Alumni Success Stories

“Finance is more than numbers. It helps organizations make clearer decisions, grow sustainably, and plan with confidence.” – Ahmad Aboud

Ahmad Aboud is a Master of Business graduate from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, with specializations in Financial Management and International Business, and he is the Group CFO at Ghassan Aboud Holding.

“Everything in the world ultimately begins and succeeds with people. Building systems that help people and organisations grow is what gives my work meaning.” – Hongyu Niu

A Chinese alumna of UOWD and a Master of Business graduate with Distinction in Human Resource Management, is the CEO and Founder of JetNova Technology HR Consultancy, supporting organisations across the GCC with people-centred workforce solutions.

“Technology should serve humanity. When it does, innovation becomes a tool for lasting impact.” – Nader Nassar

UOWD alumnus Nader Nassar is shaping the future of healthcare as the founder of Hlthera, a UAE-born platform using AI to make care more accessible worldwide.

“Through communications, I found my purpose. Amplifying voices, shaping our story, and driving initiatives that empower women.” – Ahlam AlBannai

For Emirati alumna Ahlam AlBannai, communication has always been more than a job. It is a way to serve, to connect, and to give back to the community that shaped her.

“Curiosity led me from jewellery to flowers—and finally to tomatoes. Every pivot reminded me that purpose and impact can be cultivated anywhere.” – Mariam Adel Ghanem

Mariam Adel Ghanem, a Lebanese MQM alumna of UOWD, leads sustainable value-added innovation at agritech pioneer Pure Harvest Smart Farms.

"Breaking barriers was never meant to be easy. But every challenge shaped me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself—and that’s a legacy I want to leave behind." - Isra Arif

Isra Arif, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate from UOWD, is Pakistan’s first female watchmaker—currently honing her craft at the prestigious WOSTEP institute in Switzerland.

"My degree at UOWD deepened my understanding of critical thinking, research, and effective communication – skills that have been invaluable in my role as a journalist." - Nour Al Hosni

Nour Al Hosni, a Syrian-Hungarian journalist and presenter, has built a thriving career in the media industry, rising to prominence as a reporter for AlArabiya, one of the leading TV channels in the Arab world.

"Success is about turning a vision into reality and making a meaningful impact." - Duygu Yilmaz Koksal

Duygu Yilmaz Koksal, a Turkish entrepreneur and co-founder of Saledo, is making a social impact through her women-led initiative that produces sustainable and innovative food products like green banana flour.

“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.

Open Day

Attend our Abu Dhabi Open Day on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Join our experts to learn more about our degrees and how you can enrol at UOWD in our
Autumn intake which starts on 21 September 2026.