Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam Al Madani has made history as the first Emirati to be appointed as a professor at New York University (NYU) in the United States. The appointment was officially announced on the second day of the 23rd Annual Global Scientific Dental Alliance (GSDA) Meeting, held on the sidelines of AEEDC Dubai 2026 — the world’s largest annual scientific dental conference and exhibition — which took place from January 19 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in the presence of senior figures from the UAE and the United States.

The appointment recognises Ambassador Al Madani’s distinguished academic, scientific, and professional contributions and marks a significant milestone for the UAE’s standing in the global sphere of academic and medical education.

 

A Long-Standing Partnership with New York University

The connection between Ambassador Al Madani and NYU College of Dentistry has been built over several decades. In February 2025, at AEEDC Dubai 2025, NYU College of Dentistry presented Ambassador Al Madani with the David B. Kriser Medal — the College’s highest honour — in recognition of his exceptional contributions to global health care, medical education, and humanitarian causes. It was the first time an Emirati leader had received this prestigious distinction. The medal was conferred by a high-level delegation led by Professor Michael O’Connor, Executive Vice Dean of NYU College of Dentistry and Co-Executive Director of its Center for Oral Health Policy and Management.

“NYU Dentistry honors His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani not only for his past achievements but for his continuing dedication to improving global health outcomes and fostering international cooperation.”

— Dr. Michael O’Connor, Executive Vice Dean, NYU College of Dentistry

Dr. Howard Lieb, Adjunct Associate Professor and Special Assistant to Dean Charles N. Bertolami at NYU Dentistry, further lauded Dr. Al Madani’s extraordinary career, stating that it embodies the highest ideals of service to humanity, combining academic excellence, organisational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to global health advancement — ideals that align completely with the aspirations of NYU College of Dentistry.

 

Ambassador Al Madani’s Response

Upon the announcement of his professorial appointment, Ambassador Al Madani expressed deep pride in the recognition, underscoring that it reflects international appreciation for sustained efforts to advance the medical sector and promote lifelong learning.

“It is a great honour to receive this distinguished recognition from New York University on behalf of the United Arab Emirates — a nation that stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in healthcare and education. This honour is a testament to the collective efforts we undertake in the UAE, driven by strategic partnerships and the unwavering support of our government in advancing scientific progress worldwide.”

— H.E. Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam Al Madani

 

Profile: Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam Al Madani

H.E. Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam Al Madani is an Emirati entrepreneur, humanitarian, and global health advocate. He serves as Chairman of INDEX Holding, the multinational healthcare business management group behind some of the world’s most prominent medical and dental conferences, including AEEDC Dubai, Dubai Derma, and DIHAD. He holds the position of Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and was the first Emirati to receive the PAM Personality Award.

Ambassador Al Madani holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Care Management and a Master’s in Hospital Management from the University of Birmingham, UK, as well as a PhD in Humanities from the University of Lugano, Switzerland, and an Honorary Degree in Humanities from the United Campus of Malta.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the Waterfalls Initiative for Continuous Education from the UAE to the World — a nonprofit government-supported initiative that provided free online education to over two million health care professionals across 197 countries. He also chairs or co-chairs numerous international organisations, including the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS, UK), the Global Scientific Dental Alliance (GSDA), the Anti-Smoking International Alliance (ASIA, London), and the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation.

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