Zayed University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Zayed University has 10 executives leading key functions including academic governance, student leadership, sustainability initiatives, and professional development.

Committed to academic excellence and national progress, Zayed University fosters innovation through diverse student-led organizations and rigorous educational standards that shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.

Leadership Roles at Zayed University

  • President of ZUMUN - Abdulla ALarifi
  • President, Zayed University Coding Club - Bulcha Dhiyesa
  • President - Rashed Ali
  • President - Sheikha Lubna
  • Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership - Raisa Tayer
  • Sustainability Club President - Shamma Hukal
  • President of TedxZayedUniversity- Abu Dhabi - Rumesa Asad
  • President, Debate and MUN Club - Shalom Ali
  • President of MADA Sustainability Club - Sarah Al hashimi
  • Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership - Raisa Al Tayer
  • Abdulla ALarifi - President of ZUMUN

    Abdulla ALarifi, the President of ZUMUN at Zayed University, directs all diplomatic simulation activities and international relations training programs. ALarifi manages the strategic planning for model United Nations conferences, ensuring alignment with global academic standards. By coordinating with faculty advisors, the President of ZUMUN facilitates complex negotiations and public speaking workshops for the student body. This leadership role involves expanding the reach of diplomatic discourse across the Middle East region. Through the implementation of rigorous debate protocols, Abdulla ALarifi enhances the analytical capabilities of participants. The President of ZUMUN maintains high operational standards for all simulation events, driving engagement and fostering critical thinking skills. Ultimately, ALarifi secures the reputation of the institution as a premier hub for international diplomacy and student-led academic excellence within the broader educational landscape of the United Arab Emirates.

    Bulcha Dhiyesa - President, Zayed University Coding Club

    Bulcha Dhiyesa, the President, Zayed University Coding Club at Zayed University, architects technical workshops and software development initiatives for the student community. Dhiyesa oversees the curriculum for programming bootcamps, ensuring students gain proficiency in modern digital languages. By collaborating with industry partners, the President, Zayed University Coding Club bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application in the technology sector. This leadership role involves managing hackathons and coding competitions that drive innovation across the campus. Through the optimization of technical resources, Bulcha Dhiyesa supports the growth of a robust developer ecosystem. The President, Zayed University Coding Club maintains a focus on emerging trends in artificial intelligence and data science. Ultimately, Dhiyesa secures the competitive edge of the student body by fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical mastery within the rapidly evolving digital economy of the region.

    Rashed Ali - President

    Rashed Ali, the President at Zayed University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the university. Ali manages high-level administrative functions, ensuring that academic programs align with the national development goals of the United Arab Emirates. By overseeing the integration of research and teaching, the President drives excellence across all faculties. This leadership role involves engaging with government stakeholders and industry leaders to expand the university's influence. Through the implementation of long-term operational policies, Rashed Ali fosters an environment of innovation and scholarly achievement. The President maintains rigorous standards for institutional governance and resource allocation. Ultimately, Ali secures the long-term sustainability and academic prestige of the institution, ensuring that the university remains a cornerstone of higher education and professional development for the next generation of national leaders.

    Sheikha Lubna - President

    Sheikha Lubna, the President at Zayed University, architects the institutional framework for academic advancement and community engagement. Lubna oversees the strategic direction of university policies, ensuring that educational outcomes meet international benchmarks. By fostering partnerships with global academic institutions, the President enhances the research capabilities and cultural reach of the university. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward achieving excellence in student services and faculty development. Through the execution of comprehensive growth strategies, Sheikha Lubna strengthens the university's position as a leader in higher education. The President maintains a focus on inclusivity and academic rigor across all departments. Ultimately, Lubna secures the institutional legacy by promoting a culture of intellectual curiosity and professional integrity, driving the university toward sustained success within the competitive landscape of the United Arab Emirates.

    Raisa Tayer - Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership

    Raisa Tayer, the Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership at Zayed University, directs professional development programs and mentorship initiatives for the graduate community. Tayer manages the strategic alignment of alumnae activities with the university's mission of fostering lifelong learning. By coordinating networking events and leadership seminars, the Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership facilitates career advancement for graduates. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between current students and successful alumni to create a robust professional network. Through the implementation of mentorship frameworks, Raisa Tayer drives the professional growth of the university's alumni base. The Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership maintains high standards for community engagement and institutional loyalty. Ultimately, Tayer secures the long-term value of the university degree by cultivating a strong, interconnected community of leaders who contribute to the national economy.

