Lifelong learning is more than a concept—it is a guiding principle that fuels personal fulfillment, professional advancement, and the pursuit of passion. It stems from our innate curiosity and the human drive to grow, evolve, and stay connected with the world around us. Professor Dima Rachid Jamali, Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah, exemplifies this philosophy. A staunch advocate for continuous education, Dima believes in engaging with likeminded peers, sharing best practices, and staying ahead of the curve by actively participating in key regional and global conferences, executive workshops, and academic forums.

“Lifelong learning has been my motto since the early start of my career.” – Dima Jamali

Her Journey to Leadership

Prior to her role at the University of Sharjah, Dima Jamali held the prestigious Kamal Shair Chair in Responsible Leadership and served as Professor and Associate Dean at the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She earned her PhD in Social Policy and Administration from the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Her academic work has consistently revolved around sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), especially within developing and emerging economies. Dima has authored or edited seven influential books, including Handbook of Responsible Management (Edward Elgar, 2019), CSR in Developing and Emerging Economies (Cambridge University Press), and Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2015). With over 100 internationally recognized publications, her research has had a broad and lasting impact, especially in the Middle East.

Dima also played a central role in establishing and growing the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon, bringing together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, academia, and the United Nations to collaborate on programs promoting inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development.

Global Recognition

Dima Jamali’s work has not gone unnoticed. She was named among the top 2% of the world’s most influential scholars in sustainability by Stanford University. Her accolades include the Aspen Institute’s 2015 Faculty Pioneer Award—dubbed “the Oscars of the Business School World” by the Financial Times. She has also received the Arab Organization for Social Responsibility’s CSR Personality of the Year award, the Shield of Excellence for the Arab Region, and the 2010 Shoman Prize for Best Young Arab Researcher.

In addition to her research, she serves as President of the Global Compact Network Lebanon and is a member of the UN Global Council for Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME), which she joined in 2020. Dima also contributes to the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), which aims to instill ethical leadership values across sectors.

University of Sharjah: A Global Academic Vision

The University of Sharjah stands as a distinguished academic institution committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. With a global perspective and multidisciplinary programs spanning engineering, business, science, communication, and the arts, the university is recognized as a leader in academia across the UAE and GCC. In 2022, it was ranked #1 in the UAE alongside UAEU University by the Times Higher Education Rankings.

Its educational model integrates internationally accredited programs and a commitment to shaping 21st-century skills, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The faculty is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and professional excellence.

Leadership at the College of Business Administration

Since taking the helm as Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dima Jamali has led a transformative journey. Within her first two years, she earned widespread respect from faculty, students, and university leadership. Under her guidance, the college reestablished its AACSB accreditation track and revised its mission and curriculum to align with emerging trends in global business education.

She has spearheaded interdisciplinary collaborations with the Colleges of Engineering, Computing, and Arts and Design; initiated and activated multiple strategic MOUs with industry partners; and hosted three high-impact international symposia annually on topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability.

Dima has also expanded student development programs, including competitions, extracurricular engagements, and internship opportunities, significantly improving student employability. Her efforts have elevated the college’s international profile, leading to a jump in rankings to become the second-highest-rated business school in the UAE, and gaining recognition as one of the “10 Must Watch Business Schools for 2022” by Higher Education Digest.

“The most interesting and happiest part of my daily routine is interacting with faculty and students and forging collaborations with industry.” – Dima Jamali

Responding to the Pandemic with Vision

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global workforce and accelerated the demand for new skills. Dima recognized this shift early on and responded by advocating for curriculum innovation that enhances students’ adaptability and job readiness.

Understanding that traditional degrees may no longer suffice in a rapidly evolving job market, Dima emphasized the integration of micro-credentials and the nurturing of essential 21st-century skills within academic programs. These include:

• Digital literacy: Leveraging technology to provide accessible, high-quality education.

• Soft skills: Communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.

• Innovative pedagogy: Transitioning from teaching to facilitating learning using flipped classrooms and personalized instruction.

• Industry engagement: Offering real-world exposure through internships and corporate partnerships.

• Social impact mindset: Developing future leaders who are committed to positive change in business and society.

Advocating for Women’s Empowerment

Dima Jamali is a passionate advocate for gender equity and women’s empowerment. She believes that when women are empowered, everyone benefits. To her, true leadership is rooted in vision, empathy, and collaboration.

She emphasizes that women’s participation in decision-making is no longer optional but a necessity. “Women have shown they deserve a seat at every table where important decisions are made,” she asserts, referencing recent global discussions held during the UN General Assembly Week focused on the Global Goals.

Still, the road to leadership for women is often filled with barriers. Like many, Dima encountered gender-based challenges early in her career. But she chose to rise above them, echoing the words of Shirley Chisholm: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Her advice to aspiring women leaders: remain focused, determined, and resilient. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who believe in your vision and invest in relationships that foster mutual growth and respect.

“Your network is your net worth. Build it wisely.” – Dima Jamali

Dima Rachid Jamali is not only a scholar and leader but also a visionary who has made it her life’s mission to shape inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking academic and professional ecosystems. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers in the Middle East and beyond.