The University marked 125 years of academic excellence and innovation with a special celebration and the award of its first Honorary Degree in the UAE.
Students, alumni, staff, and guests gather on the parkland outside the University of Birmingham Dubai campus to celebrate 125 years of heritage, global impact, and academic excellence.
Around 2,000 guests arrived at the University’s state-of-the-art smart campus in Dubai International Academic City for a community celebration graced by the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Vice Chairman of Emirates Literature Foundation.
Visitors enjoyed music, poetry, and performance from contributors, including singer-songwriter and University student Vaughn Prangley, Emirati spoken word poet Afra Atiq, and the University of Birmingham Dubai Dance Club.
Guests also had the opportunity to discover the story of the University of Birmingham’s research successes over the last 125 years, as well as finding out more about its current work in the Gulf region in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health & Wellbeing, and sustainable finance.
The Winter Degree Congregations saw the University of Birmingham Dubai award its first honorary degree, conferring Doctor of the University on Professor Dr Mohamed Yousif Baniyas.
To be recognised by an institution of such long-standing heritage, scholarly distinction, and global reach is a profound honour.
Professor Dr Mohamed Yousif Baniyas addresses graduates and guests at the University of Birmingham Dubai’s Winter Degree Congregation, where the campus conferred its first honorary degree as part of the University’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
A leading academic and healthcare expert, Professor Baniyas serves as Higher Education Advisor and Director of the Commission for Academic Accreditation and National Qualification Center at the UAE Ministry of Education, alongside roles as Professor at UAE University and Consultant Clinical Toxicologist at Tawam Hospital.
With over 100 publications and extensive leadership experience in higher education and healthcare policy, he is recognised internationally for his work in drug safety, toxicology, and medical education.
Professor Baniyas said: “To be recognised by an institution of such long-standing heritage, scholarly distinction, and global reach is a profound honour. This moment is especially meaningful to me, as I did not follow the academic path many here have pursued. Instead, I first experienced the University of Birmingham’s excellence through its long-standing collaboration with the UAE University’s College of Medicine, where I began my career over three decades ago. To the graduates, I extend my sincere congratulations.”
Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is ranked among the top 100 universities globally (QS 2025) and is the first Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai.
Our Dubai campus embodies the University of Birmingham’s global outlook, offering students world-class education and research opportunities that address the most pressing challenges of our time.
Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai, said: “Celebrating 125 years is a testament to the University of Birmingham’s heritage and our vision for the future – we’re proud to reflect our legacy and commitment to shaping the future of education through cutting-edge research and global collaboration.
“We are delighted to further mark this anniversary with the award of our first Honorary Degree to Professor Dr Mohamed Yousif Baniyas in recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare and education in the UAE.
“Our Dubai campus embodies the University of Birmingham’s global outlook, offering students world-class education and research opportunities that address the most pressing challenges of our time. This milestone is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to innovation and academic excellence in the UAE and beyond.”
The University of Birmingham Dubai has rapidly become a hub for advanced learning and research, introducing initiatives such as the emirate’s first PhD programme in AI and forging partnerships with leading industry players.
Aiming to become a leading research-oriented campus among higher education institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the University has established three new research institutes: Centre for Inclusion Studies (CIS), Health Systems Research Centre (HSRC in Dubai), and Sustainable Financial Innovation Centre (SFIC in Dubai).
Its campus integrates smart technologies and sustainable practices, creating an environment that fosters collaboration and prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow - driving innovation, empowering students, and strengthening ties between the UK and the UAE.
The 125th Anniversary celebration was supported by TECOM Group, Dubai International Academic City, Pinsent Masons, PwC, ADNH Catering, and Emrill.
Provost
As the Provost of University of Birmingham Dubai, Professor Mouzughi leads the academic vision and strategy of the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai.
