Honorary doctorate degrees are academic recognition for individuals who have made outstanding achievements and contributed significantly to a particular field and society, in science and technology, education, the arts, or social work.
Surprisingly, the acquisition of an honorary doctorate didn’t involve any of the academic requirements and formalities, research or dissertation. The degree symbolizes the institution’s gratitude and strengthens its reputation and visibility, both while valuing and respecting the accomplishments of the degree holder.
Furthermore, this blog will guide you in finding the best Honorary Doctorate in Dubai and other countries, which will help in choosing an institute that matches your criteria.
Henry Harvin is a prestigious and leading player in education that offers a range of programs and courses on honorary doctorate degrees, including DBA and Ph.D. programs. . Also, Henry Harvin accentuates the significance of honorary degrees by honoring individuals for their remarkable contributions and positive influence on society. Reach out to Henry Harvin for any support required pertaining to honorary doctorate degrees.
Best 10 Honorary Doctorate Degree Institutes in Dubai
1. Dunster Business School

Dunster Business School is a Swiss business school with focused programs in business administration, data science, IT, and cybersecurity. It has a license as a higher education institution in the Canton of Zug, Switzerland, and is also involved in international research projects and internship opportunities.
Dunster Business School (DBS), Switzerland, has partnered with Henry Harvin Education to offer advanced honorary PhD degrees and doctoral programs for professionals looking to upskill and enhance their expertise.
The partnership aimed to provide learners with a holistic education that not only equips them with critical thinking but also with problem-solving and technical skills required to succeed in today’s world.
Furthermore, some prominent dignitaries who received honorary doctorate degrees from DBS were Colette Mazzucelli, Dumidu Ranaweera, Ravi Hemnani, Srinath Tirumale, Arvind Mallik, Munish Batra, and Gaurav Chopra, with professional and prestigious backgrounds.
2. Florida Institute of Management

Florida Institute of Science and Management (FLISM) is a world-class institution offering programs from a diploma to an honorary PhD degree level. Founded in 2023, the Buckman Act of 1905 reorganized Florida’s higher education system and resulted in the creation of the University of Florida.
FLISM’s honorary doctorate program acknowledges and surely celebrates the transformative impact people achieve through their dedication and hard work. Eventually, these honorary degrees are given after the scrutiny of multi-step nominations and evaluations by specialized experts.
3. Kennedy University

Kennedy University commends exceptional achievement through its honorary doctorate degree awards. The university recognizes people for remarkable achievements in the education, business, art, and humanitarian domains. In addition, it also offers grants of honorary degrees in addition, namely the Doctorate of Excellence and Professorship of Practice, based on their contribution, global standing, and university values.
In addition, Kennedy University collaborated with QAHE, which assured academic integrity as well as global relevance of the institution, thereby sustaining its commitment to quality assurance standards.
University’s honorary titles are recognized in international professional and academic communities. Consequently, recipients of these honors often continue to inspire others, reflecting the university’s broader mission to empower positive change. Ultimately, Kennedy University’s emphasis on meaningful recognition, academic partnerships, and global outreach puts it among the forward-thinking institutions redefining higher education.
Henry Harvin Education, dedicated to providing quality education, offers comprehensive assistance in pursuing a doctorate, encompassing access to a large alumni network, mentorship, and career guidance facilities. This partnership shows a common goal to support high-quality education and career development.
- Honorary doctorate degrees presented by Kennedy University:
- Dr. Ananda Majumdar is known for his outstanding contribution to education and international relations.
- Indira Bunic was honored for her exceptional leadership across various sectors, including governance, diplomacy, law enforcement, and academia.
- Dr. Emmanuel Uteh Tibi has made an outstanding contribution to vocational and entrepreneurial education.
- Luv Bhardwaj is known for his outstanding growth in sectors like FMCG, legal services, education, and social welfare.
4. Middlesex University, Dubai

Founded in 2004, Middlesex University Dubai campus has been committed to the dual pursuit of academic and social excellence for the past 20 years. With campuses in London and Mauritius, the university has an unparalleled student experience of over 6,300 students. Subsequently, One of the most notable customs of the college is its annual graduation ceremonies, in which honorary doctorate degrees are presented.
Honorary Doctoral Recipients:
- His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul: He encouraged business and tech breakthroughs across the United Arab Emirates.
- AlNeyadi, Dr. Sultan Saif: In March 2024, Dr. AlNeyadi received an honorary doctorate. Although from being in a position as Minister of State for Youth Affairs, he is an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates. He made history as the first Arab in space by staying in the International Space Station for 6 months.
- Alqasim also received an honorary doctorate in March 2024 as the first Arab woman to complete an unsupported degree.
- Dr. B.R. Shetty was the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his significant contributions to healthcare in November 2016.
- Maryam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi was the recipient of the title of honorary doctorate degree for her contribution and work in social welfare and public service.
5. University of Dubai

