Dr. Eesa Bastaki is President of the University of Dubai and former CEO of the ICT Fund where he actively led the effort to create an eco-system in the UAE ICT industry, by encouraging entrepreneurship, funding R&D projects and University scholarships and implementing ICT initiatives at the school level.
Born in Dubai, Dr. Bastaki is a UAE national scientist and researcher, he studied abroad where he received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine. His research interests are Multiple Access Communications, Coding and Synchronization.
Dr. Eesa Bastaki is the recipient of the highest award in the UAE, the “Emirates Excellence Award in Sciences, Literature and Arts”, in the field of Sciences. Most recently, Dr. Bastaki worked as a professor at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) specializing in Communications Engineering. He also recently held positions as: CEO of ICT Fund; Director of Education, Training and Research and Development for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO); Consultant and IT Project Manager for Al-Ain Municipality; and Chairman and Partner of Barajeel Engineering Consultants. He is one of the founders of DSO and RIT-Dubai. He is a member of 7 academic boards, Honorary Chair of IEEE, Chairman of Emirates Science Club, Board member of the Cultural and Scientific Association, Board member of KHDA’s UQAIB, Board member of Ankabut (UAE’s NREN) and many more.
Dr. Bastaki received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of California, San Diego and his Doctorate from University of California, Irvine, before returning to help improve the education and technology sectors in his homeland.
During his distinguished career he held many senior posts including Director of Education & Technology at the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), Chairman of the Energy Section at the UAE University (UAEU) and Chairman of the Technology Section at the Technology & Energy Research Center of the UAEU. Dr. Bastaki is a founder of DSO and RIT-Dubai, and he is the founder of the IT Center in Al-Al Municipality.
Dr. Bastaki’s current professional activities include Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Emirates Energy Awards, Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Global Education Forum, Chairman & Partner at Barajeel Engineering Consultants, Chairman Technical Committee and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Science Club, and Member of the Board of the Cultural & Science Association.
Positions Held:
Retired Faculty Member, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Partner & Chairman, Barajeel Engineering Consultants, Since 1994
Honorary Chair, IEEE UAE Section
Senior Member, IEEE
Senior Member, IEEE Communications Society
Chairman of the Board, Emirates Science Club
Consultant, Education & Technology, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Advisory Board, University of Sharjah, Ajman University of Science & Technology, American University in Dubai, Wollongong University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, etc.
Consultant to Emirates Aviation College
Board, Culture & Science Association
Counselor, Dubai Economic Research Awards (DERA)
Higher Board, Emirates Appreciation Award for Science, Arts and Literature
Established the IT Center in Al-Ain Municipality, 2000-2003
Head, Energy Section, Technology & Energy Research Center, 1990-1991
Head, Technology Section, Technology & Energy Research Center, 1991-1992
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, College of Engineering, UAEU, 1992-1996
Director, IT Center at UAE University, 1998-2000
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering Magazine, 1990-1996
Chair, Engineering Day, 1990-1996
Member, Arabic Language Protection Association
Specialties: UAE University: Higher education
ICT Fund: Funding initiatives in ICT R&D, education, and incubation
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Semiconductor Industry, Technology City & Real Estate