The University of Manchester–Dubai has announced a Strategic Talent Partnership with Fazaa aimed at expanding access to talent development opportunities for Fazaa members. The collaboration, described in a joint statement, will allow members to participate in part-time master’s programmes and executive education offered by the Dubai-based university.
According to the announcement, Fazaa members will receive access to the university’s part-time master’s programmes and executive education short courses, along with preferential tuition rates. The partnership will also include leadership and management development solutions, and an annual masterclass hosted at Fazaa.
The statement says the annual masterclass will be delivered by academics from The University of Manchester–Dubai.
Partnership aims at professional development
Randa Bessiso, Founding Director and CEO, Middle East, The University of Manchester–Dubai, said the development of future-ready talent is central to the UAE’s ambition to build a competitive and knowledge-driven economy. She added that the university is focused on strengthening connections between academia and the wider community, describing the partnership as a way to provide professionals with access to “world-class learning” and capabilities intended to support the UAE’s growth and innovation.
Ahmed Mohammed Buharoon, General Manager of Fazaa, said the organization is committed to creating opportunities for members’ personal and professional development. He stated that the partnership with The University of Manchester–Dubai expands access to globally recognised education and leadership development, and that it is intended to help members strengthen their capabilities and advance their careers.
Background on the university’s regional presence
The University of Manchester–Dubai said its Dubai Knowledge Park branch opened in 2006 and is part of the university’s international network. The announcement states the branch comprises five hubs in key business cities and reported supporting more than 3,870 students in the region, with over 2,750 graduates. It also said the branch works on regional collaborations with industry groups, professional bodies and companies, and supports an alumni base of more than 5,600.
The partnership announcement was dated 15 October 2026 and framed as part of the university’s broader Strategic Talent Partnerships approach, which it says is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen industry-academia links.