Dr. Nitesh Sughnani serves as an Expert in Policy, Programmes and Research (Higher Education) at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.
Over the past 18 years, he has played a significant role in shaping Dubai’s higher education landscape. His current work focuses on leading major transformational initiatives under Dubai’s E33 (Education 2033) Strategy, including Higher Education Strategic Reform, the City of Students initiative, the National University of Dubai, Dubai’s Research and Knowledge Agenda, and the Study Dubai initiative. These initiatives aim to strengthen institutional quality, attract global talent, and enhance the overall student experience in Dubai.
Dr. Sughnani has worked closely with leading international branch campuses in their establishment and expansion in Dubai, supporting regulatory alignment, quality assurance, and strategic development. He led the development and implementation of KHDA’s quality assurance framework through the University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB), oversaw extensive institutional and programme reviews, and spearheaded the Quality Beyond Boundaries Initiative (QBBG) and Dubai’s Higher Education Classification System in collaboration with QS.
He has served on international committees and external review panels for organisations including UK ENIC, INQAAHE, APQN, ATHEA, and QAA, and has been invited to speak at international conferences on higher education, quality assurance, and transnational education.
His research focuses on transnational education, with a particular emphasis on international branch campus models. Dr. Sughnani holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath.
