The University of Stirling’s Ras Al Khaimah Campus has entered a transformative new chapter with the promotion of Dr. Richa Arora from Chief Operating Officer to CEO and Head of Institution in January 2026. This strategic leadership transition signals a significant development in the UAE’s higher education landscape, positioning the UK-based institution for accelerated growth under Dr. Arora’s internationally recognized expertise.
Dr. Arora’s elevation follows an exceptionally productive tenure as COO, during which she engineered substantial institutional transformation through disciplined governance frameworks, automation-driven operational models, and employability-focused educational systems. Her leadership philosophy centers on building sustainable institutions rather than merely expanding campuses, evidenced by her successful implementation of robust academic governance structures aligned with both UK standards and UAE regulatory requirements.
A hallmark of Dr. Arora’s approach has been the strategic integration of automation across all campus functions. She conceptualized digital systems not merely as efficiency tools but as comprehensive governance frameworks that enhance transparency, break down departmental silos, and enable data-informed decision-making. This technological foundation has been crucial in maintaining academic integrity while supporting responsible expansion.
Under her guidance, graduate employability has been transformed from a peripheral service into an institutional strategic priority. The campus has established industry advisory boards, employer-led curriculum development initiatives, and technology-enabled tracking systems that monitor internships, employer feedback, and graduate outcomes as executive-level key performance indicators.
Dr. Arora’s contributions have garnered significant international recognition, including the prestigious Forttuna Award for Education Leader of the Year and placement among the Forttuna Global 100 World’s Most Visionary Leaders for 2026. Her leadership profile was further elevated through feature appearances at New York’s Times Square, cementing her status as a global education innovator.
Looking forward, Dr. Arora is spearheading the development of an AI-enabled and metaverse-integrated campus ecosystem. Her visionary roadmap includes intelligent academic analytics, predictive student success systems, virtual laboratories, and immersive learning environments designed to prepare students for emerging industries rather than historical roles. Simultaneously, she is introducing region-specific programs aligned with UAE economic priorities, including artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital transformation specialties.
Beyond her institutional responsibilities, Dr. Arora serves as an advisor to education startups, sharing her expertise in regulatory compliance, academic governance, and future-ready program design. Her leadership represents a new paradigm in higher education management that balances technological innovation with sustainable institutional development, positioning the Ras Al Khaimah campus as a model for transnational education excellence.