Best 10 Honorary Doctorate Degrees in UAE

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While an Honorary degree is an academic recognition, it is awarded to those individuals whose contribution and impact of work in various fields go beyond the conventional academic pathways. Unlike traditional academic degrees that involve years of academic study, an honorary doctorate is presented to individuals significantly impacting society, outside traditional academic pathways. Universities globally bestow, this unique distinction, and many notable personalities have received this for merit over wide disciplines, including the arts, sciences, public service, and more.

Likewise, several academic institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offer honorary doctorate degrees to recognize prominent antiquity figures for their outstanding contributions to various fields. So, through this blog, let us answer certain key questions about Honorary degrees: what is an honorary degree; the methodology of nomination and application; eligibility criteria; rewards; and some celebrity personalities who have received this distinct honor.

What are Honorary Doctorate Degrees?

Individuals are honored with an honorary doctorate for their achievements and contributions that profoundly impact culture, science, business, education, or the public. Honorary degrees are symbolic awards of respect and recognition of an individual’s lifetime work rather than the conventional doctoral degrees earned after extensive study and research.

So, universities and institutions worldwide confer these honorary doctorate degrees, commemorating the positive influence of distinguished people in various domains like education, governance, arts, sports, and humanitarian efforts.

Top 10 Institutes Offering Honorary Doctorate Degrees in the UAE

1. Dunster Business School

Dunster Business School awards Honorary Doctorates to individuals whose contributions and outstanding leadership and innovations have greatly impacted business, education, and social development regionally as well as globally. Through this honor, the school celebrates exceptional philanthropic and social initiatives that align with the school’s values.

Other than honorary doctorate degrees, Dunster Business School offers mainstream degrees including Diplomas, Bachelor’s, and Master’s, Short Courses, and other certifications. So, let us see what makes Dunster Business School a unique choice:

Best Faculty – Leading academics and industry practitioners as faculty members.
Global Partnerships – Also, collaborating with top universities and multinational corporations worldwide.
Diverse Community: Moreover, a diverse student and instructor community from over 50 countries
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Furthermore, the best facilities including the innovation labs and co-working areas.
Career Services: Also, internship opportunities, placements, and activities that enhance networking capabilities.
Global Network Outreach – The Institute’s Alumni are in leadership positions worldwide. Consequently, this results in students having the opportunity to connect with this network, access internships, engage with industry leaders, and benefit from career services dedicated to their success.

Also, several notable institutions have accredited Dunster Business School. To name a few:

UKCert,
UKAF CB-035,
Dun & Bradstreet,
Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC),
CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association),
AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders),
HRCI: (Human Resource Certification Institute),
PMI (The Project Management Institute),
ACBSP ( Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) etc.

Further, Dunster Business School has partnered with Henry Harvin Education, India’s leading upskilling training institute. While Dunster Business School is synonymous with research excellence, and leadership skills, Henry Harvin specializes in delivering practical, industry-aligned training programs. Thus, together they are set to change the dynamics of education and bring about a well-rounded education that blends theory and practice.

2. Kennedy University

Another notable institute that awards honorary doctorates is Kennedy University. The institute awards distinct honorary titles of Doctorate or a Professorship depending on how well individual contributions impact academia and business, arts, and sciences as well as humanitarian efforts, while commensurate with the University’s values. Kennedy University’s Honorary titles are globally recognized for their excellence and contribution thus enhancing their influence and legacy globally.

3. Middlesex University Dubai

Middlesex University Dubai is a globally recognized institution that awards honorary doctorates during its annual graduation ceremony. Here, recipients are honored for their genuine accomplishment and distinction in a field or activity consistent with the university’s mission. Also, notable businessmen and philanthropists have received an honorary degree from the university. The Academic Board of Middlesex University grants an honorary degree to an individual whose exceptional commitment to his profession and also social, economic, and national causes has had a profound impact on society.

4. University of Dubai

The University of Dubai recognizes distinguished individuals for their extraordinary impact on society by conferring honorary doctorates. The institution awards honorary doctorates during formal ceremonies, typically on the recommendation of an advisory committee. So, those who have excelled in the fields of technology, business, or public service are often recipients.

5. Zayed University

Among the leading universities in the city, Zayed University is named after the founder of the UAE. Keeping with its prestigious name, the institution confers Honorary doctorate degrees on individuals with exemplary contributions across public service and business, education, and culture. Also, such felicitation of honorary PhD degrees greatly enhances the university’s prestige on a global level.

6. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

The following institution is the American University of Sharjah (AUS); synonymous with academic excellence and acknowledges great contributions by individuals in their respective fields. So, AUS bestows Honorary doctorate degrees on leaders in arts, business, education, and international diplomacy. These awards recognize contributions in tandem with the university’s vision of shaping future leadership.

7. United Arab Emirates University – UAEU

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), a university as old as the country itself, is a long-established participator in the conferring of honorary doctorates. It considers those personalities who have made far-reaching contributions to science technology, and education – on both local and global levels – for awarding honorary doctorate degrees.

