RIT Awards Honorary Doctorate to Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni for Advancing Innovation and the Knowledge Economy

• Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni: The guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed have been instrumental in the university’s development journey and in achieving this milestone.

Dubai, UAE – 18 May 2026: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has awarded H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), an honorary Doctorate in Commercial Science during a ceremony held at the university’s main campus in New York, United States.

The honorary degree was presented by RIT President Dr. William Sanders in recognition of Dr. Al Zarooni’s contributions to advancing an ecosystem that strengthens integration between the education and business sectors in Dubai, as well as his support for the Dubai’s transition toward an innovation-driven and globally competitive economy.

This recognition celebrates Dr. Al Zarooni’s leadership as Executive Chairman of DIEZ, who played a strategic role in supporting RIT Dubai growth since its establishment in 2008, and enabling its growth as a leading platform for applied learning, scientific research, and international collaboration. Since its establishment, DIEZ has invested approximately AED 520 million in the university’s buildings and facilities, reflecting the institution’s rapid growth as a leading educational and research hub within Dubai’s knowledge economy ecosystem.

Dr. Al Zarooni also played a strategic role in reinforcing the university’s position within Dubai’s economic and innovation ecosystem, contributing to the expansion of its international presence and supporting its academic development journey. This includes the expansion of its campus in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of DIEZ aimed at increasing student capacity, advancing higher education, and strengthening infrastructure for scientific research.

On this occasion, Dr. William Sanders, President of RIT, said: “Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai has emerged as a leading model for productive collaboration between global universities, government entities, and the business sector under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni. This has contributed to advancing applied scientific knowledge, impactful research, and practical solutions that address students’ aspirations and evolving labour market needs.”

This recognition reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the university and Dubai Silicon Oasis in supporting a development model rooted in innovation and knowledge through the creation of an integrated ecosystem that brings together education, scientific research, technology, and institutional collaboration. Through this partnership, the university has become an integral part of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, supporting the advancement of applied research, strengthening integration with the business sector, and preparing talent capable of meeting the demands of the digital and future economy.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said: “This recognition underscores the strategic role of DIEZ in shaping an innovation-driven economic model, enabled through the wise directives and continuous support of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ. His support has been instrumental in the establishment and development of RIT Dubai, since its launch in 2008, strengthening its role as a leading academic institution that bridges applied education with the needs of the knowledge economy, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

Dr. Al Zarooni added: “This recognition highlights the critical importance of institutions such as Rochester Institute of Technology and their role in fostering integration between academia and industry through applied research, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration. These efforts support long-term competitiveness while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the digital economy.”

This achievement reflects Dubai’s continued progress in advancing a development model centred on innovation, education, and economic integration, while also highlighting DIEZ’s role in supporting ecosystems that contribute to talent development, entrepreneurship, and knowledge- and innovation-driven industries.

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for knowledge and innovation, collaboration between institutions such as DIEZ and RIT Dubai stands out as a strategic pillar for developing advanced talent, expanding scientific research opportunities, and enabling innovation-driven ventures within an integrated environment that connects education with the business sector. This approach reinforces the close relationship between human capital development and economic growth, supporting Dubai’s long-term competitiveness and global standing in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda.