1.4.2

1.4.2 Does your university as a body provide financial assistance to the local community assisting the start-up of sustainable businesses?

Canadian University Dubai becomes the first private university in UAE to partner with Coursera to prepare students for in-demand jobs

CUD students can earn industry-recognized certifications at no additional cost during their final year of study

UAE, Dubai – 10 August 2022: Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR), one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, has announced its partnership with Canadian University Dubai (CUD), the number one higher education institution in Dubai. The collaboration will equip the university’s students with the necessary skills for in-demand jobs through Career Academy from Coursera, a new career training academy that provides skills training and entry-level Professional Certificates from the world’s leading companies including Google, IBM, and Meta.

Becoming the first private university in the UAE to adopt Career Academy from Coursera, CUD further fortifies its standing in the industry as an institution committed to equipping students with work-related skills to help graduates secure good jobs.

Designed to empower students with a competitive advantage in the fast-evolving digital work environment, the collaboration will provide students with the opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills, including entrepreneurial, digital, and technology competencies, earn professional Certificates from the world’s leading companies, access hands-on learning with Guided Projects to master skills and stand out with employers, and explore the right career path.

Prof. Karim Chelli, President and Vice-Chancellor of CUD, remarked, “We are delighted to embark on this partnership with Coursera to provide new opportunities for our graduates to stand out in the job market. Students will now have the chance to gain industry-recognized professional certifications at no additional cost during their final year of study. Combining these practical qualifications with a world-class degree will give CUD graduates a head start when exploring employment and career development opportunities.” 

Kais Zribi, General Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at Coursera said: “We are honored to join hands with one of the UAE’s leading universities that share our goal to support the country in its ambition of building a digital economy led by an equipped and skilled workforce. Canadian University Dubai has set a benchmark in the league of world-class institutions with its progressive approach to delivering high-quality education, and together we will unlock learning opportunities that would enable the next generation of the country’s talent to thrive in the competitive global work realm.”

Learners enrolled in Career Academy from Coursera will be able to earn entry-level Professional Certificates from industry leaders including Google, IBM, and Meta, to prepare for 18 in-demand careers such as Data Analyst, UX Designer, Application Developer, and Social Media Marketer, among others. Participants have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, fully online across the web and mobile, and can also explore different career paths with an overview of common job titles, skill requirements, and salary insights.

Additionally, Career Academy from Coursera will allow students to gain real-world experience with Guided Projects to develop key skills in under 2 hours. For example, an aspiring Data Analyst can practice SQL, Python, and Tableau, while UX Designers can build projects using Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. With hands-on learning and interactive assessments, students will be able to apply essential skills by working with real-world industry tools to help them stand out to employers during interviews and on the job.

The Coursera-Canadian University Dubai partnership is the latest milestone in Coursera’s rapid growth across the Middle East and North Africa. As of June 2022, Coursera supports the skills development of 681K learners in the UAE, and more than 6.2 million learners across the Middle East and North Africa. This total includes over 320K new registered Coursera learners across the region in Q2 of 2022.

About Coursera

Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with more than 100 million registered learners. Coursera partners with 275+ leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided Projects, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields such as data science, technology, and business. Coursera became a B Corp in February 2021.

Chartered Financial Analyst Student Scholarships

Now Available for CUD Faculty of Management Students

CUD is committed to empowering students and inspiring them to pursue their academ-ic goals and career aspirations. In line with this initiative, we are pleased to announce that 9 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Student Scholarships are now available for students enrolled in CUD’s Faculty of Management.

Our Faculty of Management embraces the largest number of students at CUD and de-livers a personalized learning experience directly linked to future-facing research and practice.

This scholarship opportunity will provide financial aid to recipients by waiving the one-time program enrolment fee and discounting the exam registration fee to $350 (from approximately $1000).

The table below describes the particulars of this scholarship and how interested stu-dents can apply.

What the scholarship covers? Each Student Scholarship waives the one-time program enrollment fee and discounts the exam registration fee to $350 (from approximately $1000). This also includes access to the curriculum.
Validity Once a student is awarded the scholarship, it must be used within 1 year for any exam during this period. The current scholarship allotment runs through to August 31st.
Eligibility The student must be in their final year of the undergraduate program or a full-time or part-time graduate student when awarded the scholarship.
Exam slots For Level I in February, May, August, and November
For Level II in May and August
For Level III in May and November
How to Apply? Contact your course advisor or the Accounting & Finance Program Coordinator, Dr Ikhlaas at  ikhlaas@cud.ac.ae
Note Students must not register for the exam prior to receiving the scholarship as CFA will not process refunds.

