National University of Dubai appoints Victor Van der Chijs as first President
The National University of Dubai (NUD) has appointed internationally recognised higher education leader Victor Van der Chijs as its inaugural President, marking an important step in the development of Dubai’s new flagship research university.
The appointment comes as NUD moves through its foundational phase and prepares to establish itself as a globally connected institution focused on education, research, innovation and future-ready talent.
Building Dubai’s flagship research university
The National University of Dubai is being developed as an impact-driven research university designed to combine international academic standards with Dubai’s emphasis on innovation and economic transformation.
Its wider mission is closely linked to several of the emirate’s long-term strategies.
NUD is expected to support the Education 33 Strategy, strengthening Dubai’s position as an international destination for higher education, research and talent development.
It will also contribute to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, particularly through the development of a more diversified and knowledge-based economy, while supporting the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by preparing graduates for the industries and professions of the future.
Victor Van der Chijs to lead the university’s development
As inaugural President, Van der Chijs will play a central role in shaping NUD from the ground up.
Working alongside the university’s Board of Trustees and founding team, he will oversee the development of academic programmes, help establish the university’s research culture and build strategic partnerships with institutions around the world.
The goal is to create a university that is not only academically strong, but also closely connected with government and industry.
This approach is intended to ensure that research and education respond directly to the needs of Dubai’s rapidly evolving economy.
More than 30 years of international experience
Van der Chijs brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, research, innovation and business.
From 2013 to 2021, he served as President of the Executive Board of the University of Twente in the Netherlands.
During his tenure, the university strengthened its international academic reputation while expanding work in entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer.
He also served as President of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities between 2015 and 2021, where he helped lead the development of one of Europe’s early pan-European university initiatives.
Experience beyond academia
Van der Chijs’ career also extends well beyond universities.
He previously served as Chairman of Deltalinqs, an industry association representing Rotterdam’s major industrial and logistics cluster.
At the same time, he was President of the Board of BOM, one of the Netherlands’ most active regional venture investors.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at organisations including OMA, Schiphol Group and ING, giving him experience across architecture, aviation, infrastructure and global finance.
That combination of academic and commercial leadership is expected to be particularly relevant to NUD’s ambition of creating stronger links between universities, government and the private sector.
Education designed around future industries
The university plans to work closely with government entities, businesses and leading international institutions.
Rather than operating as an isolated academic environment, NUD is being designed around collaboration.
Its research is expected to contribute to innovation and new knowledge, while students will be prepared for industries that are still developing or rapidly changing.
The university’s leadership wants graduates to leave with not only strong academic foundations, but also the ability to work across disciplines and respond to emerging economic and technological challenges.
A rare opportunity to build a university from the ground up
Van der Chijs described the opportunity to lead the National University of Dubai as particularly unusual because it allows him to help create a major academic institution from its earliest stages.
His role will involve shaping everything from academic culture and research priorities to partnerships and long-term international positioning.
For Dubai, the appointment represents another step in its effort to strengthen higher education as part of the city’s wider development model.
Dubai expands its ambitions in higher education
Dubai has spent years positioning itself as a global centre for business, technology, tourism and entrepreneurship.
The creation of the National University of Dubai signals a similar ambition in higher education and research.
By attracting international academic leadership, building partnerships across sectors and focusing on research with practical economic impact, NUD is intended to support the next generation of Dubai’s growth.
With Victor Van der Chijs now appointed as its first President, the university is moving closer to turning that vision into a fully established academic institution.
