Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi conferred University of Leicester's first-ever honorary professorship
Sharjah: Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester---its first-ever honorary professorship and one of the highest honors it bestows---in recognition of her impactful contributions to women's empowerment, child literacy and cultural development regionally and globally.
On July 25, Sheikha Bodour visited the University of Leicester School of Business, where she was formally conferred the title during an official ceremony at the Brookfield Campus. The title was presented by Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business. During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with students and faculty and participated in a dedicated discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research, further underscoring her commitment to advancing cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration.
A global leader in publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour has led transformative efforts to expand access to books, knowledge and inclusive learning. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, she has delivered literacy and accessibility initiatives in 31 countries and played a key role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. She is also the Founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People and previously served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman and only the second woman in its history to hold the post since 1896.
'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me,' said Sheikha Bodour. 'In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honor encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.'
Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business, said: 'The University of Leicester is delighted to welcome Sheikha Bodour to its family. She embodies the values of the University---inclusive, inspiring and impactful---in her commitment to empower others through education, entrepreneurship and publishing, her unequivocal focus on equality and inclusion and her passion for making this world a better place. The first Arab woman to become president of the International Publishers Association and a champion of gender equity in higher education and women in leadership roles, Sheikha Bodour is leading the way for women on a global scale.'
In her drive to champion women leadership in publishing, Sheikha Bodour established Publis H er, a global movement advocating for women's leadership in the industry. Since its launch, it has gained remarkable momentum, creating safe, inclusive spaces for women in publishing to connect, collaborate and rise. Complementing this commitment to inclusivity, she also led the International Sustainable Publishing and Industry Resilience initiative, which supported the publishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped build more adaptive, future-ready systems across the industry. She also chaired the committee behind Sharjah's designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 and led the establishment of the House of Wisdom, a landmark cultural center fostering knowledge, dialogue and innovation. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she continues to elevate Sharjah's global standing through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Booksellers Conference and Sharjah Publishing City.
Sheikha Bodour has advocated for diversity, freedom to publish, literacy and youth development through platforms including UNESCO's World Book Capital Cities Network and the World Economic Forum, where she became the first Emirati woman to co-chair the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, and chaired the Regional Business Council for the Middle East and North Africa.
Her recognition by the University of Leicester also reflects her broader efforts in promoting equity and academic excellence. Since being appointed President of AUS in 2023, Sheikha Bodour has championed gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at AUS, in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment---the UAE's first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development.
Under her leadership, AUS has launched six new research centers in fields including artificial intelligence, sustainability and Arab and Islamic studies, while expanding scholarship support for students with disabilities and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sheikha Bodour's work also extends to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), she has supported over 150 startups that have raised $128 million in investment and created more than 1,400 jobs. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), she has led strategic projects across sectors including tourism, sustainability, healthcare and the cultural economy. At the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, she oversees a $150 million initiative that has attracted over 2,000 companies and more than $100 million in research investment across renewable energy, agritech, mobility and immersive technologies.
Sheikha Bodour holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London. Her career continues to blend public service, entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy, reinforcing AUS as a center of research and inclusion while shaping global conversations on education, publishing and leadership.
