Mr. Hanif Barker

Country Representative, UAE, QAHE

Hanif Barker: A Visionary Leader in UAE's Education Sector

Hanif Barker is a seasoned education professional with a proven track record of driving innovation and excellence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) higher education landscape. In his newly appointed role as the Country Representative for the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE), Barker brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the regional education ecosystem.

Professional Experience:
Barker's career in the education sector spans over 15 years, during which he has held various leadership positions that have shaped the trajectory of higher education in the UAE.

  • Chief Operations Officer, UAE Ministry of Education (2019 - Present)
    • Spearheaded the implementation of comprehensive education reforms
    • Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education institutions
    • Developed strategic partnerships with international organizations to drive innovation and best practices
  • Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of Dubai (2015 - 2019)
    • Provided strategic oversight and academic leadership to the university
    • Launched new degree programs and research initiatives to meet evolving industry demands
    • Fostered strong partnerships with the private sector to enhance student employability
  • Dean, College of Business, Zayed University (2011 - 2015)
    • Elevated the college's academic profile and international recognition
    • Implemented cutting-edge curricula and pedagogy to prepare students for the global marketplace
    • Expanded the college's research output and industry collaborations


Educational Background and Accolades:
Barker holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah, UAE. His academic achievements, coupled with his extensive experience in the UAE's education sector, have earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • Recipient of the UAE Ministry of Education's Excellence in Educational Leadership Award (2018)
  • Recognized as one of the "Top 50 Most Influential Education Leaders in the Middle East" by Forbes Middle East (2020)
  • Appointed as a member of the UAE National Education Council (2021)


Vision and Priorities as QAHE Country Representative:
In his new role as the QAHE Country Representative for the UAE, Barker aims to leverage his expertise and networks to further strengthen the organization's presence and impact in the region. His key priorities include:

  1. Fostering collaborations between QAHE and leading UAE higher education institutions to promote quality assurance and academic excellence.
  2. Developing strategic partnerships with government agencies and industry stakeholders to align educational programs with the evolving needs of the UAE's economy.
  3. Facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives to support the professional development of faculty and administrators across the Emirates.
  4. Advocating for the adoption of best practices in higher education governance, teaching, and research to position the UAE as a global hub for innovation and learning.

Hanif Barker's vast experience, strategic vision, and passion for education make him an invaluable asset to QAHE as it continues to drive progress and transformation in the UAE's higher education sector.