Interview with Fatima Al-Foulathi, CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi

With an academic foundation in Psychology and years of leadership across ADEK, IAT, and ADVETI, the Director of 42 Abu Dhabi has spent her career reshaping how education serves learners and society alike. Her arrival at the head of 42 Abu Dhabi was a natural next step. We sat down with her to find out what drives her, and what makes 42 Abu Dhabi a campus unlike any other.

Can you tell us more about your background and your path to 42?

I have an academic foundation in Psychology, which has provided me with a strong understanding of human behaviour, learning processes, and motivation. Over the years, I have built a professional career focused on advancing education and driving institutional development.

Before joining 42 Abu Dhabi, I worked in leadership roles at ADEK, IAT, and ADVETI; where I mostly focused on strategy, institutional development, and aligning programs with national workforce priorities.

Throughout my career, I’ve stayed committed to creating impactful learning environments where students and educators can excel, all the while ensuring that educational initiatives contribute meaningfully to broader social and economic development.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the campus?

What inspires me most is witnessing the transformation of our students, the moment they realize their potential and take ownership of their learning journey. 

Leading 42 Abu Dhabi means that I get to bring people together and have a real impact on how education works in the UAE.

I deeply value the sense of shared purpose within our community and the opportunity to guide an institution that empowers learners to create real impact.

What is your vision for the future of education?

Education should be learner-driven, inclusive, and responsive to real-world challenges. My vision is for systems that recognize multiple pathways to mastery, encourage problem-solving, and develop leaders who are adaptable, socially conscious, and equipped to innovate. At 42 Abu Dhabi, we are already pioneering this model, and our ambition is to scale its impact globally.

How would you describe your management style?

I lead with purpose, empathy, and trust. I prioritize clarity of vision, removing barriers, and creating a collaborative environment. Transparency, shared ownership, and peer engagement are central to how we operate at 42 Abu Dhabi, empowering our team to innovate, take initiative, and contribute fully to our mission.

42’s pillar values are Ethics, Excellence, Openness, and Tech. Which one of these matters the most to you?

Excellence is my guiding principle, not as a static goal, but as a daily commitment. It informs our culture, inspires our achievements, and drives every decision we make. Excellence unites our community in the pursuit of continuous improvement and ensures that we consistently deliver meaningful outcomes for students and the broader ecosystem.

Last question, and a fun one: Why is your campus one of the best in the network?

Our campus thrives because of its energy, ambition, and dedication to excellence and accessibility. Being in Abu Dhabi, a city that champions innovation and strategic thinking, gives us a unique perspective and drive. Beyond delivering the 42 model, we embody a philosophy that empowers learners to lead, innovate, and make tangible impact.

Bonus: Is there any topic we haven’t gone through that you would like us to discuss?

Our campus thrives because of its energy, ambition, and dedication to excellence and accessibility. Being in Abu Dhabi, a city that champions innovation and strategic thinking, gives us a unique perspective and drive. Beyond delivering the 42 model, we embody a philosophy that empowers learners to lead, innovate, and make tangible impact.

I would highlight our Level 6 qualification, a milestone for alternative education models. It validates our approach, offers students formal recognition aligned with global standards, and sets a precedent for what alternative, peer-driven education can achieve. Equivalent to a bachelor-level qualification in software development and Ai applications, it provides learners with a recognized pathway that strengthens employability, and reinforces industry confidence in project-based learning outcomes. This represents a transformative shift in how education can be designed and recognized, positioning 42 Abu Dhabi at the forefront of innovation in learning.