Video Link | https://we.tl/t-Erae7N7chE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
30 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
'No sales, no salary': How UAE residents without fixed base pay rely on commission
From real estate agents to retail staff and recruitment consultants, some UAE residents are employed under commission-only contracts. This practice, while legal in the country, often leaves these employees navigating financial uncertainty, unclear legal protections, and mental strain. Aisha M, a 29-year-old real estate broker in Dubai, said her income varies so widely that budgeting feels almost impossible. 'Some months, I make three times what a salaried person earns. Other months, I have to ask my landlord to wait for rent,' she said. 'There's no base pay, so if I don't close a deal, I earn nothing.' Aisha explained that commissions are usually paid out in the first week of the following month, but even that depends on the employer's internal processes. 'If I sell a unit in the last 10 days of July, I might not see the money until September. You have to be careful, always follow up.' Despite the instability, Aisha says she's not ready to give it up. 'When it's good, it's very good. But you live in a kind of emotional and financial rollercoaster. Every month, it's like starting from zero.' According to the UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, commission-based pay is legal if it's clearly stated in the employee's registered contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The law allows for various pay structures, including commission-only, provided they're mutually agreed upon and formally documented. However, there is no officially defined minimum wage in the UAE. The law broadly states that pay must 'meet the basic needs' of the worker, but does not set a numerical threshold. 'No sales, no salary' Tariq Mahmoud, 35, works in electronics retail. He has a commission-only contract with a company that sells high-end appliances. 'I spend 8 to 10 hours a day on the floor. If I don't make a sale, I go home with nothing. My wife has a fixed job, or else we wouldn't have survived.' He points out that during low seasons, sales drop sharply. 'Some months, I make just Dh500. There's no hourly wage, no overtime, and no safety net.' The hardest part, he says, is how commission payments are delayed. 'The commission is based on closed sales, but the company often takes time to process payments. If there's a return or customer complaint, they can even cut your pay retroactively.' Still, he acknowledges the upside. 'It keeps you hungry, sharp. If you're aggressive, you can outperform salaried colleagues. But there's a mental toll. You're always anxious about clients, numbers, the system.' Noura, a 27-year-old resident of Dubai, works in banking sales now, pushing financial products and credit cards. Before that, she spent three years in real estate under a commission-only setup. She said her experience taught her that everything depends on the employer. 'In real estate, some months I worked hard but didn't get paid on time, or at all. Now, in banking, even though I'm still on commission, the structure is more formal. There's a payment schedule, clear reporting, and a fallback if something goes wrong.' Noura said people often underestimate how risky commission-only roles can be. 'You have to really trust the company before you accept this kind of job. Ask people who work there. If payments get delayed or if you're left chasing your commission every month, it affects your whole life.'
Khaleej Times
30 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Rents for studios, 1BHKs rise after crackdown on illegal partitions
Rental rates for studio and one-bedroom apartments in several areas of Dubai are rising, driven by increased demand following a government crackdown on illegal partitioning of apartments and villas. Before the crackdown, many tenants were living in overcrowded spaces, often crammed into single rooms or partitioned units. Since authorities began enforcing regulations, landlords and property owners have tightened their leasing practices, opting to rent only to families and corporate tenants. 'Rental prices have seen a slight increase, particularly for studios and one-bedroom apartments, as demand for these units has risen. Overall, the Dubai Municipality's action has brought more transparency to the market,' said Swapna Tekchandani, consultant at Property Zone Real Estate. Humaira Vaqqas, property consultant at Range International Properties, noted that some areas have experienced an oversupply of larger units as evicted tenants moved out, placing slight downward pressure on rents for those properties. 'There is a higher demand for smaller, legal units — studios and 1-bed apartments demand spike, leading to stable or slightly increased rents in legal small-unit buildings. There is a market adjustment over time, as illegal units are removed, the supply of affordable options shrinks, pushing up legal rent prices in budget-friendly areas. Landlords often pass the cost of compliance, renovations, and missed income on to future tenants by demanding higher rents,' she added. The crackdown by Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Land Department began in June, targeting illegally modified properties in areas such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa, citing safety concerns related to unapproved structural changes. According to Ayman Youssef, managing director of Coldwell Banker, this enforcement is expected to drive demand for rental units in specific areas. 'The simple reasoning behind this is that previously 4 to 5 people were sharing a unit, but now those people will require individual units.' Up to 20% rent hike in Al Nahda, Sharjah Youssef added that many evicted tenants are likely to relocate to more affordable areas on the outskirts, such as Al Nahda, or even to other emirates like Sharjah and Ajman, where rents remain comparatively lower. Swapna noted that Sharjah has traditionally offered spacious units that were often shared among multiple occupants. 'Following the crackdown, many of these units are now being rented out to single tenants, contributing to an overall increase in rental prices. In Al Nahda, however, prices were already on the higher side due to its prime location and proximity to Dubai,' she added. Vaqqas observed that short-term leasing is becoming more common in the wake of the displacement. She pointed out that many former tenants from Dubai have moved to Sharjah – particularly Al Nahda, Al Majaz, and Rolla – due to more lenient sharing regulations and lower rents. 'Reports suggest Sharjah's Al Nahda saw 10 to 20 per cent rent increases in some buildings within months of the Dubai crackdown. Availability issues are on the rise after this crackdown; cheaper apartments are getting booked faster, especially near the Dubai border for easy commuting,' said Range International Properties' consultant. Overall, Vaqqas emphasised that the crackdown has had a positive effect for both landlords and tenants, encouraging legal rental practices and improving living standards.
