new campus is created in Dubai International Academic City.
EAC is officially renamed Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and a new campus is created in Dubai International Academic City.
Read more
2016
Master's programmes receive Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) accreditation.
Master's programmes receive Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) accreditation.
Read more
2017
On-campus accomodation opens.
On-campus accomodation opens.
Read more
2018
Engineering programmes receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals.
Engineering programmes receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals.
Read more
2019
EAU becomes the first non-federal educational instituation with a 5 Stars QS rating in the region and receives official accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
EAU becomes the first non-federal educational instituation with a 5 Stars QS rating in the region and receives official accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
Read more
2020
Applied bachelor programmes accredited by CAA.
Applied bachelor programmes accredited by CAA.
Read more
2021
EAU receives global quality accreditation from Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
EAU receives global quality accreditation from Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Read more
2023
PhD programmes accredited by the CAA and EAU becomes QAA International member.
PhD programmes accredited by the CAA and EAU becomes QAA International member.
Read more
2024
Airport Ground Handling programme receives approval from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and first classes start as PhD programmes are launched.
Airport Ground Handling programme receives approval from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and first classes start as PhD programmes are launched.
Read more
Our Milestones
A Warm Welcome from Us at EAU
Dear Student,
The year ahead promises to be an exciting one for you as a scholar, and as a part of the Emirates success story and the exciting developments in Dubai as well as the region.
The University has many new initiatives on the 'whiteboard', designed to make the courses more interesting and interactive. The icing on the cake of course is that the university is licensed and recognised by national and international awarding bodies.
Emirates and Dubai are symbols of supreme success against all odds and are fast becoming global icons. The extraordinary changes wrought by the travel industry in Dubai opens up a world of career opportunities for you, which is why the university has carefully designed its aviation programmes to equip you with the necessary academic underpinning and management skills.
We hope the success of Emirates and Dubai will rub off on our student community and I look forward to hearing of your many triumphs in the coming years.
All the very best.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum
Chancellor - Emirates Aviation University
Dear Student,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Emirates Aviation University (EAU).
We are very proud of our mission of excellence and strong commitment to the success of our students. Our faculty and staff are well qualified, experienced, and dedicated to help you achieve your academic goals. Your education at EAU is an investment that will provide a lifetime of value and enable you to fully develop your potential. All programmes offered by the university have been developed to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills that are highly demanded in today's job market. During your time at the university you will be able to enjoy some of the extracurricular opportunities to help promote your continued growth and development. This website will provide information about the academic, vocational and training programmes, admission and registration regulations, and various services offered by the university.
I hope that you will take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the university for your personal, intellectual, and professional growth.
On our part, you will always find us ready to serve your needs in any way we can. I hope that you will join us in shaping the future of Higher Education and tomorrow's business environment.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Vice-Chancellor - Emirates Aviation University
Board Of Governors
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Steve Allen
Michael Doersam
Oliver Grohmann
Ahmed Safa
Rick Ward
Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif
Dr. David Pilsbury
Amira Al Falasi
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began his aviation career in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In the same year, he became Chairman of the newly founded Emirates, and helmed the launch of the airline with two leased aircraft to two destinations from Dubai. Today, he leads the Emirates Group, which includes dnata.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began his aviation career in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In the same year, he became Chairman of the newly founded Emirates, and helmed the launch of the airline with two leased aircraft to two destinations from Dubai. Today, he leads the Emirates Group, which includes dnata.
Emirates is now an award-winning global airline with a network of more than 150 destinations spanning six continents. With more than 270 aircraft, the airline has the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. Under his leadership, Emirates has been profitable for the last 30 years, a rarity in the airline industry.
Dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers that operates in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 85 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers worldwide.
Sheikh Ahmed has contributed immensely to Dubai’s global stature as a leading business, tourism, trade and transport hub, with aviation now accounting for 28% of its GDP. With several leadership roles in government, his role in the formulation of policies and strategies has helped strengthen Dubai’s vision, economy, communities and culture. He is a patron of many charitable organisations, and has won prestigious national and international accolades.
