Honorary Doctorate Degrees mark the achievements of given individuals and important contributions that have been made regarding Science, Society, Innovation, and even Art. Unlike traditional PhDs, these veterans’ honors have no coursework or dissertation prerequisites. These degrees are awarded based on public service recognition or achievements in a specific field, thus making them a symbol of appreciation for one’s life’s work.
While Abu Dhabi is a centralized area for public services, higher education, and scientific innovations, it serves more than just a ceremonial purpose. Certainly, Honorary Doctorate degrees are given in recognition of the Emirates’ willingness to acknowledge domestic and international society excellence. Furthermore, Several reputable Abu Dhabi-based universities, or institutions with affiliations in or around Abu Dhabi, are often awarded these honors in fulfilling the emirate’s civic and intellectual purpose.
This article further elaborates on the distinguished individuals nominated with honorary awards to showcase other non-leading Abu Dhabi and emirate institutes. Together with non-leading emirates and Abu Dhabi institutes, it endeavors to discuss the benefits associated with honorary doctorate degrees and elaborate on the nomination procedure used for candidates.
What are Honorary Doctorate Degrees?
Honorary Doctorate Degrees are given to people for their accomplishments, specialized work, as well as the strong influence they have had on society within the particular areas of modern life, science, business, and education. They are awards that recognise work throughout life rather than achievements through rigorous studies or research. Recipients of such degrees are issued honorary doctorate degrees nowadays and referred to as “doctor”; this title is mostly without real significance. These distinctions are given by different universities and other institutions globally to appreciate the great contributions of prominent people in education, sports, arts, humanitarian work, and many other areas. Henry Harvin Education also aids learners in acquiring doctoral degrees from some foreign universities.
Best 7 Honorary Doctorate Degrees
Here are the universities and colleges in Abu Dhabi that offer honorary doctorate degrees:
1. Dunster Business School:

Indeed, Dunster Business School has an outstanding reputation. Determination DBS exerts all efforts and allocates resources, business education, and otherwise, to ensure that they provide the highest quality of business education in addition to leadership cultivation. It seeks to position to students to succeed in the modern, ever-changing world of business by fostering a global vision using an applied learning framework that considers experience, collaborations, and undertakings aligned to the employed person’s world..
Nonetheless, these honorary doctorate degrees from DBS are known marks signifying recognition for those who have reached and surpassed certain milestones in the business world. These awards are for morally responsible leaders of great stature whose accomplishments will endorse DBS’s mission that strive to promote deep insights and mastery of business and commerce while guiding ethical leadership and a global outlook for business activities.
Recipients of Dunster Business School Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Mr. Gaurav Gupta -Acknowledgement: for doing excellent work in business and leadership
- Ms. Veena Hejmadi -Recognition: For contribution to the corporate structure by strategic innovation
- Rahul Bagale- Recognition: For using different methodologies for advancing HR practices.
2. Florida Institute of Science and Management:

Additionally, FLISM is renowned for conferring honorary doctorates. They award honorific recognition for selling innovation, sustainability, and excellence for all know-how technologies and aviation. It also pays an enormous tribute to the remarkable and enduring achievements of the awardees.
Furthermore, Leaders who have influenced the youth in the field of science, management, and other associated fields receive honorary doctorate degrees from FLISM to these most devoted practitioners of expanding knowledge and its applications, who inspire society through innovation, exemplary achievement, and commendable societal responsibilities.
Recipients of FLISM Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Roger W. Babson- Recognition: Honored for his pioneering contributions to economic forecasting, statistical research, and the establishment of Babson College.
- Doyle E. Carlton- Recognition: became the 25th governor of Florida, gave his dedicated service and leadership to the country.
2. Kennedy University:

In addition, Kennedy University is one of the best universities located in Abu Dhabi, is authorised to bestow honorary doctorates as well as confer doctorates and professorships. The university gives particular attention to an individual’s work in scholarly work, business, arts, technology, and causes for humanity. The university bestows these honors upon persons whose achievements are commensurate with the impact and value offered whilst aiding the advancement of the institution’s core objectives. In exchange, he or she is enabled to successfully deepen their international exposure and cement opportunities to further their legacy. The accolade serves its purpose as a title of peer and public esteem, enhancing the reputation of its bearer and holders throughout the world.
Recipients of Kennedy University Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Luv Bhardwa- Recognition: awarded by Honorary Doctorate in business development for strategic and developmental impact on business on a global scale.
- Dr. Chidiebere Moses Ogbodo – Recognition: For notable achievements in media leadership, reporting, and development of responsible journalism at the international level.
- Ananda Majumdar- Appreciation Bestowed with the title of honorary professor of practice on account of outstanding practical experience and mentorship in the particular discipline.
4. Khalifa University:

Knowing the scale and significance of the area they are focusing on to advance socially and economically, Khalifa University shapes the innovation landscape. To this end, the University seeks to provide honorary degrees to distinguished leaders in engineering, tech, and STEM disciplines. Certainly, the university aims to award personalities who achieve profound results within relevant disciplines to contribute to the goal of achieving.
Such awards illustrate how the university seeks to honor space science professionals whose work motivates others.
Top recipients of Khalifa University Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Hazza Almansoori- Recognition: Space Exploration in UAE.
5. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

