Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman

From Kriens, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Switzerland’s Canton of Lucerne. Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman was born in the dynamic decade of the 1980s. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to education, excellence, and international engagement—values that have shaped his leadership across institutions and continents.

📘 Professional Experience: Building Education Across Borders

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman began his career in education in 2005, joining IMI University Center in Lucerne, Switzerland—an internationally known hospitality school—where he served as Manager Assistant until 2008. This role sparked his interest in academic operations and cross-cultural student engagement.

From 2008 to 2011, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman advanced to the position of Vice President at Weggis Hotel Management School, where he played a central role in institutional growth, academic coordination, and international partnerships.

In 2011, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman was appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Benedict Schools Zurich, one of Switzerland’s largest private school networks. During his tenure until 2014, he strengthened the brand’s visibility and expanded student recruitment channels across Europe and Asia.

Since 2014, Prof. Al Souleiman has led and advised educational projects across Switzerland, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His contributions span institutional accreditation, curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic planning.

🌍 Academic Engagement & Global Contributions

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman is widely recognized for his dynamic role as a global academic figure. His engagements include:

Chairman, Arab-Ukraine Higher Education Conference (Kyiv)
Main Speaker, Eurasia Higher Education Summit – Digital Education (Turkey)
Guest Speaker, WEBA Higher Education Workshop (UK)
Lecturer, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (Russia)
Lecturer, University of Dąbrowa Górnicza (Poland)
Lecturer, "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați (Romania)
Professorship diploma from MITSO University (Belarus)
Professorship diploma from Taras Shevchenko University (Ukraine)
Professorship diploma from Greenlight University (Zambia)

He is frequently invited as a speaker and evaluator at academic conferences and institutional quality reviews.

🎓 Educational Qualifications

🔹 BA (Hons) in International Hotel Management

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), United Kingdom
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman earned his honours bachelor’s degree in International Hotel Management from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), one of the largest public universities in the UK, renowned for its applied learning, innovation, and excellence in professional education.
🔸 Global Recognition: MMU is ranked among the Top 200 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Hospitality & Leisure Management) and is recognized as one of the UK's most forward-thinking institutions.

🔹 MBA – Master of Business Administration

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZFH), Switzerland
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman completed his MBA at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ), part of the ZFH university network. HWZ is one of Switzerland’s most respected state-run institutions for applied sciences, known for its academic rigor and close alignment with industry.
🔸 Ranking & Impact: ZFH has been ranked among the Top 300 globally in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, underscoring its strong outcomes for leadership and career development.

🔹 MLaw – Master of Laws

V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, Ukraine
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman also holds a Master of Laws (MLaw) from V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, a national public university in Ukraine with distinguished academic programs in law and social sciences.
🔸 Recognition: The university is fully state-accredited, recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and listed in international academic databases and European cooperation frameworks.

🔹 Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership

Qualifi, United Kingdom
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman holds a Level 8 Diploma—equivalent in academic level to a doctorate—issued by Qualifi, an awarding body regulated by Ofqual, the official UK government qualifications authority.
🔸 Recognition: Ofqual-regulated diplomas are recognized as equivalent to academic qualifications at RQF Level 8 / EQF Level 8 and are accepted by academic institutions and employers across Europe and beyond.

🔹 Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Universidad Azteca, Mexico
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman earned his Ed.D from Universidad Azteca, a federally recognized university operating under the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP). It is legally authorized to award postgraduate degrees at the doctoral level.
🔸 Accreditation: The university is listed in international directories of recognized institutions, and offers nationally accredited and internationally cooperative academic programs.

🔹 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

SMC University, Switzerland / Malta
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman completed his DBA at SMC University, which operates legally in Switzerland and Malta, offering executive-level business programs with a global perspective.
🔸 International Accreditation: The DBA is accredited by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs), a CHEA-recognized accreditor in the United States, ensuring international quality assurance.