Sheikh Ahmed has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA. The Royal Aeronautical Society honoured his achievements in aviation with a fellowship at the 1994 Farnborough Air Show, UK. In May 2013, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from City University London – Cass Business School.
Read More
Professor Ahmad Al Ali
Vice Chancellor, Emirates Aviation University (EAU)
Professor Al Ali has been Vice-Chancellor, Emirates Aviation University (EAU) since 2008. He directs the strategy of the university, fostering partnerships and forging new ones within the industry and government, to maintain the university’s excellent reputation in teaching and research. He also makes sure the university is self-funded and achieves its goals.
The aviation programmes – both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the university have grown significantly under his leadership.
Professor Al Ali graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Master of Science in mathematics from the University of London, and subsequently obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in applied mathematics from City, University of London, UK.
He is a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship, Associate Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its applications, and has served on numerous national bodies and committees, including as board member of the Dubai Statistics Center.
Previous roles include Assistant Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the Faculty of Science at the United Arab Emirates University, and has published several articles and papers in well-regarded journals of applied mathematics.
Read More
Steve Allen
CEO dnata
Steve Allen is responsible for all dnata’s businesses covering ground handling, catering and travel across six continents. In addition, he has responsibility for managing Emirates Group’s relationships with its associated businesses, including MMI, Emirates CAE Flight Training and Premier Inn.
Steve joined dnata in 2009 as Vice President Operations, where he was instrumental in the birth of the One dnata Strategy. He then moved to lead the Emirates Group Performance Development department in 2011 as Senior Vice President, and led a number of major change programmes. In 2015, he was appointed Divisional Senior Vice President UAE Airport Operations and also began overseeing dnata Travel and its ongoing transformation from June 2020. Steve was appointed dnata’s global CEO in March 2021. Prior to joining dnata, Steve had 15 years of experience in British Airways in the UK and Middle East.
Read More
Michael Doersam
Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Emirates Group
Michael joined Emirates in 2006 as Vice President for Outstation Finance and Risk Management at the Group’s headquarters in Dubai. In this role, he was responsible for the Finance activities across the airline’s network in more than 80 countries and the Group’s credit risk management in its home market of the United Arab Emirates. Two years later, in 2008 he was appointed Senior Vice President for Group Finance.
In June 2021 he was appointed Group CFO responsible for managing Finance Strategy, Financial Reporting, Treasury, Management Accounting, Global Financial Services and Insurance within the company. Michael is also a board member of Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Flight Catering, MMI/Emirates Leisure Retail, and Emirates-CAE Flight Training. He is actively engaged with the aviation industry as a member of the Airline Financial Advisory Council of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and also guest lectures at the University of St. Gallen. Prior to joining Emirates, Michael was Head of Controlling at Berlin-Chemie AG in the pharmaceutical industry. He began his career at Lufthansa AG where he held various managerial positions in Finance, Internal Audit, Cost Management, Corporate Controlling and Risk Management based in Cologne, Bangkok, Toronto and Frankfurt. Michael moved from Lufthansa to head all Finance-related activities for the Star Alliance organization before joining Thomas Cook AG (former C&N) as Director Corporate Controlling. Michael holds a Diploma in Business Administration at the Private University of the German Federal Reserve Bank, a Diploma in International Management from INSEAD Business School, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from the University of St. Gallen.
Read More
Oliver Grohmann
Executive Vice President Human Resources, Emirates Group
Oliver is a global Human Resources leader with extensive experience in different industries and across different regions. He has joined the Emirates Group in Dubai, UAE in 2019 and held different HR leadership roles across Emirates and dnata.
Originally from Germany, Oliver worked as a lawyer before embarking on his professional HR career at Lufthansa German Airlines. He held various local, regional, and global HR leadership roles in different divisions of Mercedes-Benz/Daimler, including Berlin, Stuttgart, and finally as Senior Vice President Human Resources Latin America, Central Europe, Africa, Asia, and Middle East, based in Singapore. He has also worked as Corporate Vice President Global Human Resources for LG Electronics and Hyundai Capital in Seoul, South Korea.
