Working at DAHU, your next career step!

Overview of Dar al Hekma University

Dar al Hekma University (DAHU), located in Jeddah, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia, stands as a beacon of higher education for women. Founded in 1999 by Princess Dr. Amira bint Aidan bin Salmaan, it is the kingdom's first private women's university. Nestled in the bustling coastal city of Jeddah, DAHU offers a liberal arts-focused curriculum across colleges of Business Administration, Design, Engineering and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Graduate Studies. The university's commitment to empowering Saudi women aligns with Vision 2030, fostering leaders in academia, industry, and society.

Jobs at Dar al Hekma University attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about women's education. Positions range from faculty roles to support staff, emphasizing innovation and cultural relevance in Saudi Arabia's evolving higher education landscape.

🎓 History and Mission of Dar al Hekma University

Established during a transformative period in Saudi history, Dar al Hekma University began as Dar al Hekma College before gaining full university status. Its mission centers on providing a holistic education that blends academic rigor with practical skills, preparing women for professional success. The campus, spanning modern facilities overlooking the Red Sea, symbolizes progress and excellence.

The university's growth reflects Saudi Arabia's push for female empowerment. From initial enrollment of 200 students to over 5,000 today, DAHU has expanded programs and research centers, making it a key employer for academics seeking impactful roles in Saudi Arabia.

Academic Programs and Departments Hiring at DAHU

Dar al Hekma's colleges drive job opportunities. The College of Business Administration hires for finance, marketing, and management faculty. Design programs seek creative experts in graphic and interior design. Engineering and IT roles focus on computer science and cybersecurity. Health Sciences needs nursing and public health specialists, while Humanities covers English, psychology, and law.

Graduate programs in executive MBA and data science create advanced positions. Each department prioritizes faculty who can contribute to interdisciplinary research, aligning with Jeddah's economic hub status.

Types of Jobs at Dar al Hekma University

Careers at DAHU span teaching, research, and administration. Faculty positions include assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors. Lecturer jobs suit early-career academics. Research roles involve postdoctoral fellows and assistants. Administrative jobs cover deans, department heads, HR, and student affairs. For a full list, explore university job types.

• Faculty: Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Research: Lead projects in AI, sustainable design, and health innovation.
• Administration: Manage operations in a women-centric environment.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Dar al Hekma University, key terms include:

• Faculty Position: A role for professors or lecturers responsible for teaching, research, and service to the university community.
• Saudization: Saudi government policy (Nitaqat) prioritizing local hires in private sectors, including higher education, to boost national employment.
• Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia's national strategy for economic diversification, emphasizing education and women's participation.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: A temporary research position post-PhD, focusing on advanced study and publications.

📚 Required Academic Qualifications for Jobs at DAHU

For faculty jobs at Dar al Hekma University, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for professor and assistant professor roles. Lecturers may hold a master's degree with proven teaching ability. Administrative positions require bachelor's or master's degrees in management, education, or related areas. All candidates must demonstrate English proficiency, as instruction is primarily in English, and Arabic for local context.

Engineering roles demand ABET-accredited qualifications, while health sciences prefer clinical certifications. These align with Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and Ministry of Education standards.

🔬 Research Focus and Expertise Needed

DAHU prioritizes research supporting Vision 2030, such as sustainable development, women's health, digital innovation, and cultural studies. Expertise in AI, renewable energy, and behavioral sciences is sought. Faculty must publish in high-impact journals and secure grants from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

Centers like the Design Research Center and Business Innovation Lab offer collaboration opportunities, ideal for researchers eyeing research jobs.

Preferred Experience for Dar al Hekma Careers

Candidates with 3-5 years of university teaching, 5+ publications, and grant experience stand out. International exposure, especially from Western universities, is valued for curriculum development. Experience in women's education or Saudi cultural contexts is a plus under Saudization quotas.

Skills and Competencies for Success

Essential skills include pedagogical innovation, cross-cultural communication, data analysis, and leadership. Technical competencies vary: programming for IT, design software for arts, statistical tools for business. Soft skills like mentorship and teamwork foster DAHU's collaborative environment.

• Teaching: Active learning methods.
• Research: Grant writing, Scopus publications.
• Admin: Strategic planning, student advising.

📋 Application Process and Tips

To apply for jobs at Dar al Hekma University, visit the official careers page on their website. Submit a detailed CV, cover letter addressing the role, teaching philosophy statement, research plan, and three references. Interviews may include teaching demos and panel discussions.

Actionable tips:

1. Customize your application to DAHU's mission of women's empowerment.
2. Highlight Saudization compliance and Vision 2030 alignment.
3. Use free cover letter template resources.
4. Network via academic conferences in Jeddah.
5. Prepare for relocation support discussions.

Processing takes 4-8 weeks; follow up politely.

🌟 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Dar al Hekma University excels in diversity as Saudi Arabia's premier women's institution. Initiatives include full scholarships for Saudi females, mentorship by female leaders, and partnerships with global women's networks. The university hosts gender equity workshops and supports female researchers through dedicated funds. Under Vision 2030, DAHU actively recruits diverse faculty, including expatriates, while prioritizing Saudi nationals.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

DAHU promotes work-life balance with flexible hours, generous annual leave (30+ days), and family housing allowances. The Jeddah campus features gyms, cafes, libraries, and Red Sea views, hosting cultural events and wellness programs. Faculty enjoy professional development via workshops and sabbaticals. Jeddah's cosmopolitan vibe offers shopping, beaches, and proximity to Makkah, easing expatriate transitions. Employee testimonials praise supportive leadership and community focus.

Why Pursue Jobs at Dar al Hekma University?

Joining DAHU means contributing to Saudi women's advancement in a dynamic setting. Competitive salaries (SAR 15,000-30,000/month for faculty), tax-free income, and growth opportunities abound. Explore more on higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job at AcademicJobs.com. Relevant reads: employer branding secrets and Saudi higher ed news.