National University of Dubai Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Victor Van der Chijs as Inaugural President
Dubai: The National University of Dubai (NUD) has appointed Victor Van der Chijs, a globally recognized expert in higher education, as its inaugural President. This appointment signifies a pivotal advancement in establishing Dubai’s premier research university.
Strengthening Dubai’s Educational Landscape
NUD aims to enhance Dubai’s status as a global hub for higher education, research, and innovation. The university is committed to creating new avenues for learning and talent development, aligning with the Education 33 (E33) Strategy. Additionally, NUD will support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by fostering a diversified, knowledge-based economy and contribute to the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by preparing future-ready talent that enhances societal prosperity.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NUD, emphasized the significance of Van der Chijs’s appointment. He noted that it represents a crucial step in establishing an ambitious academic institution that embodies Dubai’s vision of leveraging education, research, and innovation to enhance global competitiveness. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted Van der Chijs’s extensive international leadership experience and his proven ability to connect universities with governmental and private sectors as invaluable assets during this foundational phase.
Vision for a World-Class Research University
Sheikh Ahmed expressed optimism about Van der Chijs’s leadership in establishing a world-class research university. He stated that the university will attract exceptional talent, promote knowledge advancement, and foster impactful partnerships across various sectors. The institution is designed to prepare generations of highly skilled graduates who can address the evolving needs of the future economy while reinforcing Dubai’s global standing in higher education and scientific research.
Currently in its foundational phase, NUD is being developed as an impact-driven research university that merges a global perspective with Dubai’s innovative spirit. The university plans to collaborate closely with government entities, industry leaders, and prominent international institutions to generate new knowledge, accelerate innovation, and equip graduates with the skills necessary to shape future industries.
Leadership and Strategic Development
As President, Van der Chijs will guide NUD and its founding team through this crucial developmental stage. He will work in tandem with the Board of Trustees and key stakeholders to oversee the creation of academically rigorous programs, cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation, and establish strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide.
In his statement, Van der Chijs expressed his honor in serving as President of NUD and contributing to an institution inspired by Dubai’s ambition and global outlook. He noted that the opportunity to build a university from the ground up is exceptionally rare. He looks forward to collaborating with the Board of Trustees and partners to create an environment that fosters curiosity, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensures that education, research, and innovation yield meaningful impacts for future generations.
Extensive Experience in Higher Education
Victor Van der Chijs brings over three decades of international leadership experience in higher education, research, innovation, and industry. His career combines academic leadership with practical experience in managing organizations across both public and private sectors.
From 2013 to 2021, he served as President of the Executive Board at the University of Twente, a top 200 university, where he bolstered its international reputation for academic and research excellence while promoting entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research. He also held the position of President of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities from 2015 to 2021, leading the development of one of Europe’s first pan-European universities.
Van der Chijs has significant experience at the intersection of industry, innovation, and economic development. He previously served as Chairman of Deltalinqs, a leading industry association in the Netherlands, representing Rotterdam’s industrial and logistics cluster, which is Europe’s largest port-industrial complex. Concurrently, he was President of the Board of BOM, the Netherlands’ most active regional venture investor.
Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at OMA, Schiphol Group, and ING, acquiring broad international experience across architecture and design, aviation and infrastructure, and global finance.
His blend of academic leadership and results-driven experience across industry, government, and global business will be pivotal in realizing NUD’s vision as an academically rigorous, globally connected, and industry-focused institution.
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Published on 2026-08-20 17:42:00 • By the Editorial Desk
