Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Students at Abu Dhabi University have rights including right to education, student aid, fair treatment, freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression within laws, access to policies, protection from unreasonable search/seizure.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy at ABU Dhabi University
ADU is committed in following the principle of diversity and inclusion. The Policy will ensure that diversity is respected during the recruitment of faculty and staff members, and diversity remains at the specified ratio. The Policy seeks to ensure that all employees feel included at all times. ADU recognizes that there are many dimensions to diversity
Diversity is a positive and highly valued attribute of the ADU culture. Faculty, students, and staff all benefit from working and interacting every day with individuals from backgrounds very different from their own. We define diversity
as variety within our community by ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, historical family, national backgrounds, political persuasions, and ideologies while respecting the UAE national traditions
and cultural norms. Diversity at ADU requires that we cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful environment of all groups and individuals. It requires us to foster the sense in every member of our community that they
belong here, that they add value to our enterprise, and that they themselves are valued as contributing members of our collective enterprise.
- Interests and Affiliations
Abu Dhabi University is a private institution of higher education operating in the United Arab Emirates. The University is not affiliated with, nor does it support, any political, religious, social, or ethnic organizations, movements, or causes. ADU’s mission is solely academic in nature, with a focus on delivering high-quality teaching, learning, research, and knowledge exchange in disciplines that are of primary relevance to the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
To safeguard its academic mission and institutional reputation, ADU gives preference to faculty and administrative staff who regard their service to the University community as their primary professional commitment. Employees are expected to work actively to enhance the standing of the University and to refrain from engaging in external professional or other activities that may distract from their responsibilities or pose a risk to ADU’s reputation as a private, secular, and non-political institution.
- Diversity
ADU recognizes that achieving meaningful and optimal diversity requires the deliberate recruitment of faculty and staff from a broad range of backgrounds. The University seeks to attract a diverse pool of candidates by embedding inclusive and forward-looking selection criteria within job descriptions, with the aim of introducing cultural perspectives and experiences that complement and expand the existing diversity of the University community.
All colleges and departments are expected to actively reflect diversity in the composition of their workforce. As a guiding principle, no more than 30 percent of employees within any single college or department should originate from the same ethnic group, thereby ensuring balanced representation and a plurality of perspectives.
For the purposes of this Policy, diversity at ADU is assessed using a combination of defined factors. These include passport nationality, based on approved national groupings; the country and institution from which the terminal degree was obtained, with preference, where appropriate, for faculty educated at top‑200 ranked universities, subject to reporting through the Provost’s Office to the Board; and self‑reported ethnicity as documented through the official Ministry of Education form submitted to Talent Empowerment and Growth.
In addition to individual diversity indicators, ADU classifies diversity by geographic region. This classification is determined by the passport on which the employee’s UAE residence visa is issued, enabling the University to monitor representation across global regions in a structured and transparent manner. To reinforce the national priority of Emiratization, UAE nationals are not included within these regional classifications.
Oversight of the application of this diversity policy rests with the Vice Chancellor of Artificial Intelligence and Operational Excellence, acting through the Director of Talent Empowerment and Growth. All appointments are screened in alignment with the Policy, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. Where exceptions relate to academic appointments, determinations are made jointly by the Provost and the Vice Chancellor.
- Origin of Terminal Degree
ADU ordinarily gives preference to faculty and administrative candidates who hold terminal degrees from internationally accredited universities of recognized standing, where English is the primary language of instruction. This requirement provides assurance of both the quality of the candidate’s education and their proficiency in English, the principal language used for teaching, research, and administration at the University.
For senior administrative appointments at the level of Department Chair and above, ADU places particular emphasis on candidates who have obtained both their master’s and doctoral degrees from internationally accredited institutions with global standing. Preference is also given to individuals with substantial professional experience at internationally accredited, English‑language institutions, particularly those based in countries where English is the first language.
