Team MIBD

Our Team

At Mount Institute of Business Development (MIBD), our strength lies in the people behind the vision. From strategic leadership to expert faculty, our team shares a common goal: to empower students with quality education, global opportunities, and a future that begins here in Dubai.

David Ebenezer

CEO & Director

David Ebenezer is a visionary leader, passionate educator, and strategic thinker who serves as the Director of MIBD Dubai. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, David is committed to shaping future leaders by providing accessible, relevant, and globally recognized learning pathways.

At the heart of his leadership is a mission: to make quality education not just available, but meaningful for students from diverse backgrounds. Under his direction, MIBD has grown into a forward-thinking institution that blends academic excellence with practical relevance—offering programs that respond to the evolving needs of today’s job market. His forward-thinking strategies have ensured that MIBD is more than a place of learning — it’s a launchpad for success.

With a deep belief in education as a catalyst for global change, David has positioned MIBD as a bridge between cultures, ideas, and industries. His ability to blend strategic vision with a hands-on approach has earned him the trust of partners, the respect of colleagues, and the admiration of students worldwide.

For David, MIBD is not just an institution, it’s a movement. A movement dedicated to shaping graduates who are confident, capable, and ready to make an impact on the world stage. His leadership ensures that MIBD stands for more than academic excellence, it stands for opportunity, innovation, and a future without boundaries.

In His Words:
“Education is not just about degrees, it’s about discovery—of purpose, potential, and the power to make a difference.”

Dr. Rafaela De Angelis Barros

Dean & Head of Hospitality

PhD | University Professor | Educational Leader | Tourism & Hospitality Expert | Sustainability Advocate

Dr. Rafaela De Angelis Barros is a distinguished Italian scholar and global hospitality professional with over seventeen years of extensive experience in educational leadership, training, and consulting. Her career reflects a unique blend of expertise across multiple sectors, including Higher Education, Tourism & Hospitality, International Business, and Government, where her commitment to innovation and excellence has been a constant.
Dr. De Angelis Barros is a passionate advocate for sustainability and a recognized authority on topics like Tourism & Hospitality, Leadership, and City Planning. She is known for her research on contemporary subjects such as Green and Smart Cities, Sustainability, and the dynamics of the Intercultural Environment. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications in peer-reviewed international journals and presentations at prestigious industry conferences worldwide.

A true global educator, Dr. De Angelis Barros has taught diverse subjects including tourism, urban planning, hospitality, business, and leadership at leading institutions across America, Europe, and the UAE. Her multilingual abilities and intercultural insights further enrich her teaching, enabling her to connect with students and professionals from varied backgrounds. As a committed leader, she has consistently driven institutions toward growth and excellence, embodying her dedication to innovation in every role she undertakes.

Mario Gabrael

Head of Business & Project Management

Mario Gabrael from Australia is a highly accomplished and results-oriented educator and leader with over 26 years of expertise in course design, resource management, training, lecturing, and program delivery, specializing in business and technology-based courses. His commitment to excellence is evident in his focus on enhancing learner performance metrics and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Mario’s career spans both corporate and government sectors, bringing a wealth of experience in program and project management across various fields, including Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, International Business, and Transformational Management. With two decades of international project delivery experience, Mario has honed a deep understanding of best practices and trends in higher education and business, making him a talented leader with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.

Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Murdoch University Dubai, Mario is instrumental in driving the Innovation Incubator program, which enhances students’ entrepreneurial skills and supports the Dubai startup ecosystem through collaboration with industry partners and government institutions.

Sandra A.J. Carter

Head of Education & Training Management

Dr. Sandra A. J. Carter holds a BA (Hons) in Education and Training, an MSc in Tourism Development and Management, and the NPQH qualification, making her an accomplished leader in the education sector.
Dr. Carter’s career is distinguished by a commitment to fostering 21st-century skills, encouraging creativity, language development, and leadership in students. She has contributed to educational initiatives across Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Kenya, with experience in school and college inspections, which provided her deep insights into the operational and academic challenges of institutions. Her international projects span partnerships with schools in China, Texas, and Virginia, as well as humanitarian education work in The Gambia, which left a lasting impact on her approach to global education. Passionate about the unique multicultural environment of UAE schools, Dr. Carter sees education as a bridge to world harmony, inspiring students to thrive together in a diverse, peaceful environment.

Dr. Obada Al Dimakshi

Head of Accounting & Logistics/Supply Chain Management

Dr. Obada Al Dimashki is a highly accomplished Assistant Professor of Business, currently serving as the Head of Accounting, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management. With over a decade of experience spanning academia, military, and industry, Dr. Al-Dimashki is dedicated to advancing academic leadership and nurturing student success. He has taught at several Canadian and international universities, including in Canada and Qatar, where he consistently earns recognition for his exceptional teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Al Dimashki brings a wealth of practical industry experience from his tenure as Supply Chain Manager at Orbit Aluminium Industries in Singapore (2015–2017). There, he managed an $8 million annual purchasing budget, overseeing the procurement of machinery, metals, chemicals, and fuels essential to aluminium coating and paint manufacturing. Through strategic negotiation and leveraging supplier relationships, he achieved annual cost reductions exceeding $100,000. Dr. Al Dimashki also optimized inventory replenishment valued at over $1 million, utilizing ERP systems to ensure consistent production flow. His development of quarterly safety stock plans, grounded in statistical analysis and sales forecasts, maintained lean yet reliable inventory levels year-round, underscoring his commitment to operational efficiency and cost control.

Sandra Kawar

Head of Metaverse Programs

Sandra Kawar is an award-winning director and virtual production consultant, renowned for her pioneering work in the MENAPT region. Recognized as the first woman authorized by Epic Games as an Unreal Authorized Instructor, Sandra is passionate about virtual production and its transformative potential in the entertainment industry. She leads Unreal Engine’s Baghdad Community Chapter, empowering aspiring creators and fostering innovation in the field.

With over seven years of experience as a judge at the Emmy Awards, Sandra celebrates excellence in television and actively nurtures emerging talent as a judge at three Academy qualifying film festivals. Her involvement in global franchise games and productions reflects her commitment to shaping the future of interactive entertainment. As the head of the Metaverse Programs at Mount Institute Of Business Development, Sandra is dedicated to creating immersive worlds and unforgettable experiences, empowering women in the gaming and film industry, and inspiring the next generation of storytellers and creators.