Randa Bessiso

Randa Bessiso is the Founding Director Middle East, of the University of Manchester Dubai, which was established in Dubai in 2006 and which is now the largest in the University’s international network. Randa leads a regional team responsible for a portfolio of part-time flexible learning Master’s programmes and executive education short courses for working professionals, covering student recruitment, student support, corporate engagement, and supporting careers services and alumni relations.
Randa has led the introduction of a range of new educational products, services and initiatives. She is also responsible for regional engagement across governments, corporate strategic talent partnerships and social responsibility programmes, as well as collaborations with industry groups and professional bodies.
Prior to joining the University, Randa was already involved in higher education as the regional lead for the UK government’s UK eUniversities Worldwide programme. Before moving into education, she was Vice President at PROJACS International (professional management and consulting services) in Kuwait.
Randa’s success as an influential female leader has been recognised with a number of regional awards, including listings in the 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen/Middle East 100 Most Influential Women by Forbes Middle East, in 2014-15-16-17-18. She was also included in the Arabian Business annual Arab Power List 2021 and was also named among the 30 most influential women in the Arab World by Arabian Business in 2019.