Paul Griffiths, the chief executive officer of Dubai Airports, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Middlesex University recognising his contribution to the economic development of Dubai.

The Honorary Doctorate was awarded as part of Middlesex University Dubai’s 2015 Graduation celebrations.

Paul joined Dubai Airports as its first CEO in October 2007, and is responsible for the operation and development of Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central (DWC).  Since joining Dubai Airports as CEO, he orchestrated the launch of Terminal 3 at Dubai International, the world’s largest airport terminal, and the opening of Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built A380 facility.

With these developments Dubai international now hosts the most international passenger traffic in the world. Paul is leading efforts to completely re-design and set new standards for the airport passenger experience as part of the $32 billion expansion of the next phase of Dubai World Central making it the world’s biggest and best airport.

Prior to moving to Dubai, Paul was chairman and managing director of London’s Gatwick Airport, the second largest airport in the UK.   He also spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a board director of the Virgin Travel Group. Prior to this, he spent four years in Hong Kong developing the marketing, commercial planning and technology functions for the then start-up airline Dragonair.

Middlesex University director Dr Cedwyn Fernandes said: “Dubai is an international city and the aviation sector is a key contributor to its growth. As CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul has been instrumental in ensuring that the gateways to Dubai are of top standard and have the capacity to meet Dubai’s growing economy. To be able to honour Paul is an inspiration to our students.”

Paul in his acceptance of the Honorary Doctorate said, “I was delighted to hear the news that Middlesex University had kindly consented to grant me an honorary doctorate as I was born and raised within a mile of its very first campus, St Katherine’s College, in Tottenham.  So I feel a particular bond with education in the area. Middlesex University, within a short period of time, has established itself as a university of repute in Dubai and I am proud to be associated with it. It is also valued given the importance Dubai Airports puts on talent identification and development to ensure we meet our goals and continue to grow aviation’s contributions to Dubai.” – TradeArabia News Service