IIFM and Abu Dhabi University: Memorandum of Understanding Signed

Milan, 11 September 2026

The Italian Institute of Fashion Management, Milano and the Abu Dhabi University are glad to announce the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding, establishing the first milestone into the inter-university and advisory cooperation that opens up new opportunities for dialogue and joint initiatives in the fields of Event Management and Communication Management applied to fashion and luxury.

The agreement stems from the shared desire to connect two academic institutions with a strong international outlook, creating a bridge between the Italian fashion and luxury system and the dynamic ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates, with a particular focus on the development of expertise and projects in the fields of Event Management and Communication Management.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of Abu Dhabi University by Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, who highlighted

"We believe meaningful international partnerships play an important role in enriching education and creating new opportunities for our students and faculty. This partnership brings together ADU’s academic strengths with IIFM’s specialized expertise in fashion and luxury management to create new possibilities for learning and collaboration that respond to the needs of a rapidly evolving global industry. We look forward to building on this partnership and strengthening the academic and professional links between Abu Dhabi and Milan."

IIFM was represented by its Dean and Director-General, Nicola Guerini, who emphasized the strategic value of the initiative:

“This agreement represents an important step for IIFM and for our internationalization journey. Our collaboration with Abu Dhabi University allows us to create new opportunities for dialogue and development in the fields of Event Management and Communication Management for fashion and luxury, building a bridge between different expertise, markets and cultures.”

The memorandum lays the foundation for future joint initiatives aimed at strengthening the international dimension of education and research and developing new opportunities in the fields of fashion, luxury, events and communication.

Abu Dhabi University, one of the leading private universities in the United Arab Emirates, contributes to the agreement with established expertise in higher education and a strong openness to international academic partnerships.

IIFM – Italian Institute of Fashion Management, based in Milan, brings to the collaboration its specialization in Fashion & Luxury Management education, together with a strong international outlook developed through academic and professional partnerships and relationships with leading organizations within the Italian and international fashion, luxury and lifestyle sectors.

The partnership therefore aims to leverage the complementary strengths of the two institutions and foster initiatives that integrate education, professional expertise, advisory services and projects, further strengthening the relationship between Milan and Abu Dhabi and creating new opportunities for dialogue between their respective academic and professional ecosystems.