The challenge
Abu Dhabi University set out to transform its student experience by embedding employability across the institution and investing in teaching excellence. The goals were clear:
- Develop a university-wide employability strategy
- Upskill and recognise faculty through Advance HE Fellowship
- Align teaching practices with global standards
- Enhance student outcomes and institutional reputation
Advance HE works with universities worldwide to embed cultures of teaching excellence.
Our consultancy-led approach ensures programmes like the Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE) are tailored to your strategic goals, whether that’s enhancing employability, achieving global recognition, or aligning with national frameworks.
ADU’s performance across multiple rankings is testament to our global faculty’s role in preparing students for 21st-century careers.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University
Our approach
Advance HE partnered with ADU to deliver a strategic, multi-year programme that combined employability enhancement with faculty development. The approach included:
- Whole-University Employability Strategy: Embedding career readiness into curriculum, extracurriculars and student support
- Faculty Development Programmes: Including the Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Fellowship Writing Workshops and bespoke leadership development
- Professional Recognition: Supporting faculty to achieve Advance HE Fellowships, aligned with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF)
Key outcomes and impact
- #1 in UAE for graduate employability (Times Higher Education Rankings)
- #3 in GCC and #174 globally
- Programmes now feature industry-aligned training, hands-on experience, and career-focused support
- 103 faculty awarded Advance HE Fellowships
- 11 senior leaders accredited as Senior Fellows, 4 as Principal Fellows
- ADU ranked #1 for teaching in the UAE (THE 2026 Rankings)
- Achieved 5 QS Stars for the first time
- Faculty development directly supported ADU’s 2017–2022 strategy
- Success led to a renewed commitment in the 2022–2027 strategy, with Advance HE continuing as a strategic partner
This collaboration reinforces our capabilities and ensures our graduates have the attributes employers value.
Professor Philip Hamill, Former Associate Provost, ADU & Principal Fellow
Why institutions choose Advance HE
Advance HE is the strategic partner of choice for universities aiming to embed employability and teaching excellence at scale.
Institutions choose Advance HE because we offer:
- Strategic alignment
- Global recognition
- Transformational faculty development
- Employability integration
- Sustainable impact
Advance HE brings deep expertise, global insight, and a collaborative ethos to every partnership—helping institutions like Abu Dhabi University achieve excellence in teaching and employability.
