Who is Ghassan Aouad?
Professor Ghassan Aouad has built a career on elevating education beyond borders. As the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, he has become a leading voice for academic excellence, research collaboration, and global innovation in higher education.
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Ghassan Aouad: Educating the Next Generation of Global Leaders
Professor Ghassan Aouad has built a career on elevating education beyond borders. As the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, he has become a leading voice for academic excellence, research collaboration, and global innovation in higher education. His thoughtful leadership and inspiring updates make him one of the most influential academic figures in the Middle East.
1. Who he is
Professor Ghassan Aouad is an award-winning academic and Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), where he leads strategic initiatives to expand research, innovation, and institutional partnerships. With decades of experience in higher education, including his tenure as President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and leadership roles at international universities, he’s shaped educational excellence across continents. Under his guidance, ADU has consistently ranked among the Top 250 universities worldwide, advancing the UAE’s vision for quality education and knowledge economy. His career is defined by his belief that universities should not just teach but also transform students, societies, and futures.
2. A network of heavyweights
Ghassan’s network is a who’s who of the global academic community. He connects with leading institutions like Times Higher Education (THE), QS, AdvanceHE, and CIOB, alongside global universities and education leaders. Through these ties, he fosters partnerships that enhance global research collaboration, academic rankings, and student mobility. His presence bridges the Middle East’s higher education ecosystem with the world’s top research and innovation networks.
3. Why people listen
Ghassan communicates with authenticity and grace. His posts celebrate milestones, from global university rankings to new research institutes, while always emphasizing teamwork, student achievement, and institutional values. He uses storytelling to spotlight collective success, whether congratulating colleagues or acknowledging faculty excellence. His audience connects with his humility and his clear dedication to education as a shared mission.
4. Authenticity that resonates
With a Favikon Authenticity Score of 97.5/100, Ghassan’s profile reflects genuine academic leadership. His content resonates because it’s deeply personal yet professional, full of gratitude, encouragement, and community spirit. He doesn’t post for visibility; he posts to uplift others. From sharing university rankings to celebrating colleagues’ birthdays, his tone radiates sincerity, making him a trusted and respected voice among educators and students alike.
5. Numbers that back it up
Professor Aouad has built a strong digital presence with over 35,000 followers on LinkedIn, growing consistently over the past two years. His Influence Score of 7,581 points and top rankings, including Top 1% on LinkedIn UAE (#15) and Top 5 in Higher Education UAE (#5), highlight his leadership influence. His posts average hundreds of reactions and meaningful discussions, a clear indicator of genuine engagement and impact within academic circles.
6. Collaborations that matter
Under Ghassan’s leadership, Abu Dhabi University has secured collaborations with international bodies and universities, including Times Higher Education, QS, and The World 100 Reputation Network. His work has led to milestones such as ADU’s rise into the Top 250 universities globally, and the launch of specialized institutes like the ADU Cancer Research Institute. Each initiative reinforces his commitment to fostering innovation and elevating educational standards regionally and globally.
7. Why brands should partner with Ghassan Aouad
Partnering with Ghassan means aligning with a visionary in global education and leadership.
- Thought leadership – Collaborate on panels and discussions around academic innovation and university rankings.
- Research partnerships – Develop joint programs focused on sustainability, technology, and global education.
- Educational campaigns – Highlight milestones and success stories in higher learning.
- Leadership workshops – Empower academic leaders and institutions to drive transformative change.
8. Why Ghassan Aouad is relevant in 2025
As global education undergoes rapid digital transformation, Ghassan’s leadership embodies the balance between tradition and innovation. He champions research excellence while embracing technologies shaping the classroom of tomorrow. In an era where education must evolve to meet global challenges, his voice stands for progress that is human-centered, ethical, and visionary.
Conclusion: Educating for impact
Professor Ghassan Aouad’s influence stretches far beyond university walls. Through every post, initiative, and collaboration, he reinforces the idea that leadership in education is about empowering others. His work continues to bridge nations, disciplines, and generations, proving that true academic leadership is not just about recognition but about creating lasting change through knowledge and compassion.
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