The landmark global recognition highlights CUD’s commitment to academic integrity, ethical governance and SDG-aligned higher education leadership 

Dubai, Aug 11, 2026: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has become the first higher education institution in the Arab world to be awarded the Ethos Universitas Certificate, a global benchmark recognizing institutional excellence in academic integrity, ethical governance and social responsibility. 

Conferred in Antwerp, Belgium, under the auspices of Panathlon International, an International Olympic Committee-recognised organisation, the certification places CUD within an international network of 262 universities and cities across more than 70 countries. The International Olympic Committee has promoted ethical and Olympic values beyond sport since its foundation in Venice in 1951. Issued through the PCU Committee platform, the framework leverages Olympic values beyond sports to foster sustainable, ethical and inclusive academic environments. 

Alongside the institutional honour, CUD President and Vice Chancellor Professor Karim Chelli was individually awarded the Ethos Universitas Certificate for his leadership in advancing value-driven higher education. 

Highlighting the strategic impact of the milestone, Professor Chelli emphasised that ethical conviction remains vital for preparing future-ready leaders. 

“It is a great honor to receive this certification, which reflects our collective efforts in creating an academic environment guided by integrity, responsibility and inclusivity,” said Prof Chelli. “As we prepare future leaders to navigate an increasingly complex world, we aim to ensure that they are equipped to do so with professionalism, compassion and ethical conviction.” 

The distinction aligns with CUD’s standing in global sustainability metrics. The university ranks in the top 100 worldwide across four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rating, while holding the top position in Dubai for SDG 1 (No Poverty).