New Principal Appointed
UWC Atlantic is delighted to share the appointment of Dr Khalid El-Metaal as its next Principal. He will take up the role in July 2027, following a thoughtful and inclusive international search process.
Khalid brings more than 30 years of experience in international education across diverse, multicultural educational environments. He is currently Rettore (Head) of UWC Adriatic, where he has developed a strong record of academic, strategic and organisational leadership.
He holds a degree in European Economics from the University of Nantes, an MA in Education from The Open University, and an EdD from the University of Bath. He also speaks English, French, Arabic and Italian. His career reflects both a deep commitment to education and a lifelong passion for learning, growth and international understanding.
Welcoming the appointment, Jonas Moberg, incoming Chair of the Board of UWC Atlantic, said:
"We are absolutely delighted that Khalid will be joining UWC Atlantic College. He will lead our wonderful staff and student community as we continue to build on the exciting progress of recent years and strengthen the College as a hub for innovation in international education. He brings a wealth of experience in international education and a strong alignment with the UWC values that lie at the heart of a UWC education. These qualities, alongside his collaborative leadership style, made him an outstanding choice for this role."
Khalid will succeed Naheed Bardai, under whose leadership UWC Atlantic has seen significant growth in innovation, ambition and global impact. Over the coming year, Khalid and Naheed will work closely together to ensure a smooth, thoughtful and well-supported transition.
We look forward to welcoming Khalid, his wife Eve and their family to the UWC Atlantic community ahead of his arrival in 2027.
Khalid shared his reflections on the appointment:
"UWC Atlantic College has a proud history of bold educational innovation, grounded in a deep commitment to service. Each generation has both the opportunity and responsibility to build on that legacy, especially in a world that feels increasingly complex, connected and uncertain.
My wife and I are truly honoured and excited to be joining this extraordinary community. I very much look forward to working with students, staff, alumni and partners to ensure the College continues to honour its traditions while also helping to shape what education can become."
