As UCL’s alumni network in the UAE and Saudi Arabia continues to grow and strengthen, more than 80 graduates came together in April for two special receptions hosted by the university.

The events, held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh and the UAE city of Dubai, celebrated the university’s flourishing community in the region, bringing graduates together to reconnect, network and hear the latest updates from London. 

Reconnecting in Riyadh

The reception in Riyadh, UCL’s first alumni gathering in Saudi Arabia since 2018, was held at the city’s Narcissus Hotel and welcomed a large number of recent graduates, with more than half of the attendees having completed their studies in the past five years.

Guests were welcomed by Angharad Milenkovic, Vice-President (Advancement), who opened the evening with remarks about the university’s upcoming bicentennial celebrations in 2026 and opportunities for alumni to participate. Angharad also led a discussion on how UCL can continue to support and connect graduates in the Gulf region, with alumni sharing their thoughts and ideas.

Dubai celebrations

Later in the week, UCL alumni in Dubai gathered at Zabeel House hotel for an evening of networking and socialising over drinks and canapés. The reception featured talks from Angharad Milenkovic and Professor Paolo Taticchi, Professor in Strategy and Sustainability and Deputy Director at the UCL School of Management.

Professor Taticchi spoke about the work of the UCL Centre for Sustainable Business, which he co-directs. The focal point for sustainability research and education at the UCL School of Management, the Centre is the first of its kind dedicated to advancing sustainability in business through research and education. He also shared insights from his recent book, How to Be Sustainable: Business Strategies for Leading Change.

Following the events, Angharad Milenkovic said: “What a brilliant and inspiring week reconnecting with our alumni community in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Propelled by their UCL degrees, our alumni are making an impressive mark across a wide range of professions in both countries. As more students from the region choose to study at UCL, we’re excited to see our alumni community continue to grow and strengthen.”

Develop the UCL community

UCL has more than 1,600 alumni across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, supported by an active alumni network championed by dedicated volunteers.

If you’re interested in helping to organise future alumni events – in the Middle East or elsewhere – please complete our alumni volunteer interest form.

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(Two-photo vertical collage): Top image: UCL alumni reception in Dubai; Bottom image: UCL alumni reception in Riyadh. Credit: Dreambox UAE.

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