Khaleej Times
30 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Cruises cheaper than flights? Why UAE residents are opting for sea travel
Cruise holidays are becoming popular with UAE travellers over this summer and beyond. While some chose unique experiences, others opt for ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive packages, which allow them to have a more intimate holiday. 'During the summer, we are seeing many families from the UAE and GCC region opting for cruise holidays, mostly in Europe, Far East and Caribbean,' said Mohamed Kasim from Akbar Travels. 'Most of the people from the region opt for cruises lasting between seven and ten days and it is almost always booked by families, not people who are single.' He said that vessels that offer distinct entertainment options are more popular than others. 'Cruises like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas of Royal Caribbean have been extremely popular this season,' he said. The former cruise boasts of one of the largest waterparks at sea while the latter tends to be a more budget-friendly option. A spokesperson for Celestyal cruises, which homeported out of Abu Dhabi and Doha for the first time from December 2024 to March this year said that the demand had far exceeded their expectation from the region. 'We had set an occupancy target of 60 per cent,' said Janet Parton, regional Vice President of Business Development at the company. 'However, we were completely full on the majority of our cruises. So the response has been phenomenal and we are already getting bookings for our next season.' She added that however, the GCC region were a 'late booking' market, with many choosing to book at the last minute Luxury cruises Among cruise holidays, the luxury cruises vertical is one that is seeing an increase in demand. According to Lakshmi Durai, CEO of CruiseXplore, there are several reasons why people prefer luxury cruises. 'People travel a lot, and they are always looking for something unique and different,' she said. 'Luxury cruises have smaller ships which allow them to visit destinations that larger cruise ships may not be able to navigate. They are very boutique and the travellers are pampered. There are some cruises that offer very unique experience.' In this year's State of the Cruise Industry report by Cruise Lines International Association, the luxury cruise travel market has tripled globally since 2010. Saleh Mohamed from Elevate Cruises explained why people prefer luxury cruises. 'They come in smaller sizes with lesser number of people and all amenities inclusive,' he said. 'Last year, we handled the Tauck cruise which was like a small yacht of 160 passengers but with a crew of almost 200 people to give personalised care for passengers. There were about 15 travel experts to accompany people during their excursions. So luxury cruise liners do out-of-the-box, unique experiences with an incredible level of service.' Earlier this year, Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) told Khaleej Times during the Arabian Travel Mart that luxury cruises were 'a growing trend' both globally and locally. 'People are realising that if they go on a luxury cruise, it gives them a way to experience unique onshore excursions or different ports,' he said. 'On a normal cruise ship, there are sometimes more than 6,000 guests which means that people have to queue up to use the amenities. On luxury cruises, people wouldn't have to wait in queues.' Value for money According to Saud, value for money has been the 'foundation' of cruising. 'People are able to visit so many destinations within a short period of time without having to get on a plane and without having to unpack and pack multiple times,' he said. 'People will pay a premium for just that experience.' Lakshmi added that cruises are more affordable as compared to land holidays. 'The cruise package has a lot of inclusions,' she said. 'WiFi, all meals, entertainment on board, unique destinations and more. If you break it down to a per night rate, a similar land vacation will cost much more than a cruise. That is one of the reasons why it is becoming more popular.' Experiential cruises One cruise that has seen a lot of interest from the region is the Hurtigruten experiential cruise in Norway — a 130-year-old delivery service that used to get produce and post to the north of the country. Hurtigruten was converted into a cruise experience and has become popular for the experience it offers. 'We have small ships accommodating up to 500 people that run along the coast of Norway throughout the year,' said Carla Hines. 'We work with local suppliers, pick up fresh fish and vegetables from certain ports and engage with the local community. The food on the cruise is completely Norwegian and freshly cooked and the waste on the ship is composted. We are very sustainable. Depending on the season, we have different activities like hustle sledging, kayaking and hiking.' Lakshmi added that other popular experience cruises included cruises to the Arctic circle and Antartica. 'Some of these are ice breaker cruises that sail into poles,' she said. 'Roughly about 100 people are on these cruises, and they have expedition experts on the ship who take the guests out into the poles to explore.' Saleh added that the newly launched Aroya Cruise from Saudi Arabia was also gaining popularity. With halal food, prayer rooms and shisha decks, he explained that the cruise targeted a wide Muslim audience.