About five years after the formation of the country, United Arab Emirates University was established and began granting Honorary Doctorate degrees. Indeed, the university bestows these degrees to people who have made significant contributions to the field as well as to technology and industry on both national and international levels.
Moreover, UAEU is well known for its diverse academic and research offerings. Notably, the founder of this institution has undeniably and profoundly influenced the country by encouraging innovation, making research possible, and training many professionals who drive both intellectual and economic advancement in the region.
Remarkable recipients of UAEU Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak-Recognition: For her lifelong commitment to furthering education and childhood development, as well as empowering women in the UAE and abroad.
6. Abu Dhabi University:

Certainly, Abu Dhabi University is one of the best private universities in the UAE. It provides quality education and flexible timings for preparing students and professionals. It has numerous industry connections, which actively support student training through their practical training. The university, yet, keeps its courses in tune with market developments.
Thus, awarding an honorary doctorate degree to persons who possess extraordinary true leadership and imagination and commit to society has rendered supreme services as a matter of societal advancement.
Recipient of the ADU honorary doctorate degrees:
- H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri- Recognition: For remarkable achievement in higher education and entrepreneurship.
7. New York University Abu Dhabi

Furthermore, New York University, Abu Dhabi is a highly distinctive liberal arts college that has an international outlook rather than a local one. It furthers this mission by bringing together students and scholars from all across the world to foster diversity and intellectual curiosity among future leaders and critical thinkers. who are educated to thrive in a globalized world and nurtured with an interdisciplinary and global outlook on education.
The Honorary Doctorate degrees at UAEU facilitate exceptional leadership, philanthropy, Science, and culture. UC’s observance of the bestowed achievements reflects its mission of promoting knowledge and serving society, which responds to its needs. The selected individuals come from diverse regions. The university selects them because of their hard work and accomplishments, which show their efforts align with the values of the institute. Three to five individuals receive an honorary doctorate degree from this university.
Remarkable recipients of NYU Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
- Wole Soyinka- Recognition: For doing great work in Art and Literature.
Why are Honorary Doctorate Degrees important?
- Pride of Lifetime expert work: Universities issue Honorary Doctorate Degrees to celebrate lifetime accomplishments that leave a historic mark.
- Networking opportunity: The awarding ceremonies of Honorary Doctorate degrees attract high-ranking individuals from academia, Business, and politics, not to mention other fields for networking opportunities for the awardees.
- Enhancing institutional recognition: To the institutions, endorsing honorary doctorates is the means of associating with admirals whose ideology embodies the university’s strategy. This also improves international scholarly standing and the institution’s reputation.
- Legacy and thought: An honorary doctorate bolsters the individual’s legacy while encouraging the person to motivate the coming generations perpetually
- Strengthening the Academic Policy: In Abu Dhabi, they include policymakers, leading scientists, and other innovators. Universities acknowledge the recipient’s work and thus enrich the culture of intellectual exchange between academia and government.
Conclusion :
Undoubtedly, In Society, Honorary doctoral degrees carry prestige because they recognize individuals who actively help improve social welfare and enhance quality of life. Receiving an honorary doctorate is perhaps one of the highest forms of recognition someone can get. Each university may have a different approach regarding this, but they award honorary doctorates to individuals who make a significant impact and accomplish exceptionally memorable achievements. Moreover, Schools like Dunster Business School and Kennedy University take the lead in bridging education with the advancements in social and political realms for the region.
These Universities have a growing impact as Abu Dhabi moves towards achieving a more knowledge-based and globally connected city. They don’t just honor people, they raise the esteem of the whole academic and cultural fabric of the nation, its people, its social pillars, and its identity.
Recommended Reads:
- How to Stay Motivated While Learning a New Language?
- Eduwatts Partners with Dunster Business School.
- .Online vs In-Person: Which Foreign Language Course Is Right For You?
- .10 Impressive Benefits of Knowing French Language in India.
- .Online vs In-Person: Which Foreign Language Course Is Right For You?
FAQs:
Q1- Can individuals apply for an Honorary Doctorate?
No, Universities award these degrees based on nominations, not applications.
Q2-Do recipients of an Honorary Doctorate have the 3prerogative to call themselves “Doctor”?
Yes, the recipients can call themselves “Doctor”.
Q3-Does an honorary doctorate have the same standing as a Ph.D.?
No, it is not the same. It doesn’t hold the coursework or the research work like a PhD degree, and doesn’t carry the same academic privilege.
Q4-Who can nominate themselves or others for an Honorary Doctorate?
The person who has earned exceptional achievement, Social impact, leadership, innovation, and philanthropic efforts can nominate themselves for this degree.
Q5-What are the eligibility criteria for an honorary doctorate in Abu Dhabi?
These are outstanding people who, on a global scale, have made a landmark accomplishment in fields like:
- Teaching and Higher Education
- Scientific research and technological innovation
- Commercial and business operations
- Public and civic administration
- Creative Art, Culture, and Social Services