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Job Overview: Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS)

The University of Kalba (UKB) is seeking a distinguished academic leader for the position of Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences . As the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer , you act as the “Cultural Architect,” responsible for the “Intellectual DNA” of the university’s liberal arts and social science programs. This role is designed for a “Distinguished Scholar” who can navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration, creative scholarship, and national accreditation with “Governance Accuracy.” Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will be the primary engine of cultural and social inquiry, ensuring that the College scales with the “Pristine Excellence” required to meet the UAE’s 2026 higher education vision.

Key Information

Employer: University of Kalba (UKB)
Location: Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Rank: Dean / Full Professor
Focus: Visionary Leadership, Ethical Governance, and Regional Impact
Reporting To: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs / Chancellor

Key Responsibilities

You will manage the “Academic Lifecycle” of the College through a high-stakes leadership framework:

Strategic Orchestration: Providing visionary and ethical leadership across teaching, research, and community engagement to align with the University’s mission.
Curriculum Architecture: Guiding the shaping of innovative curricula that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and address contemporary societal challenges.
Scholarly Intelligence: Advancing impactful research and creative scholarship, ensuring the College remains a hub for “Critical Thinking” and cultural growth.
Accreditation Governance: Ensuring continuous compliance with national (CAA) and international accreditation standards to maintain institutional “Gold Standards.”
Institutional Diplomacy: Contributing to the University’s senior leadership team on matters of strategy, governance, and institutional growth.
Cultural Stewardship: Promoting a culture of inclusivity, integrity, and excellence that inspires faculty, staff, and students toward shared goals.

Candidate Requirements

The University of Kalba seeks an “Academic Authority” with a focus on institutional grit:

Academic Pedigree: A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline within the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences from an internationally recognized university.
Rank IQ: A strong record of academic distinction and a proven track record of scholarly research and publications.
Leadership Mastery: Substantial experience in academic leadership (eg, Department Head, Associate Dean, or Dean) within a reputable higher education institution.
Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to align college goals with the UAE’s national higher education vision and global best practices.
Mentorship Grit: Proven ability to inspire and lead a diverse group of faculty and students toward excellence in both research and teaching.
Communication Polish: Exceptional interpersonal skills to foster partnerships with community stakeholders and international academic bodies.

Salary and Benefits

This role offers an elite “Executive Faculty” rewards package in a tax-free environment:

Financial Integrity: A highly competitive tax-free executive salary (Estimated AED 65,000 – AED 88,000+ per month, commensurate with experience).
Executive Housing: Premium provided accommodation or a substantial housing allowance in Sharjah/Kalba.
Global Mobility: Annual business-class air tickets for the Dean and eligible family members.
Family Security: Comprehensive health insurance and significant educational allowances for dependents.
Professional Evolution: The opportunity to shape the foundational narrative of a college in a culturally significant region of the UAE.

Market Context: Liberal Arts in UAE 2026

In 2026, as the UAE emphasizes “Social Cohesion” and “Creative Industries,” the Dean of CAHSS is the “Architect” of societal well-being:

Leadership Pillar	Core Objective	Impact Level
Humanities	Cultural Preservation	Regional/National
Social Sciences	Policy & Society	National
Creative Arts	Innovation & Economy	Global

Unique Job Description

Position: Dean of Arts & Humanities — Architecting the Soul of the University

Are you a “Visionary Specialist” who believes that the success of a modern society is built on the precision of its cultural understanding and social ethics? The University of Kalba is seeking its next Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to join our senior leadership team. We don’t just “study history or society”; we engineer the Theoretical Frameworks and Cultural DNA that allow our communities and students to Flourish in an increasingly interdependent world. This isn’t a role for a “traditional administrator”; it’s a mission for an “Impact Architect”—someone who can navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary research and national accreditation with “scholarly grit” and provide the polished leadership that our ambitious institution demands.