Read More
Ahmed Safa
Head of Engineering and MRO, Emirates Group
Ahmed Safa is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, organisation and guidance to a large multinational, multicultural teams across all Engineering and Maintenance disciplines. His team includes Operational Departments, Technical Fleet Organisation, Lifecycle Asset Management, Engineering Training, Engineering Facilities and Engineering Procurement.
Ahmed Safa joined Emirates in 1991 as an engineer and rose up the ranks. In 2006, he became Vice President and in 2007, he was appointed Senior Vice President, leading the front-end of engineering that supports the Dubai hub and outstations. Ahmed’s responsibilities expanded into Heavy Maintenance and Overhaul, and in 2016 he was asked to lead a broad number of sectors within Engineering, including supply chain, inventory management, design organisation, aircraft configuration, and engineering innovation among others. He is the nominated post holder for CAMO – Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation. Ahmed is a licensed aircraft engineer with a Master of Business Administration degree from Bradford University.
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Rick Ward
Group General Council, Emirates Group
Rick Ward leads all legal support for Emirates, dnata, and their associated companies worldwide. He was in-house counsel for the Emirates Group from January 1998 to October 2001, and returned in 2007. He was appointed to his current role in February, 2012.
Rick worked in private practice with the law firm DLA Piper in Australia. As legal counsel for Deloitte, he was based in the regional Asia-Pacific office in Sydney and then in the global head office in New York. Rick graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). He also holds a graduate diploma in applied corporate governance and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Rick is qualified to practice law in Victoria, New South Wales and in New York.
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Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif
President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation
Dr. Sharif pursued his passion in healthcare by completing his medical training (MBBS) and attaining a PhD in Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University and an MSc in Healthcare Management from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI).
Dr. Sharif is also an active member on several prominent Councils including the UAE Genome Council, the Emirates Research and Development Council and the Advisory Board of the 4th Industrial Revolution Center in the UAE. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Thomas Jefferson University - Sidney Kimmel Medical College - Asano-Gonnella Center for Research in Medical Education & Health Care as well as collaborations with international institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast , one of the U.K.’s leading research-intensive
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Dr. David Pilsbury
Vice President, University Partnerships at Oxford International
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International, at Coventry University from 2008 to 2021, his ambitious agenda elevated Coventry University to the UK’s 3rd largest recruiter, delivering a six-fold increase in overseas students. He established the UK’s largest overseas collaborative delivery programme and created the world’s largest global enhancement programme, making Coventry the UK’s leading provider of mobility experiences for five years running.
Prior to this, David was founding CEO of the Worldwide Universities Network, Head of Research Policy for Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Assistant Director R&D at Cambridge University Hospital. He spent several years in strategic consultancy and investment banking after completing his DPhil and postdoctoral research at Oxford University. He has won many awards including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and the European Association for International Education’s (EAIE) premier award for Internationalisation. He holds numerous Board level and advisory positions including with JISC, China-Britain Business Council, THE Student, EURIE, NARIC and the Hainan Government.
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Amira Al Falasi
SVP-HR of Group Training & Development
Amira Al Falasi has been with the Emirates Group for over 18 years and has held executive HR roles within the Group. Amira is a strategic thinker and has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of Digital HR and learning and development.
Amira’s expertise covers a range of topics along the HR value chain (including Employer Branding, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Leadership and Talent Assessment and Development, Retention Management, Change Management and Communication). Amira is currently responsible for defining, developing and delivering learning and talent development strategies across the Emirates Group to the highest standards in alignment with the overall Group business strategy. Amira formerly was the head of Emiratisation and Talent Acquisition for the Group and presently is SVP-HR of Group Training & Development. In 2024, Amira was awarded the Woman in leadership BUNYAM Award with certificates of distinguished recognition by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence. This prestigious award was in recognition of Amira’s unwavering contributions to the enhancement of talent and developing young leaders for a sustainable future.
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