    Shamma Hukal - Sustainability Club President

    Shamma Hukal, the Sustainability Club President at Zayed University, architects environmental awareness campaigns and green initiatives across the campus. Hukal oversees the implementation of waste reduction programs and energy conservation projects, ensuring the university adheres to sustainable practices. By collaborating with student groups and faculty, the Sustainability Club President drives the adoption of eco-friendly policies. This leadership role involves managing community outreach efforts that promote environmental stewardship within the region. Through the optimization of campus resources, Shamma Hukal reduces the ecological footprint of the institution. The Sustainability Club President maintains a focus on climate action and sustainable development goals. Ultimately, Hukal secures the commitment of the university to environmental responsibility, fostering a culture of sustainability that prepares students to address global ecological challenges through informed action and innovative solutions.

    Rumesa Asad - President of TedxZayedUniversity- Abu Dhabi

    Rumesa Asad, the President of TedxZayedUniversity- Abu Dhabi at Zayed University, directs the curation and production of high-impact intellectual forums and speaker events. Asad manages the selection process for presenters, ensuring that all content aligns with the university's commitment to innovation and knowledge sharing. By coordinating logistics and marketing strategies, the President of TedxZayedUniversity- Abu Dhabi facilitates the dissemination of transformative ideas to a broad audience. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with creative professionals and academic experts to enhance the quality of discourse. Through the execution of professional event management, Rumesa Asad drives engagement and intellectual curiosity across the campus. The President of TedxZayedUniversity- Abu Dhabi maintains rigorous standards for presentation quality and thematic relevance. Ultimately, Asad secures the university's reputation as a center for thought leadership and creative expression within the regional academic community.

    Shalom Ali - President, Debate and MUN Club

    Shalom Ali, the President, Debate and MUN Club at Zayed University, architects competitive debate strategies and parliamentary simulation programs. Ali oversees the training of student teams, ensuring proficiency in rhetoric, research, and critical analysis. By managing participation in regional and international tournaments, the President, Debate and MUN Club drives the competitive success of the university. This leadership role involves organizing workshops that enhance the public speaking and negotiation skills of the student body. Through the implementation of rigorous practice schedules, Shalom Ali fosters a culture of excellence and intellectual rigor. The President, Debate and MUN Club maintains high standards for performance and sportsmanship in all competitive engagements. Ultimately, Ali secures the university's standing as a powerhouse for debate and diplomatic simulation, preparing students for high-level professional roles that require persuasive communication and strategic thinking.

    Sarah Al hashimi - President of MADA Sustainability Club

    Sarah Al hashimi, the President of MADA Sustainability Club at Zayed University, directs initiatives focused on resource efficiency and environmental advocacy. Al hashimi manages the development of projects that promote sustainable living and waste management within the university environment. By engaging with student volunteers and external environmental organizations, the President of MADA Sustainability Club drives the adoption of green technologies and practices. This leadership role involves organizing educational seminars that highlight the importance of ecological preservation. Through the implementation of community-based sustainability programs, Sarah Al hashimi fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment. The President of MADA Sustainability Club maintains a focus on long-term ecological impact and resource optimization. Ultimately, Al hashimi secures the university's role as a leader in environmental education, empowering students to implement sustainable solutions that benefit the broader community and the national landscape.

    Raisa Al Tayer - Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership

    Raisa Al Tayer, the Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership at Zayed University, architects strategic programs designed to enhance the professional capabilities of the university's graduates. Al Tayer oversees the development of leadership workshops and career development resources that support the transition from academic life to the workforce. By managing relationships with industry leaders, the Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership facilitates professional growth opportunities for the alumnae network. This leadership role involves coordinating events that promote excellence and innovation in the professional sphere. Through the execution of targeted development strategies, Raisa Al Tayer drives the success of graduates in various sectors. The Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership maintains a focus on institutional impact and professional networking. Ultimately, Al Tayer secures the long-term professional relevance of the university by cultivating a community of high-achieving leaders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Zayed University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Zayed University?
    Zayed University is led by Abdulla ALarifi (President of ZUMUN), along with executives such as Bulcha Dhiyesa (President, Zayed University Coding Club) and Rashed Ali (President).
    Who is part of Zayed University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Zayed University includes leaders such as Abdulla ALarifi (President of ZUMUN), Bulcha Dhiyesa (President, Zayed University Coding Club), Rashed Ali (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Zayed University have?
    Zayed University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Zayed University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Zayed University includes roles such as President of ZUMUN, President, Zayed University Coding Club, President, President, Alumnae Board Member - President of Leadership.