Dr. Albert Fakhoury

Providing overall leadership of the CIAAD Council, ensuring that it gives clear, effective strategic direction to the Design community. Leading the Council in working with the Executive to monitor, review and update its strategy pursuing the Council’s ambition to achieve a distinctive reputation for excellence Leading the Council to promote a strong sense of shared vision, ambition and collective purpose. Ensuring that the Council exercises collective responsibility, encouraging all members to work together effectively, contributing their skills and expertise as appropriate, and seeking to build consensus among them. Ensuring that the business of the Council is carried out efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business. Setting objectives and establishing a constructive and supportive but challenging working relationship among the Board executives while recognizing the proper separation between governance and executive management. Ensuring that the Board exercises control over the strategic direction of the Council, through an effective planning process, and that the performance of CIAAD is adequately assessed against the objectives which Board has approved. Leading the Council in reviewing, and holding the Executive to account for, the delivery of this strategic framework, and for revising and extending the framework in response to internal and external developments. Chairing the Governance and Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Bringing extensive experience of successful leadership of large, complex organizations with ambitious strategies, and a commitment to the mission and purposes of the Council.

As a founding leader at Canadian University Dubai, I directed strategic initiatives that advanced the university’s innovation, sustainability, and global engagement agenda. My role bridged academic leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustainability integration across the institution and region. Founded and led the Innovation & Sustainability Centre, aligning academic research and institutional goals with the UN SDGs. Represented CUD at major international forums, exhibitions, and TV interviews, promoting the university’s global presence and sustainability mission. Chaired the Silk Road Conference 2021 and served as keynote speaker at the Dubai Police Innovation Summer Workshop. Led collaborations with UAE and KSA government entities on sustainable development and innovation initiatives. Contributed to CAA re-licensing, accreditation reviews, and academic quality frameworks. Spearheaded workshops and panels on SDG implementation in academia, building cross-sector partnerships. Received multiple awards of recognition for leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Represented CUD during Environment Day and Canada Day celebrations, promoting institutional sustainability values.

Provided academic leadership in curriculum development, accreditation, and program advancement for the Interior Design Department within the School of Architecture, Art & Design. Directed initiatives that strengthened academic excellence, global recognition, and industry collaboration. Key Achievements: Led the CIDA Accreditation process as Program Chair, achieving full accreditation in April 2016, and contributed to the NAAB and the NASAD Accreditations for the School of Architecture, Arts & Design in December 2016. Secured re-accreditation of the Interior Design Program by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. Obtained IFI institutional membership and launched IDEC institutional membership to elevate academic engagement and international visibility. Served as a member of the Academic Council and represented AUD at CIDA workshops and IDEC Conferences in the U.S. since 2011. Restructured the Interior Design Department, recruiting professional faculty and modernizing academic programs. Developed and taught studio and theory courses from foundation to senior levels, integrating sustainability and innovation into the curriculum. Initiated strategic MoUs with leading global industry partners, including Herman Miller, General Electric, Grohe, and Trox, enhancing research and design collaboration. Designed and managed key campus projects: Faculty Lounge (2013), School of Business Administration branding, and the SBA Trading Centre, recognized by the Dubai Financial Market. Organized the AUD–UNESCO Sustainability Competition (2013) and moderated the CAAD Conference, fostering dialogue between academia and the professional design community

Directed and delivered a diverse portfolio of architectural, interior, and landscaping projects across the UAE, Qatar, France, and Jordan, managing concept-to-completion execution for government, corporate, and private clients. Oversaw design quality, project performance, and stakeholder engagement for landmark developments that reflect innovation, functionality, and cultural identity. Led end-to-end architectural and interior design management, ensuring excellence in planning, design integration, and delivery across regional and international projects. Collaborated with prominent institutions and clients, including the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the Zayed Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation, and Omniyat Properties. Directed design execution for E.A.D.S. Headquarters (Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi), The PAD by Omniyat, and multiple prestigious private villas and commercial developments. Contributed to signature projects such as: The Design Zone (Educational City, Qatar) – in collaboration with Fitch Design; The Cyber Tower, Qatar; Villa H.E. Sheikh Hamdan Al-Maktoum Interiors, Palm Jumeirah; Hamleys, The Dubai Mall; Jasmeen Gardens Island Resort, The World Project; Al-Mojil Investment HQ (The Edge); Al-Habtoor Offices & FZCO German Pavilion Recognized for driving design innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and sustainable development practices within complex, multidisciplinary environments.

Provided executive leadership and strategic oversight for a portfolio of prestigious interior architecture and landscaping projects across the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Directed all phases from conceptualization to completion, ensuring each project met the highest standards of design excellence, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Key Leadership Contributions: Led project visioning, scope development, and execution strategies, ensuring alignment with client objectives, brand identity, and contractual commitments. Oversaw multidisciplinary design and project management teams, ensuring on-schedule, on-budget delivery of complex, high-value developments. Championed innovation, quality assurance, and sustainability integration across design and construction processes. Fostered strong stakeholder relationships with developers, consultants, and contractors to streamline operations and maintain design integrity. Delivered landmark hospitality, commercial, and luxury residential projects that strengthened regional design and construction excellence. Selected Landmark Projects: Kempinski Hotel & Resort; Ixir Hotel, Bahrain; Greenline Interiors & Yacht Interiors (JAFZA); Burj Al Arab – Lobby & Rooms Renovation; Omniyat Properties Brand Center (Jumeirah); Royal Amwaj Resort, Villas & Condominium; Blink Studios