Wittenborg President and CEO Explores Education Opportunities in Abu Dhabi

31.12.2023

Wittenborg President and CEO's 'Fact-Finding' Mission in Abu Dhabi

President and CEO of Wittenborg, Peter Birdsall and Maggie Feng, recently went on a 'fact-finding' trip to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The journey in November allowed Birdsall and Feng to leverage their business connections, arranging significant meetings with previous Wittenborg personnel, as well as the Dutch Ambassador and his spouse in Abu Dhabi.

During an interview, Birdsall revealed that, in 2024, Wittenborg will explore the potential of running joint programmes in the UAE, such as MBAs (Master of Business Administration) with opportunities for individuals to spend some time in the UAE.

"The connections we've made provided valuable insights into the educational landscape in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Our goal is to maintain contact with them to ensure that we have connections there who can contribute to our long-term plans."

The trip included catching up with former Wittenborg colleague Muhammad Kaleem Zahir-Ul-Hassan as well as Vladimir Dzenopoljac, an Associate Professor in the UAE and an expert in gaining AACSB accreditation. Dzenopoljac also regularly collaborates with Wittenborg Head School of Business, Rauf Abdul on research projects.

For Zahir-Ul-Hassan, it was great to catch up with Birdsall and Feng. "It was lovely meeting Maggie and Peter. Meeting them made me nostalgic because I have good memories of Wittenborg. I am open to possibilities for collaboration in the future in teaching and research."

Unlocking successful partnerships

Highlighting Wittenborg's long-term goals and the importance of understanding the local context, Birdsall referred to a similar trip to China, "In the beginning, you have to spend time trying to unlock successful partnerships. But, it is also important to note that these trips tie into our long-term plans, so you've got to be careful that you don't just spend time talking to different institutions. You can't say, 'Oh, well, we'll see if we can start something in three years'. If you don't do it proactively, then it just fades away."

After visiting Abu Dhabi and nine universities in China, Birdsall explained, "What we've discovered is that institutions are very interested in master's programmes, in getting the knowledge and the know-how and the skill that we have and combining that with their faculty, their staff and their students."

Birdsall emphasised the overall importance of these 'fact-finding' trips, saying, "For us, it was a real eye-opener to see what is possible. Hopefully, in the long run, we will be able to be able to roll out modules at different locations, which will be a very unique selling point. I think we made some very concrete links with people who can help and advise us."

Feng described the country as "very clean and human-capital rich". She highlighted the palpable sense of power and willingness to invest in the new economy.

One notable observation made by Feng pertains to the wealth of international talents already present in the UAE, including professors and educators. She pointed out the existing gap and need for talent, underscoring that the country is in transition.

"It is like a family business. In comparison to the Netherlands, they look beyond the four-year term. Many ingredients for a successful institute are already present in the UAE, with a good local partner being the key to success."