🔹 PhD in Business Administration

Universidad Central de Nicaragua (UCN), Nicaragua
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman earned his PhD in Business Administration from UCN, a state-authorized university under the Ministry of Education of Nicaragua.
🔸 Global Standing: UCN is listed by the International Association of Universities (UNESCO/IAU) and is fully authorized to award doctoral degrees under Nicaraguan national legislation.

🔹 Doctor in Project Planning & Management (Ph.D. with Distinction)

Alliance International University (AIU), Zambia
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman was conferred a Doctorate with Distinction in Project Planning & Management from Alliance International University (AIU) in Zambia.
🔸 Legal Status: The degree was awarded while AIU operated under a valid license from the Zambian Ministry of Higher Education. Although the university has since closed, the qualification remains valid and legally conferred during its period of full accreditation and operation.

🔹 PhD in Forensic Accounting & Audit

Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Islands (UK Overseas Territory)
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman earned this specialized PhD from Charisma University, a registered higher education institution in the UK Overseas Territory of Turks and Caicos Islands.
🔸 Accreditation Highlights:

Accredited by TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, USA)
Accredited by ACQUIN (Germany) – Recognized by the German Accreditation Council
ACBSP-accredited – Listed by CHEA (USA)
Listed on EQAR – The European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education

🔹 Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h.c.)

V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, Ukraine
Prof. Habib Al Souleiman was awarded the honorary degree Doctor honoris causa (Dr. h.c.) by V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, in recognition of his exceptional global contributions to higher education, leadership, and international academic cooperation.
🔸 Institutional Note: The university is part of Ukraine’s national higher education system, and maintains international cooperation with institutions across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

🏅 Titles and Academic Distinctions

🎓 Academic Titles – Professor Rank Awarded

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman has been officially conferred the title of Professor by the following internationally recognized institutions, reflecting his academic leadership and global contributions to higher education:

🔹 Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
A leading Ukrainian state university with a distinguished reputation across Eastern Europe. The professorship title awarded highlights Prof. Al Souleiman’s academic impact and international engagement.

🔹 MITSO University, Belarus
A state-accredited institution specializing in economics, law, and international affairs. The conferment of the professorial title reflects his influence in international academic and strategic development.

🔹 Greenlight University (GLU), Lusaka, Zambia
Although Greenlight University was later closed, the professorship title and academic diploma were awarded during the period when the university operated under a valid license issued by the Ministry of Higher Education in Zambia. This recognition acknowledged his academic expertise and contribution to global education initiatives at the time of award.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Al Souleiman has also been honored by respected institutions and organizations for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to educational advancement:

🔹 Best Business Leader Award
Awarded jointly by Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), UK, this prestigious award recognizes his excellence in strategic leadership and contributions to management education.

🔹 Award of Appreciation
Presented by the Arabic-Ukrainian Higher International Education Conference in recognition of his pivotal role in fostering educational cooperation and dialogue between academic institutions in the Arab world and Ukraine.

🔹 Leadership and Community Contribution Award
Granted by the Luzern Museum, Switzerland, this award honors Prof. Al Souleiman’s active engagement in cultural initiatives and his ongoing commitment to academic and community development in Switzerland.

🧾 Continuing Education and Certifications

📚 Commitment to Lifelong Learning – Executive & Professional Certifications

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman is a committed advocate of lifelong learning, continuously upgrading his skills and knowledge through over 30 executive and professional development programs. These certified short courses—each ranging from 1 to 6 weeks—were completed at world-renowned universities and global professional bodies, reflecting his interdisciplinary vision and leadership in business, education, and digital transformation.

Among the most notable certifications:

🔹 Harvard University – Question Formulation Technique
Focus on critical thinking and innovative problem-solving in education.

🔹 ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) – Urbanization: Opportunity or Challenge
Exploring sustainability and development in a global urban context.

🔹 University of Oxford – Explorations of Spirituality
A philosophical and interdisciplinary exploration of human spirituality.

🔹 University of Cambridge – Medieval Culture Certificate
Focused on European intellectual, religious, and cultural traditions.

🔹 University of Virginia – Darden School of Business – Certificate for Marketing Executives
Executive-level marketing strategy and innovation.