CUD celebrates affiliation with CFA and CFA Scholarships

Wednesday, September 8, 2021: Since our establishment in 2006, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has sought to make a significant impact in the realm of higher education. We have grown considerably from our beginnings, receiving global recognition for our commitment to providing students with a quality Canadian education in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This has enabled us to foster valuable global partnerships, contribute to the Nation’s growing knowledge economy, and leave a lasting impression on the UAE’s education landscape.

Over the years our success has attracted industry recognition from many leading international professional bodies including the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA); a global association of investment professionals responsible for generating value for core investment management professionals and engaging with the core investment management industry to advance ethics, market integrity, and professional standards of practice.

CUD is proud to be a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program, indicating that our Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance is closely tied to the practice of investment management. This affiliation is beneficial to students who wish to write the CFA® Program exams.

Committed to empowering students and inspiring them to pursue their academic goals and career aspirations, CUD is pleased to share that the CFA Institute is offering limited student scholarships to those enrolled in our Faculty of Management. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our students who have been awarded a CFA student scholarship to date:

  • Piyush Sadhwani
  • Clarisse Banza
  • Navruzakhon Yuldasheva
  • Fatima Amiri
  • Marwa Al Rammal
  • Khadija Abbasi
  • Mohammad Al Blooshi

The Faculty of Management embraces the largest number of students at CUD. Bringing Canadian education and learning practices to the classroom, each of our programs are aimed at preparing students for the challenges they will face in this ever-changing globalized business market.

Our BBA in Accounting and Finance enables students to develop core competencies in planning, critical analysis, and financial evaluation, to prepare them for the dynamic and challenging corporate world. The degree also provides a platform for students to move forward in an accounting or finance career, positioning them well for success in professional designation training initiatives.

Please contact the Program Coordinator of Accounting & Finance, Dr. Ikhlaas Gurrib, at  ikhlaas@cud.ac.ae for more information on the CFA student scholarships.

 

New Incubator Will Create Business Support and Opportunities to Support Student Creativity

Business Incubator: Students in the Communication Department under the guidance of Ms. Sama Al Rasheed and Dr. Franziska Apprich have come up with a novel idea to help creative students overcome the difficulties associated with converting their ideas into tangible business opportunities for themselves such as lack of finance, peer pressure or absence of good advice.

Utilizing the facilities of the new Business Incubator initiative in CUD, in cooperation with Ryerson University, it is now possible to create a business with revenue generated by the incubator’s first venture set to be directed to students who want to advance their creative ideas.

Inspired by the success of the recent Scarf fashion show, the incubator’s first venture will be the creation of a scarf embroidered in real gold thread. The design will take the form of a horse’s head, one of the most potent images of a thriving UAE. This will be woven into the material intricately with a quotation from the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), which states “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.” The embroidered material will then be enhanced with a real emerald representing the eye of the horse.

The scarf will then be auctioned to a selected audience of significant people whose faith, knowledge, and support will make this project sustainable. The proceeds are to then be used to start the “Innovation Fund.” As a one off exercise this will only have a limited value so it is proposed that the business will branch out into other products which can either be auctioned or sold thereby enhancing the fund.

Applicants who wish to be considered for funding will then be advised to submit their proposals under the guidance of a dedicated Business Mentor and the completed proposal will be considered by a panel of expert judges who will choose the best ideas for financial support.

Speaking of the students’ idea, Ms.Sama Al Rasheed, Lecturer in the Communications department stated that the horse symbolizes passion and appetite for freedom and the motivation required to persevere.

Dr. Franziska Apprich, Head of Learning Zones and Incubators, said that she hoped this idea would be a launching pad, and the first of many such initiatives for The Incubator, mirroring the very successful model developed by Ryerson.

 

CUD Support Staff Graduate from “Learn Together Project”

Members of our valued Support Services Team gathered in the Red Theatre in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of the Canadian University Dubai, Professor Karim Chelli, President and Vice Chancellor, other distinguished guests, students and staff to receive their graduation awards after completing a six week development Program to improve their skills in reading, writing, IT and hygiene.

The event was organized by CUDCares and was the culmination of a six week project “Learn Together” in collaboration with Ojaz, an initiative set up by Monica Manoj and Rashi Verma to promote learning amongst individuals with limited access to education. They were assisted by a large number of volunteers from the university.

Prior to the presentation, MC Anjola Ogundkun introduced Zarha Hashi, Club Committee member and Treasurer of the Student Council, who outlined some of the past activities of CUDCares.

This was followed by Mam Fatou Cham, President of CUDCares who thanked Ojaz and the willing volunteers who assisted stating that “Although teaching was a foreign field for most of us, we were encouraged and inspired by the commitment and diligence of our workers who, despite a long day’s work, never missed the weekly classes and were always excited to learn something.”

