Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies has launched the third cycle of its organisational and institutional structure, moving to a broader governance model aimed at strengthening research quality, international partnerships and institutional efficiency.
The new cycle follows the completion of the centre’s second cycle and aligns its internal structure with the objectives of UAE Vision 2031, particularly the national drive to expand knowledge-based development, scientific capacity and globally connected research platforms. The shift gives formal shape to a more layered governance system, with the Board of Trustees retaining strategic oversight while two new bodies, the Advisory Council and the Scientific Council, support partnership-building and academic quality control.
The Board of Trustees structure places Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi as Chancellor of the Board of Trustees and Sheikh Dr Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla as Vice Chancellor. Dr Firas Mohammed Habbal continues as President of the Centre and a member of the Board of Trustees, while Dr Fawaz Mohammed Habbal serves as Director-General and board member. Other board members include Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Hammadi, Khalid Mohammed Al Ali, Dr Yousif Mohammed Al Ali, Abdullah Saeed Al Zaabi and Dr Noura Nassir Al Karbi.
Khalid Mohammed Al Ali has been named Chairman of the Finance Committee, while Dr Yousif Mohammed Al Ali chairs the Strategic Planning Committee. Dr Noura Nassir Al Karbi will head the Scientific Committee, placing research standards and academic output under a clearer committee structure as the centre expands its work across publishing, conferences, indexing and research collaboration.
The restructuring gives the centre a more formal distinction between strategic direction and executive delivery. The Advisory Council will focus on building bridges with academic and intellectual institutions, developing international partnerships and identifying knowledge and funding opportunities. The Scientific Council will oversee output quality, research programmes, intellectual property and alignment with international academic standards.
Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi said the creation of the Advisory Council and Scientific Council as extensions of the Board of Trustees represents a key step towards improving decision-making and academic performance. He described the change as a move towards “a more efficient and effective institutional model”, rather than a reshuffling of titles.
Sheikh Dr Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla said the new structure gives the centre greater dynamism in managing growth and investing in competencies. He said the specialised councils would help distribute responsibilities and expand the centre’s competitive presence, adding value to research at local, regional and international levels.
The move comes as the UAE continues to position scientific research, advanced education and knowledge production as central pillars of its long-term economic strategy. UAE Vision 2031 places emphasis on a globally competitive economy, stronger human capital and institutions capable of supporting innovation-led growth. Research centres, universities, councils and publishing platforms have become increasingly important in that wider policy framework.
Emirates Scholar Center was established in 2019 as a subsidiary of Emirates Science and Research Foundation. It describes its role as supporting academic research, publishing, indexing, conferences, studies and research-related services across the UAE and the wider region. Its work spans peer-reviewed journals, scientific events, research collaboration, training activities and platforms for scholars and professionals.
The centre has been building a larger public profile through academic conferences, journal development and regional knowledge initiatives. Its activities have included scientific meetings, international dialogue platforms, research awards and partnerships with public and private institutions. Its journal portfolio covers areas including business, economics, social studies, education, digital arts, media, applied psychology, medical sciences and other applied fields.
The third cycle also follows a period of expansion in membership, publications and conference activity. During earlier institutional updates, the centre highlighted growth in research activity, new peer-reviewed journals and active research projects, alongside the launch of initiatives intended to improve scholarly coordination and digital management of conferences.
The governance overhaul is significant because research institutions across the Gulf are under pressure to demonstrate not only output, but also quality assurance, transparent oversight and international relevance. Academic publishing and research management have become more competitive as universities and specialist centres seek stronger indexing, better peer-review systems and cross-border partnerships.
The new cycle follows the completion of the centre’s second cycle and aligns its internal structure with the objectives of UAE Vision 2031, particularly the national drive to expand knowledge-based development, scientific capacity and globally connected research platforms. The shift gives formal shape to a more layered governance system, with the Board of Trustees retaining strategic oversight while two new bodies, the Advisory Council and the Scientific Council, support partnership-building and academic quality control.
The Board of Trustees structure places Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi as Chancellor of the Board of Trustees and Sheikh Dr Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla as Vice Chancellor. Dr Firas Mohammed Habbal continues as President of the Centre and a member of the Board of Trustees, while Dr Fawaz Mohammed Habbal serves as Director-General and board member. Other board members include Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Hammadi, Khalid Mohammed Al Ali, Dr Yousif Mohammed Al Ali, Abdullah Saeed Al Zaabi and Dr Noura Nassir Al Karbi.
Khalid Mohammed Al Ali has been named Chairman of the Finance Committee, while Dr Yousif Mohammed Al Ali chairs the Strategic Planning Committee. Dr Noura Nassir Al Karbi will head the Scientific Committee, placing research standards and academic output under a clearer committee structure as the centre expands its work across publishing, conferences, indexing and research collaboration.
The restructuring gives the centre a more formal distinction between strategic direction and executive delivery. The Advisory Council will focus on building bridges with academic and intellectual institutions, developing international partnerships and identifying knowledge and funding opportunities. The Scientific Council will oversee output quality, research programmes, intellectual property and alignment with international academic standards.
Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi said the creation of the Advisory Council and Scientific Council as extensions of the Board of Trustees represents a key step towards improving decision-making and academic performance. He described the change as a move towards “a more efficient and effective institutional model”, rather than a reshuffling of titles.
Sheikh Dr Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla said the new structure gives the centre greater dynamism in managing growth and investing in competencies. He said the specialised councils would help distribute responsibilities and expand the centre’s competitive presence, adding value to research at local, regional and international levels.
The move comes as the UAE continues to position scientific research, advanced education and knowledge production as central pillars of its long-term economic strategy. UAE Vision 2031 places emphasis on a globally competitive economy, stronger human capital and institutions capable of supporting innovation-led growth. Research centres, universities, councils and publishing platforms have become increasingly important in that wider policy framework.
Emirates Scholar Center was established in 2019 as a subsidiary of Emirates Science and Research Foundation. It describes its role as supporting academic research, publishing, indexing, conferences, studies and research-related services across the UAE and the wider region. Its work spans peer-reviewed journals, scientific events, research collaboration, training activities and platforms for scholars and professionals.
The centre has been building a larger public profile through academic conferences, journal development and regional knowledge initiatives. Its activities have included scientific meetings, international dialogue platforms, research awards and partnerships with public and private institutions. Its journal portfolio covers areas including business, economics, social studies, education, digital arts, media, applied psychology, medical sciences and other applied fields.
The third cycle also follows a period of expansion in membership, publications and conference activity. During earlier institutional updates, the centre highlighted growth in research activity, new peer-reviewed journals and active research projects, alongside the launch of initiatives intended to improve scholarly coordination and digital management of conferences.
The governance overhaul is significant because research institutions across the Gulf are under pressure to demonstrate not only output, but also quality assurance, transparent oversight and international relevance. Academic publishing and research management have become more competitive as universities and specialist centres seek stronger indexing, better peer-review systems and cross-border partnerships.
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UAE