🔹 Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science – COVID-19 Webinars Series
Healthcare leadership and global pandemic response.

🔐 Certifications in Technology, Quality & Strategic Management

All completed as structured short programs (1–6 weeks)

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman has obtained multiple internationally recognized certifications across IT governance, cybersecurity, quality assurance, and strategic business frameworks. These credentials demonstrate his capacity to integrate modern technologies and global standards into academic leadership and institutional development.

🔹 EC-Council – CHFI®: Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator
Issued by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council, USA), the CHFI certification validates expertise in digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, data recovery, and legal procedures for identifying intrusions and preserving digital evidence. It is a globally respected credential in information security.

🔹 AXELOS – PRINCE2® & ITIL® Certified
Issued by AXELOS Global Best Practice (UK):

PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a globally recognized project management method used extensively in both the public and private sectors. It emphasizes structured planning, stage control, and stakeholder accountability.
ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is the most widely adopted IT service management (ITSM) framework, focusing on aligning IT services with business needs and improving service delivery and support.

🔹 BCS Institute – SIAM® Professional
Issued by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT (UK), the SIAM® (Service Integration and Management) certification provides frameworks for managing multiple service providers in complex, multi-supplier environments. It promotes seamless IT service delivery across internal and outsourced components, ensuring consistency and accountability.

🔹 GAQM – ISO 9001 Certified Auditor
Issued by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM, USA), this certification confirms the holder’s ability to audit and implement ISO 9001, the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is particularly valuable for academic institutions focused on continuous improvement and institutional accreditation.

🔹 EXIN, VeriSM™, EFQM, GAFM, Microsoft – Multiple Specialized Certifications
Prof. Al Souleiman has earned several additional short-term credentials from internationally respected bodies:

EXIN (Netherlands) and VeriSM™ – in digital service management and governance.
EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) – in performance excellence frameworks.
GAFM (Global Academy of Finance and Management) – in strategic management and organizational leadership.
Microsoft – in business continuity, digital collaboration, and innovation tools.

These micro-credentials collectively demonstrate expertise in managing quality, risk, innovation, and digital transformation across educational and business contexts.

🎓 Professional Designations

🔹 Lean Six Sigma Black Belt™ (ICBB™)
Certified by IASSC (USA) – Advanced process optimization and continuous improvement.

🔹 Accredited Management Accountant®
Awarded by GAFM Academy (USA) – Specialization in strategic financial management and governance.

These achievements reflect Prof. Al Souleiman’s proactive approach to staying current with global best practices across multiple disciplines and his commitment to academic and professional excellence.

📚 Publications and Authorship

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman is the author of several academic and professional books that have contributed significantly to the advancement of leadership, education, and strategic development, particularly in the Arab region. His work has been recognized internationally, with one of his books printed and sponsored by MITSO University in Belarus, and another published with the support of an academic institution in Dubai—demonstrating the global relevance and institutional appreciation of his scholarly contributions.

🗣️ Languages and Communication

In addition to his academic work, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman is fluent in six languages, including German, Arabic, English, and Russian. His multilingual proficiency enables him to operate effectively in diverse cultural contexts and to lead international teams, cross-border initiatives, and academic collaborations with clarity and confidence.

📰 Media Presence

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Habib Al Souleiman’s work and institutional leadership have been featured by several prominent international media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Sky News, BBC, SwissInfo, Kyiv Post, ATV, and others. Notably, some of these appearances were broadcast live on television—such as interviews with Sky News in Abu Dhabi and CNBC in Dubai—reflecting the wide-reaching impact and recognition of his contributions.

🌟 Legacy and Vision

Today, Prof. Dr. Habib Al Souleiman serves as a respected professor, institutional advisor, and international speaker. His vision remains clear: to advance education that transcends borders, to strengthen global partnerships, and to mentor the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

His journey is not merely measured by degrees or titles—it is defined by the lives he has touched, the institutions he has helped shape, and the enduring impact he continues to make on global education.