- English Literacy
As a predominantly English‑medium institution, ADU requires all faculty and administrators to demonstrate a scholarly command of English, alongside strong interpersonal communication skills. While Arabic plays an important role in selected academic programs, English remains the primary language for instruction, research, and administrative engagement across the University.
The specific level of English competency required for faculty and administrative roles is determined through formal assessment tools administered by the Talent Empowerment and Growth Department. These tools are applied during the screening process for shortlisted candidates to ensure consistent and objective evaluation.
- Inclusion
ADU defines inclusion as a sustained commitment to welcoming, engaging, and supporting faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds, including individuals from marginalized groups such as people of determination. All candidates and employees are expected, through their conduct and interactions, to demonstrate respect, understanding, and active support for inclusive values as a standard professional practice.
Faculty and staff are expected to demonstrate leadership in diversity and inclusion, including promoting the benefits of inclusive practices within their teams, classrooms, and professional roles.
The University actively supports initiatives that advance equality of opportunity at all levels, including within senior management and leadership positions.
ADU aspires to be an employer of choice by fostering high levels of staff satisfaction, engagement, and performance across all roles and functions.
The University is committed to providing a working environment in which all employees feel empowered, supported, and able to realize their full professional potential. ADU recruits and supports employees from the broadest possible talent pool through open and transparent recruitment processes that allow candidates to demonstrate their job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience fairly.
- Responsibilities
All members of the University community share individual and collective responsibility for upholding the principles of this Policy. Members of the University are expected to actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by fostering an environment characterized by mutual respect and understanding.
All interactions within the University community must uphold the rights of individuals to dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and equitable treatment. Employees and affiliates are required to act in full accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct. Members of the University community are encouraged to challenge and address any actions or behaviors that are inconsistent with the values and principles of this Policy or the Code of Conduct. Appropriate training must be undertaken to ensure awareness, understanding, and effective implementation of the principles and responsibilities outlined in this Policy.
ADU maintains an effective framework for managing actual or potential breaches of this Policy, enabling concerns to be reported without fear of retaliation and ensuring that complaints are addressed fairly, thoroughly, promptly, and confidentially.
ADU expects everyone who works for and with the University to act in alignment with its commitment to diversity and inclusion and to actively contribute to strengthening these principles across the institution.
- Benefits
This Policy reflects ADU’s commitment to fostering a culturally and socially inclusive environment in which all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and treated equitably, regardless of disability, origin, race or ethnicity, gender, or religion.
- Implementation
In partnership with the Talent Empowerment and Growth Department, ADU will implement this Policy by recruiting a diverse range of faculty and staff using structured selection criteria embedded in job descriptions, informed by the current demographic profile of employees and the defined parameters outlined in this Policy.
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
Partnerships for the Goals
Environmental Impact
01
No Poverty
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
Introduction
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
(MOCD) as the first law to provide social benefits to members of the community to ensure and sustain the high quality of living for all UAE citizens. The Ministry continues to work today on enhancing social inclusion for all members of society where social benefits are extended to cover twenty-one segments of the community.
The UAE government has a future vision to change the culture of social support from the current ‘social welfare’ model to ‘sustainable social development’ that encourages independence and growth of families across the UAE.
ADU is determined to overcome all challenges that ADU and our students might face as a result of the poverty. We continue to be dedicated to empowering and inspiring outstanding students to pursue their goals. Our scholarships and financial aid programs are available to all students who want to fund their academic programmes. We consider it our duty to provide equal opportunities to students interested in pursuing higher education, enabling them to contribute to society regardless of their financial situation.
In additional to financial aid, ADU scholarships are being provided to outstanding students, through seven main categories, including the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, the President’s Scholarship, the University Scholarship, the Academic Scholarship, the Athletic Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and the Family Tuition Waiver.
We take pride in attracting the brightest students in the UAE and offer them generous support, to excel in their studies. Our Scholarship and Financial Aid programmes are part of ADU’s corporate social responsibility and are influenced by the UAE’s great leadership. ADU is constantly finding pioneering and innovative ways to support and facilitate the needs of our students to help them achieve their academic degree.
