Alhosn University was a prominent private university situated in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established in 2006 through a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Council and the Alhosn Educational Group, it aimed to provide high-quality education in line with international standards. The university focused on fostering innovation and leadership in fields critical to the UAE's development, such as engineering, business, information technology (IT), communication and media, design, and law. Although Alhosn University closed its doors in 2018, its contributions to higher education in the region remain noteworthy, and understanding its structure offers valuable insights into similar academic environments in the UAE.
The campus was designed with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and student centers, creating an environment conducive to learning and research. Alhosn was accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education's Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), ensuring its programs met rigorous standards. For job seekers interested in university jobs in the Middle East, Alhosn's model exemplifies the blend of local needs and global excellence that characterizes UAE higher education institutions.
Alhosn University opened in September 2007 with its first cohort of students, rapidly growing to over 3,000 by its peak. It emphasized practical, industry-aligned education, partnering with international universities like the University of Strathclyde in the UK for joint degrees. The institution played a key role in Abu Dhabi's transformation into a knowledge hub, aligning with UAE Vision 2021 (now extended to 2031), which prioritizes education and innovation.
In 2018, due to financial difficulties and strategic shifts in the UAE higher education landscape, Alhosn announced its closure. Operations wound down by June 2018, with students seamlessly transferred to partner universities. Faculty and staff were supported in finding new positions. This event highlights the dynamic nature of private higher education in emerging markets, where economic factors can influence sustainability. Despite the closure, Alhosn's alumni network and research outputs continue to impact the UAE's academic community.
Alhosn University offered bachelor's and master's degrees across five colleges: College of Engineering, College of Business, College of Information Technology, College of Communication and Media, and College of Design. Engineering programs were particularly strong, covering civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and interior design engineering. Business degrees included finance, marketing, and human resource management, while IT focused on computer science and software engineering.
Law programs emphasized international and UAE law, preparing students for regional legal careers. The curriculum integrated practical projects, internships, and English-medium instruction to attract diverse talent. These programs shaped the types of jobs available, with a heavy emphasis on specialized faculty and researchers.
Jobs at Alhosn University spanned academic, administrative, and support roles. Faculty positions were central, including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers in engineering, business, and IT. Research roles like research assistants and postdoctoral researchers were common, especially in applied engineering projects. Administrative jobs included department heads, deans, HR specialists, and student services coordinators. Support staff handled labs, IT support, and facilities.
Although the university is closed, typical university job types like these persist at active UAE institutions. For current openings, check higher ed jobs or lecturer positions via lecturer jobs.
To teach at Alhosn, candidates typically needed a PhD in the relevant field from an accredited university. For example, engineering faculty required a doctorate in mechanical engineering or related disciplines, with a master's as a minimum for lecturers. Business roles demanded PhDs in management or finance. International accreditation like ABET for engineering programs meant qualifications had to meet global standards.
Research focus or expertise needed included sustainable development, renewable energy, and digital transformation, aligning with UAE priorities. Preferred experience encompassed 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications in journals like IEEE or Scopus-indexed outlets, and grant funding from bodies like the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Learn more in our postdoctoral success guide.
Applications were submitted online via the university's portal, including CV, cover letter, transcripts, and research statement. Interviews involved teaching demos and panel discussions. Tips: Customize your application to UAE context, highlight regional experience, and network via conferences. Prepare for questions on accreditation compliance. Use our free resume template and free cover letter template. For lecturer roles, see how to become a university lecturer.
Alhosn actively recruited international faculty from over 50 nationalities, promoting gender balance in STEM fields. Initiatives included scholarships for Emirati women in engineering and cultural sensitivity training. Partnerships with global universities enhanced diversity. The UAE's expat-heavy workforce (88% expatriates) made inclusivity essential, with policies supporting family visas and equal opportunities.
The Abu Dhabi campus offered a supportive environment with flexible schedules, annual leave (30 days), and end-of-service gratuity per UAE labor law. Facilities included gyms, prayer rooms, cafeterias, and proximity to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Faculty enjoyed professional development funding and research sabbaticals. Abu Dhabi's safe, family-friendly setting, tax-free salaries, and housing allowances aided balance. Events like cultural festivals built community.
While Alhosn University no longer recruits, its model informs careers in UAE higher education. Explore higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Check research jobs or professor jobs for similar opportunities.
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