Dr. Kevin Richard Hall, UVic's former president who left the job on Aug. 1 after giving 24 hours' notice to the public, is to become the new president and CEO of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, effective Nov. 1.
Zayed University, ranked among the top universities in the Arab region, made the announcement on October 7.
"Dr. Hall is an accomplished academic leader with extensive international experience in research-driven universities. He previously served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Victoria, one of Canada’s leading public research institutions," the announcement read.
In a statement, Dr. Hall said he is "deeply honoured to serve as President and CEO" for an institution with a "proud legacy and a bold vision for the future."
Zayed University was established in 1998 by the federal government as an all-women's institution to educate U.A.E. national women. It is now a co-educational university that stresses bilingual graduates (Arabic and English) along with technological literacy, research skills and global awareness.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it ranked in the 621-630 band globally, and it holds the #20 ranking in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2025.
The university, which has campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, welcomed its largest-ever student intake in 2025/2026, with 2,949 students.
Hall, whose total compensation at UVic in 2024-25 was $546,644, led the Greater Victoria institution through the COVID-19 pandemic, addressed the impacts of international conflicts on campus, and managed changes in international student enrolment.
His tenure also included the renewal of the university’s strategic plan, the establishment of the vice-president Indigenous role, and an expansion of global engagement initiatives.
