Dr. Said al-Zebda (Sa‘īd al-Zibda) (سعيد انور الزبدة) was a distinguished Palestinian electrical and computer engineer, academic, and university leader. Born in al-Zaytun neighborhood of Gaza City, he spent most of his life in the Gaza Strip, where he raised his family and dedicated his career to advancing applied sciences and technology. He served as President of the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) from 2021.

After completing his undergraduate studies in telecommunications engineering, Dr. al-Zebda earned both his master’s degree (2007) and PhD (2011) in electronic communications and computer engineering from the University of Nottingham. Upon returning to Gaza, he joined UCAS, where he served in multiple leadership roles for over 18 years. These included Director of Development Programs, Head of the UCAS Technology Incubator, and Assistant to the College President for Developmental Affairs. His academic output included around ten peer-reviewed publications in the field of electronic engineering. Dr. al-Zebda was known for fostering innovation and empowering young entrepreneurs through his work at the incubator.

On 31 December 2023, Dr. al-Zebda was killed along with his wife Ikram Ghanem and children Az-Zein, Intisar and Samia, when an Israeli airstrike targeted their home in  al-Zaytun neighborhood. His death was mourned by Palestinian academic institutions across the region.

Dr. Said al-Zebda will be remembered as a visionary scholar and devoted educator who worked tirelessly to strengthen Palestine’s technological and academic capacity under the most difficult conditions. His legacy continues in the institutions he helped shape and the students and professionals he mentored. His personal Facebook profile remains a place where colleagues, students, and friends have shared tributes in his memory.

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