In this position, you are the pilot of our cultural mission. You will spend your days (in the scenic coastal environment of Kalba) architecting the curricula, research centers, and community partnerships that define our reputation for excellence. Whether you are using your leadership mastery to inspire a diverse faculty or utilizing your strategic skills to align our programs with societal well-being, your “proactive mindset” and “excellence-first” attitude will be our greatest assets. You thrive in an environment where you are trusted to elevate regional profiles, challenged by the goal of future-ready scholarship, and rewarded with a lucrative, tax-free career at a premier center of learning.

We are looking for proactive leaders with a passion for academic excellence and an “impact-first” mindset. If you have the “resourcefulness” to lead a college toward global prominence and the “discipline” to uphold our gold standards, the University of Kalba offers you a premier platform to reach your potential. Join us in Sharjah, and let’s engineer a more extraordinary and connected future for the world of arts and humanities together.

University of Kalba (UKB)

The Company

The University of Kalba (UKB) is an independent, non-profit academic institution in the Emirate of Sharjah. Established on June 26, 2023, by an Emiri Decree from H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, it represents the strategic transformation of the former University of Sharjah branch into a fully autonomous university. By 2026, UKB has established itself as a specialized regional hub, particularly noted for its focus on Sport Science and Intelligent Systems. It is fully licensed by the CAA and serves the specific economic and social development goals of the UAE’s East Coast.

Culture

The culture at UKB is defined by “Innovation, Athletic Excellence, and Community Stewardship.” It blends the academic prestige of Sharjah with a modern, specialized identity. Key cultural pillars include:

The “Sport Science” Identity: A unique institutional focus as a regional leader in physical education, supported by high-level partnerships with Monash University (Australia) and the Shanghai University of Sport.
Breakthrough Innovation: A culture that punches above its weight in tech, having secured two breakthrough AI patents registered in the United States by early 2026.
“Basta” Entrepreneurship: A vibrant student spirit that encourages self-starting projects, highlighted by the annual “Basta” exhibition for student business ventures.
Inclusivity & Growth: A commitment to holistic development, providing a “Student First” environment with comprehensive counseling, career guidance, and 24/7 healthcare.

Location

UKB is located in the coastal city of Kalba, an enclave of Sharjah known for its stunning biodiversity and strategic position 120 km east of Sharjah city.

Picturesque Waterfront: The campus is uniquely situated on Kalba Lake, offering an attractive environment characterized by green wooded spaces and proximity to pristine mangroves and mountains.
Advanced Infrastructure: The university features the Main Campus – Building K2 and the New Building – Theater W3. It includes state-of-the-art specialized laboratories for Sport Sciences, Physics, and Biology.
Academic Hub: Facilities include a 700-seat theater, a modern food court, and the Student Forum, which serves as the social heart of the campus.
Integrated Living: The campus provides secure dormitory housing and free air-conditioned transportation for students, making it a self-contained “University City” on the East Coast.

University of Kalba: 2026 Academic & Research Matrix

College	Core 2026 Programs	Strategic Career Impact
Sport Science	Physical Education & Sport Science.	Professionalizing the regional sports industry.
Computing & AI	Computer Science & Intelligent Systems.	Driving AI patents and digital transformation.
Business Admin.	Supply Chain & Business Admin.	Supporting regional logistics and trade (D33).
Law	Bachelor in Law (Leading Program).	Training legal experts for the UAE’s judiciary.
Arts & Humanities	Digital Media, Sociology, & History.	Preserving heritage through modern media design.

2026 Professional DNA & Institutional Standards

Global Benchmarking: Through its collaboration with Monash University (ranked #42 worldwide), UKB ensures its curriculum meets international standards for excellence.
Research Quality: The 2026 vision emphasizes “High-Impact Research,” with a specific mandate to solve regional challenges in sports medicine and sustainable urban growth.
Career Readiness: The university’s Career Guidance unit works directly with local industry partners in Kalba and Fujairah to secure high-value internships and placements.
Interdisciplinary Foundation: Under the General Education Framework (2025-2026), all students graduate with a well-rounded foundation in critical thinking and digital literacy.

To apply for this job please visit ukb.ac.ae.