Emirates Red Crescent and ADU Launch a Humanitarian Funding Campaign
Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University recently launched the Education Support Campaign in coordination with Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International. Through this collaboration, ADU and Emirates Red Crescent will support disadvantaged students in their university studies, providing them with an opportunity for a successful educational journey. The campaign aims to raise 10 million dirhams, and students will benefit from these funds starting 24 November 2021 and for one year. (This activity is licensed by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, permit number 022).
Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International will aid the campaign by facilitating donations through their different points of sale. Community members will show their solidarity by donating valuable aid to students, starting at two dirhams.
Public donations will be accepted via text message through Etisalat and Du. Bank donations can be sent to Sharjah Islamic Bank - account number (11445518006), IBAN (AE350410000011445518006). Individuals can also donate through the link provided on the Emirates Red Crescent website (https://www.emiratesrc.ae/eduadu), with the donations ranging from ten dirhams to 1,000 dirhams.
H.E. Salem Al Rayes Al Ameri, Deputy Secretary-General for Local Affairs at Emirates Red Crescent, said, "Sponsoring students is one of the permanent and continuous programs within the initiatives of the Humanitarian and Development Authority. We continue to witness a high rate of response and generosity from sponsors and benefactors. These donations are considered a true embodiment and reflection of the authority's efforts to invest in empowering individuals and guiding them towards achieving their aspirations and fulfilling their dreams."
Al Ameri added, "The Authority acknowledges the important role it plays in preparing future generations for the responsibilities of tomorrow."
Al Ameri praised the existing cooperation between the Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University, which seeks to support education and provide opportunities to disadvantaged students whose family circumstances prevent them from continuing their educational path. The cooperation embodies Abu Dhabi University's commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility, as well as its leading academic role in advancing science and education as the most important pillars of human development in the country. He also praised the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu International Group in supporting the activities of the campaign.
Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at Abu Dhabi University, said, "Abu Dhabi University is proud of its strategic partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching the Education Support Campaign. The campaign aligns with Abu Dhabi University's mission to support students and allows us to share social responsibilities with the community. We are proud of the continuous cooperation and renewed partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching campaigns that carry a noble message and achieve a tangible and real impact on our society."
Al Dhaheri added, "Abu Dhabi University appreciates the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Lulu International Group, and all participating partners in supporting the campaign activities. Investing in our young people and building an educated generation capable of leading the continued development of our country is vital."
Abdul Majeed Al Khouri, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, commented, "Our participation in the Education Support Campaign confirms the depth of the decades-old relationship between the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Emirates Red Crescent. With God's grace, it has gone beyond humanitarian work and now encompasses sustainability. We are proud of this pioneering partnership. The Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has always sought to serve the community of the UAE and we continuously contribute to helping and supporting various sectors in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates."
Al Khoori added, "The initiatives adopted by the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society reflect our passion towards aiding societal struggles related to education. Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has initiated partnerships with ministries and governmental institutions, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Emirates Red Crescent, to create opportunities for those who dream of pursuing their educational journey. In the last few years, we doubled our efforts and developed initiatives that will allow us to serve our country and consolidate the concept of social responsibility. We are proud to be part of an institution that provides its students with an environment that values charitable work and social development while simultaneously providing high-quality education and academic qualifications that are respected worldwide."
Mr. Aboobakker TP, Director of LuLu Hypermarkets Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra region, said, "This initiative embodies the belief and commitment of LuLu Group in the bright future of the UAE and the power of the Emirati youth to shape it."
"Education is one of the strongest building blocks for a nation's future, and LuLu Group is honored to share in raising valuable funding for needy students," he continued. "It empowers Emirati youth to contribute to their best potential and lead the future of the country. It is particularly timely that this campaign comes on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the UAE's nationhood. We at LuLu Group International are proud of our identity as a 'homegrown' UAE brand and see this participation in the 'Let's Support Their Future' campaign as our humble contribution to the nation that gave us so much to build upon."
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