8. The American University in Dubai – AUD

Known widely for conferring honorary doctorate degrees, The American University in Dubai (AUD), bestows honorary PhD degrees on persons whose exemplary achievements span many different fields. Moreover, AUD holds in high esteem the achievements of those who have made it in different endeavors, including politics, business, and across the spectrum of the arts. Thus, such felicitation reflects the university’s commitment to honor those whose efforts take center stage in global spheres and make significant social changes.

9. The British University in Dubai – BUiD

Individuals whose contributions to education and governance have added immense value to the UAE and also the world at large are awarded honorary doctorate degrees by BUiD each year. The award of honorary PhD degrees is per a tradition-guided selection process that particularly considers long-lasting commitment to community service.

10. Sharjah University

This university confers honorary doctorate degrees to eminent personalities in recognition of their outstanding contribution to science, technology, education, and international relations. The honorary doctorate degrees awarded by Sharjah University enhance the quality and international reputation of recipients, thereby enhancing Sharjah’s stature as a powerhouse of knowledge and culture.

How do you Apply or be Nominated for an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

Unlike conventional academic degrees, honorary doctorate degrees do not the conventional application process. Instead, the conferring institution seeks nominations for honorary degrees. University administrators, faculty members, or committees from outside the university make the nominations. Anyone feeling that their candidacy for an honorary doctorate is deserving may contact the university’s honorary degree committee or advisory board to express an interest in applying.

The assessing universities scrutinize every individual’s contribution to the discipline and its impact on society. Most importantly, the applicant’s contributions should reflect the university’s beliefs and goals. Most colleges have strict standards on who qualifies for an honorary doctorate, which frequently requires the nominees/applicants to have made substantial and lasting impacts in their field.

Eligibility Criteria for Honorary Doctorates

In general, different universities have different requirements for the eligibility and nomination of honorary doctorates. However, the consensus regarding applications for honorary doctorates is that:

a. Outstanding Contributions:

Also, nominations must show exemplary contributions to any field; be it science, culture, business, education, or public service.

b. Leadership and Influence Qualities:

Many former recipients of honorary doctorate degrees have given great demonstrations of leadership and influencing qualities, mostly at a global level.

c. Philanthropy and Social Good:

Those individuals who are improving society or devoted to humanitarian causes may also be eligible.

d. Professional Achievements:

Exceptional professional performance, particularly if it has resulted in positive change, is crucial for being nominated for an honorary doctorate.

Benefits of Receiving Honorary Doctorate Degrees:

Recognition of Lifetime Professional Work- An honorary doctorate degree particularly denotes the lifetime achievements and contributions of one’s professional career in a significant way.

Enhanced Reputation – It raises one’s prestige and, hence, reputation, granting one considerable standing within specific fields of work.

Networking Opportunities – Awarding ceremonies of honorary doctorate degrees particularly, become a networking opportunity wherein high-ranking people and thought leaders in academia, business, and politics gather to look for avenues for collaboration. Thus, ample networking opportunities.
Legacy and Inspiration – Moreover, an honorary doctorate solidifies the recipient’s legacy, making sure the individual will always inspire generations to come.
University Connections – The recipient is also able to establish a strong association with the university, corresponding to a life-long tie with the awarding institution.

Noteworthy Honorary Doctorate Degree Awardees

Several famous dignitaries have received honorary doctorate degrees from universities worldwide, including:

NAME	DESIGNATION	HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE AWARDED FOR
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum	Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai	Leadership and contribution to the growth of the UAE.
Oprah Winfrey	One of the most famous talk show hosts	for her charitable efforts
Sir Richard Branson	the Virgin Group founder	contributions to business and entrepreneurship.
Nelson Mandela	late president of South Africa	his impact on civil rights and equality globally.
Ram Charan	Indian actor, film producer, and entrepreneur	his achievements in the film industry and his commitment to social service

Conclusion

All in all, Society highly values honorary doctorate degrees, which recognize the unique efforts of individuals in enhancing its welfare. The universities in the UAE like Middlesex University Dubai, University of Dubai, and Zayed University to name a few, award such honors to eminent personalities for their leadership and dedication, thus bringing about an impact on a global level. Though the process to receive an honorary doctorate varies among institutions, it is still one of the highest forms of acknowledgment – one of an immortal legacy, a legacy of glory and impact.

FAQs

1. Can a person with an honorary doctorate degree be called “Dr.”??

Yes. However, ‘Dr. h.c’, i.e. ‘Doctor honoris causa’ would be more appropriate to explicitly indicate that the doctorate is honorary.

2. What is the selection process for awarding honorary doctorate degrees?

Every university has its distinct selection process – either through nominations or reviews. However, one does not apply for honorary doctorate degrees.

3. Can the awarding universities revoke honorary doctorate degrees?

Yes. It is possible that awarding universities may revoke an honorary doctorate degree.

4. Can anyone with expertise in a particular field apply for an honorary doctorate degree?

Only expertise is insufficient, but exemplary contributions in certain areas command honoraries.

5. Does receiving an honorary doctorate degree guarantee any professional privileges?

Honorary doctorate degrees do not guarantee professional privileges but provide additional recognition and prestige in your field.

Best 10 Honorary Doctorate Degrees in UAE

What are Honorary Doctorate Degrees?