Mutahar Al Abbasi earned a PhD in Economics here in 1991, after also earning his Economics MA here in 1987.  Originally from Yemen, Dr. Al Abbasi returned as a tenure-track faculty member at Sana'a University, located in Yemen's capital city.  As a faculty member, Dr. Al Abbasi has focused on topics like international finance, money and banking, and economic development.  He has also served as dean.  Besides his academic roles, Dr. Al Abbasi has taken many positions like chairperson, board member, and minister for important positions in Yemen, often interfacing with organizations like the United Nations, Islamic Development Bank, and World Bank.