Alumni Success Stories

“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" - Esra Saleh

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.

“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.

“The world today is very different – things are agile, organic, and changing fast. The mindset I grew at the university has helped me to manage that.” – Yahya Stapic

An adventurer and entrepreneur, as well as accomplished marketing professional, Yahya is drawing on his unique life experiences to take a leading role in the development of a renowned global brand.

“The support from UOWD professors and the constant encouragement that everything is achievable with hard work is what kept us going” – Kainaat Hashmi

Management professional, accomplished scholar, and young entrepreneur, Kainaat has demonstrated that the dedication and resilience she learnt at university has become her biggest strength.

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.