Zakiya Abdul Samad

Dr. Zakiya Abdul Samad is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus within the School of Social Sciences. Her expertise spans finance, economics, and business administration, with a focus on technology-driven education and industry-academic collaboration.

• Corporate and Strategic Finance
• International Finance
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Sustainable Finance
• Digital Payments
• AI in Financial Risk Management
• Higher Education Pedagogies

Her research bridges practical financial applications with academic rigor, particularly examining exchange rate exposure in Indian firms, sustainable fintech investments in the UAE, and pedagogical innovation in business education. She actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through financial inclusion studies and has presented groundbreaking work on AI integration in risk management curricula.

Notable research trends include:

• Digital transformation of financial systems
• Cross-border economic collaboration
• Tech-enhanced financial education
• Risk management in global markets
• Inclusive financial technologies

Scientific recognition includes:

• McGraw Hill Learning Matter Grant (2025)
• OSCARS Prize (2024)

As a certified SAP Trainer, ERPSIM Licensed Trainer, and career coach, she mentors professionals and students while developing innovative financial education programs. Her academic service includes judging for the Green Campus Competition and participating in the GBSN Social Logistics Challenge.