Alumni Success Stories

“Entrepreneurship is not easy, but when I feel like giving up, I remind myself of the impact I have on others, and that gives me strength to keep going.” - Nooran Albannay

Nooran Albannay, an Emirati entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Coffee Architecture, has charted an unconventional path from her engineering career to the coffee industry.

“The knowledge and diverse multicultural environment at UOWD were pivotal in shaping my professional ethos and leadership qualities.” - Abdalla Ibrahim Abdalla Mohammed Al Darmaki

Abdalla Ibrahim Abdalla Mohammed Al Darmaki’s journey from student to founder is nothing short of remarkable. He graduated in 2009 with a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), and today he leads the Strategic Centre for Consultancy & Training.

“The skills I gained through my UOWD program were crucial in securing my first management position in a governmental organisation in Abu Dhabi” - Wardah Harharah

With a 20-year tenure in global leadership across aviation, tech and luxury retail industries, Wardah Harharah is the visionary Founder and CEO of The Powerhouse Project, passionately championing women's empowerment in the corporate world.

"The MBA program was more than just learning from books; it was about understanding how these concepts play out in the actual business world"- Mei Wang

Originally from China and having lived in the UAE for 12 years, Mei is the founder and driving force behind a thriving business consulting firm in Dubai.

“The collaborative spirit and practical experiences at UOWD instilled in me a passion for innovation and excellence, driving my pursuit of diverse leadership roles.” - Ali Mohammed Almuwaijei

Currently serving as the Vice President of Governance, Compliance, and Enterprise Agility at DEWA, Ali's career is a roadmap of success in competitive fields like financial and quality management.

“I have to praise the quality of education that I received at UOWD as I am still benefiting from it today. And 13 years later, I still meet regularly with the friends I made there.”- Shurooq AlBanna

With over a decade of experience in the humanitarian sector, spanning across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Shurooq AlBanna is now empowering the next generation through mentoring, consulting, and writing.

“With science and knowledge, we can grow as citizens and help our country take on new challenges and technological advancements. My education at UOWD has given me the confidence to expand beyond my field. Since then, my learning journey has never ended, and it will continue throughout my life, as this is the key to any success”– Esra Saleh

Since graduating from UOWD, Esra has risen through the ranks of her profession to reach a senior role with one of the UAE’s leading business corporations.

“With what I’ve learnt at UOWD, I can now call myself an expert in growing any business model, and this is truly a delightful achievement.” – Jurana Yousuf

Having expanded her expertise in global business practices during her MBA studies at UOWD, Jurana is now positioned in a senior strategic management role in the flourishing e-commerce sector.

“One of the most important aspects of my tertiary education was the openness of mind that a multicultural institution like UOWD could provide.” – Lelio Zoccai

As a young entrepreneur working with clients and suppliers around the world, Lelio is drawing on his multinational experiences at UOWD to build his family business in the global jewellery market.

“I believe that my UOWD degree gave me direction and polished my skills, so that my work stands out from the crowd” – Shaheera Anwar

Combining her talent for writing with her love of music and film, Shaheera Anwar had turned her personal passion into a profession as she pursues an exciting career in the media industry.