The University of Dubai stands for excellence in academics by providing quality education in law, IT, engineering, etc. It was founded to support the region’s growing need for skilled professionals and leaders.
The MoE of the United Arab Emirates is the university’s accreditor. Furthermore, its undergraduate business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and fewer than 10 percent of business schools have earned this accreditation.
In addition to its excellence in academic contribution, the recipients of honorary doctorate degrees for their outstanding contribution are :
- Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, an astronaut
- K.J. Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation
6. Zayed University

In addition to various academic and honorary PhD degree programs, Zayed University also confers honorary doctorate degrees to individuals for their outstanding contributions to society in education, science, and leadership.
The recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees are outstanding reformers, academicians, and diplomats. Zayed University reflects its contribution to society in its core values.
7. The American University of Sharjah

In addition to programs in an honorary PhD degree, AUS also offers programs in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in arts, engineering, Islamic studies, and medicine. It is known as the first university to confer honorary doctorate degrees, which, alongside, emphasized its commitment to excellence and values.
The president of the UAE has received an honorary doctorate degree for supporting and encouraging initiatives for sustainable development and advancement in education.
8. American University, Dubai

The American University in Dubai, commonly known as AUD, with accreditation from the U.S., has carved a niche by creating a campus with students from across the globe, from diverse cultures and values.
Surprisingly, the university is famous as a mini United Nations with freedom of thought and creativity. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2018, was the recipient of the title to acknowledge his transformative leadership and his role in turning Dubai into a universal name for innovation and excellence.
9. United Arab Emirates University

Surprisingly, UAEU is the United Arab Emirates’ first and only national university, which aspires to be a comprehensive research university. The university has a student fraternity of 17,500 students, both from the Emirates and across the globe.
Being one of the flagship universities, UAEU offers degrees in graduate and undergraduate categories in its 9 colleges with subjects like business, economics, engineering, education, agriculture, veterinary medicine, humanities, and a lot more on the whole.
Simultaneously, UAEU has honored individuals who have contributed to the betterment of society in the fields of science, leadership, or culture with honorary doctorate degrees. This title symbolizes the university’s values of progress, innovation, and humanity. UAEU presented the honorary doctorate degrees to the following personalities
- Hany Rashwan—acknowledged in the UAE’s science and technology scene.
- Dr. K. Radhakrishna – Past ISRO Chairman
- Dr. Narayana Murthy – Infosys Emeritus Chairman
- K.M. Birla – Aditya Birla Group Chairman
- Sunil Bharti Mittal – Bharti Enterprises, Chairman
- Dr. Prannoy Roy, NDTV Group co-chairperson
- Sir Richard J. Roberts: A Nobel Prize winner.
10. The British University in Dubai

The British University in Dubai is a nonprofit and research-based institution, with an emphasis on innovation while concurrently addressing the global and local challenges via research methodology.
Also, BUiD is a strategic partner with three UK Russell Group universities: the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, and the University of Glasgow.
The British University in Dubai is a very firm believer in the recognition of substantial contributions to society by individuals, eventually, presenting them with honorary doctorate degrees.
Conclusion
Dubai is rapidly growing in terms of its reputation globally as a center for education and is emerging as a prominent hub for awarding honorary doctorate degrees. The honorary signifies the city’s commitment and cult for innovation. As institutions in Dubai continue to gain prominence, honorary doctorates serve as powerful symbols of recognition and aspiration, bridging local values with international impact. Moreover, whether you are an aspiring honoree or simply intrigued by the world of academic accolades, Dubai stands as a remarkable stage where recognition meets ambition. An honorary doctorate degree isn’t just about a ceremony; it’s about recognition and carrying more responsibility and value with one’s persona.
Besides being a reflection of one’s past achievements, it also encourages one to keep contributing to the community and be an inspiration for the new generation to come.
An honorary doctorate also proved a point: you can certainly be an inspiration to the world without being academically perfect!!
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FAQs
Q1. What does granting honorary doctorate degrees entail?
Undoubtedly, to award an honorary doctorate degree is to appreciate someone’s scientific achievement, artistic, leadership, societal contribution, or education in a wonderful way. Certainly, there is no better way of appeasing someone irrespective of their educational qualifications.
Q2. Who gets honorary doctorate degrees?
Basically, Individuals who have made a remarkable contribution to the significant growth and development in the field of science, politics, or as scholars are recipients of an honorary degree.
Q3.Who can apply for honorary degrees?
Unfortunately, no one. An honorary degree involves a thorough process of nominations and formal evaluations by the decision of a university.
Q4. Do honorary doctorate degrees have any academic privilege?
Obviously, it has no academic privileges. except recognition and worldwide validation.
Q5. Does an honorary doctorate have worldwide acceptance?
Indeed, it is accepted worldwide. Though not comparable to legitimate qualifications, an honorary doctorate is undeniably a mark of pride and remarkable accomplishment.