Dr Zakiya Abdul Samad
Dr Zakiya Abdul Samad
Assistant Professor & Programme Director for MA Business & Finance
Dr. Zakiya Abdul Samad is dean active researcher immersed in cutting-edge research spanning diverse areas, including Islamic finance, fintech, sustainable finance, and the application of data analytics in financial studies. This research mirrors her unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of evolving economic landscapes, showcasing her well-rounded expertise in Economics and Finance.
Dr. Zakiya has a robust background in SAP ERP, Data Analytics, and various facets of economics and finance. Widely recognized for her proficiency in research methods and mentoring, she extends her impact beyond academia by providing life and career coaching, with a particular emphasis on youth and women.
Dr. Zakiya is routinely involved in fostering collaborations between academia and industry, and she maintains strong ties with both sectors. Leveraging her expertise, she significantly contributes to industry-relevant practices, enhancing the practicality of academic teachings. In her multifaceted role as Assistant Professor, programme director and dissertation coordinator, she passionately drives academic excellence through research, training, and mentoring, with a goal to seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, advancing the application of research methods, data analytics, and emerging financial technologies within academic settings.
Areas of interest
- Islamic Finance, Sustainable Finance, Data Analytics Financial Technology (FinTech), Financial Inclusion, Industry-Academia Collaborations in Finance.
Qualifications
- PhD in Commerce (International Finance), Bharathidasan University
- Master of Commerce, Mangalore University
Background
Dr. Zakiya Abdul Samad joined Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University - Dubai, as an Assistant Professor in Economics and Finance in 2021. With a robust academic background, including a PhD in Commerce (International Finance) from Bharathidasan University, India, a Fellowship of HEA, and a Career Coach certification from NDCA since 2014, she has dedicated her career to both theory and practice. Prior to joining Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt - Dubai, she wielded her expertise across diverse international landscapes, from teaching in India and Saudi Arabia to leading as a principal at a college since 1998.
This extensive background, coupled with academic roles at online international universities, enriches her holistic approach to academia. Actively contributing as a dissertation supervisor and holding leadership roles like dissertation coordinator for the AEF postgraduate program and program director for the MA in Business and Finance, Dr. Zakiya embodies a seasoned educator with a global perspective. Her commitment lies in bridging academic pursuits with practical industry applications, fostering collaborations that enhance the relevancy of academic contributions.