Liwa University will host the UAE’s first-ever She Leads programme from 20–22 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership development within the higher education sector. Delivered by Advance HE, the initiative aligns with the UAE Vision 2071 and the National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment, which prioritise equal opportunities and the advancement of women leaders across all sectors.
She Leads is based on the highly successful Aurora programme, which has supported over 15,000 women from more than 200 institutions across the UK and Ireland, and was recently recognised as an exceptional training programme with the Princess Royal Training Award.
The programme is open to all women, with a particular focus on women across the UAE and the wider MENA region, bringing together up to 40 participants for a series of four interactive workshops designed to explore leadership within the UAE higher education context. Participants will gain practical strategies for organisational change, mentorship and networking, alongside insights into gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
She Leads is more than a leadership programme; it is a platform for transformation.
By equipping women with the tools to lead confidently and inclusively, we are contributing to a future where women’s empowerment is embedded in the culture of UAE higher education.”Dr Faiza Zitouni, Dean of Student Affairs, Assistant Professor at Liwa University, and Principal Fellow of Advance HE
Kristian Rumble, Head of Partnerships at Advance HE, highlighted the strategic alignment with national priorities. He said, “The launch of She Leads in the UAE demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting women’s leadership pathways.
“This programme is tailored to the unique context of Emirati higher education and will help institutions champion diversity, inclusion and excellence.”
The She Leads programme represents a pioneering step towards building sustainable leadership capabilities and positioning the UAE as a regional leader in academic women’s leadership development. Institutions participating in the programme will benefit from enhanced organisational culture and the development of confident, capable women leaders.
Applications are now open for the January cohort, with limited places available. The deadline to apply is Thursday 8 January 2026. For more information and to apply contact [email protected].
Would you like to run a similar programme at your institution? Find out more about She Leads, an in-house leadership development programme for women leaders here.