The National University of Dubai has appointed Victor Van der Chijs as its inaugural President, putting an experienced European higher education leader in charge of building the institution from its foundational phase.
The appointment matters for Dubai's push to position itself as a hub for research and higher learning, giving the new university a leader tasked with shaping its structure, partnerships and academic direction from the ground up.
A leader with three decades in higher education and industry
Van der Chijs brings more than three decades of international leadership experience spanning higher education, research, innovation and industry. He served as President of the Executive Board of the University of Twente from 2013 to 2021, and in the same period led the European Consortium of Innovative Universities as its President from 2015 to 2021.
His background also extends into industry and finance. He was Chairman of Deltalinqs, the Netherlands industry association representing Rotterdam's industrial and logistics cluster, and served as President of the Board of BOM, a Netherlands regional venture investor. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at OMA, Schiphol Group and ING.
Building an institution from its foundational phase
The National University of Dubai is currently in its foundational phase, meaning Van der Chijs steps into the role at the earliest stage of the institution's development, before its academic and operational structures are fully in place.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National University of Dubai, said the appointment "marks a defining step in establishing an ambitious academic institution that reflects Dubai's vision to harness education, research and innovation to shape its future and strengthen its global competitiveness." He added that Van der Chijs's "extensive international leadership experience, proven record in advancing academic institutions, and ability to connect universities with government and the private sector will be invaluable during this foundational phase."
Sheikh Ahmed said the Board expects Van der Chijs to lead "the establishment of a world-class research university that attracts outstanding talent, advances knowledge, drives innovation and forges impactful partnerships across sectors," adding that the university "will help prepare generations of highly skilled graduates equipped to lead and meet the evolving needs of the future economy, while reinforcing Dubai's global standing in higher education and scientific research."
What Van der Chijs says he wants to build
For his part, Van der Chijs framed the role as a rare opportunity. "It is an honour to serve as President of the National University of Dubai and contribute to an institution inspired by Dubai's ambition and global outlook," he said. "The opportunity to help build a university from the ground up is exceptionally rare. Together with the Board of Trustees and our partners, I look forward to shaping a university that fosters curiosity, encourages collaboration across disciplines, and creates an environment where education, research and innovation deliver meaningful impact for generations to come."