Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai, recently hosted an off-campus leadership retreat for academic and administrative seniors to launch the strategic planning process for the next academic cycle 2025-2030, set to take effect next fall. This effort will culminate in the development of a plan that guides AUD through its next five years. The retreat was facilitated by Ms. Siwar Zein who expertly engaged participants in activities that fostered communication, teamwork and helped them assess the current positioning of the university. The workshop was presented based on the STARS model, and asked participants to assess their departments' and the university’s current standing. Later in the day, Dr. Long offered a new framework for the strategic planning process. At heart of the undertaking is a 15-member institution-wide committee with representatives from the faculty, staff, student, alumni, and external constituencies. The day ended on a high note of reassurance that the process will yield a plan that will help the university build on what it has achieved and that would pave the way for further achievements.