She continued “In the course of six weeks, we have achieved our goal which is a big accomplishment for CUDCares. The greatest mark of success, however, is to see our graduates live up to their full potential.” She then proceeded to praise them, expressing the team’s pride in their achievements and congratulating them on their success.  She looked forward to further projects with Ojaz in the future.

The prizes consisting of certificates and gifts were then distributed by Mr. Buti and Professor. Karim.

CUDCares can be proud of their achievements in this project which was supported on many levels throughout the University and is a gesture of gratitude to the support staff in the university.

 

CUD Young Entrepreneurs showcase their Businesses

April 16th, 2019: A successful Market Day, organised by CUD Business Club under their President Mohammed Alshamaa took place on campus. It was aimed at helping small businesses and future start-ups owned by CUD students to showcase their enterprise to the university community.

The event was open to all students who have an existing business or who are planning to a start up. This was their opportunity to demonstrate their ambitions to become entrepreneurs and network with the CUD community.

The event provided the exhibitors with advice from professionals, judges, and faculty explaining how to improve their business.

As an incentive for the exhibitors a competition was held to assess the effectiveness of the displays and the quality of the products on show, requiring a judging panel to review the quality of each stall against a pre-determined set of criteria.

The panel consisted of Preeti Mundhra, Head of Marketing, Liv., the new Digital Lifestyle banking branch of Emirates NBD who sponsored the event; Dr. Marc Poulin, Dean of the Faculty of Management; Dr. Suhair Hamouri, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Management and Dr. Imen Tebourbi, Assistant Professor and Head of Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Management.

A first prize of AED 1,500 was awarded to Low Calorie for “Best Overall Stall.” AED 1,000 was awarded to Zimerlo, showcasing their range of skincare products in the “Recently Established Best Product or Service” category. Winning a prize of AED 500, Scented Care, also showcasing their range of skincare products was recognised for having the “Best Designed Table Display.”

As an early celebration of the spirit of Ramadan, a portion of the revenue made during the event was donated to charity through the Dubai Cares Club in the university.

Lara Ababneh, one of the exhibitors commented that this was a great opportunity for all of us to experience a real market setup where sellers and buyers meet and negotiate. Having the chance to hear from experts in the market and get advice on how to grow our businesses was a fun experience.

Speaking after the event, Dr. Suhair, Mentor to the CUD Business Club remarked that while it is important to encourage young people to start their own business and it is our role as a university to encourage this, we also have an obligation to continue to nurture our existing young entrepreneur network and today’s event was an excellent example of both.

Canadian University of Dubai Creates Scholarship to Support Government Staff in Higher Education

Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Health Authority have begun a progressive new partnership that promotes higher education to its administrative staff.

In support of Flag Day, an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to ‘blend the sense of nationhood with loyalty to the country to preserve its achievements and inculcate the concept of good citizenship’, the newly created Chancellors Scholarship annually grants one of Dubai Health Authority’s employees a permanent place in the Canadian University Dubai’s popular Masters of Business Administration Program.

The Program is ranked #1 in Dubai by Forbes Middle East and gives one student each academic year the chance to broaden their education and advance further in their career.

The partnership began with Mr Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, presenting Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, with the certificate at their Headquarters.

The first recipient of the Chancellors Scholarship will attend the Canadian University Dubai this coming academic year.

CUD Students Take on Ericsson Innovation Challenge

December 14th, 2015: Two groups of students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) are working on the development of unique initiatives aimed at transforming city life, as part of this year’s Ericsson Innovation Awards.

Architecture students Craig Muyambo, Faisal UK, Suleiman Gerawa, and Omar Sherif are developing a platform that will help meet the infrastructure requirements of future cities. Known as Architecture Revival Kit (ARK), the platform will connect architecture students with professionals, to share their projects, receive feedback on their work, and build their understanding of the needs for future city life.

Meanwhile, the multidisciplinary team of Master exchange student Nérimel Bessa, Telecommunications Engineering student Ali Ahmad, and Advertising student Omar Zain Faruki, is working on the development of an application that will support city residents with disabilities and special needs to navigate their daily lives. Known as ABLE, the app will combine information on community services, facilities and transportation to support the engagement of disabled people in city life.

The Ericsson Innovation Awards is a global competition, exclusively for students, offering unrivaled career development opportunities as well as cash prizes for the ultimate winners. The two CUD teams are now in the process of developing the prototype of their innovations and gathering support for their entries, which will be subject to a public vote to reach the next stage of the contest.

To discover more about ABLE and to vote for the application, visit http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/events/ericsson-innovation-awards/competition/#/submission/18306

Public voting closes on December 17th 2015, after which the competition semi-finalists will be announced.

CUD and Huawei Join Forces to Promote Youth Innovation

May 17th, 2016: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has joined forces with leading global ICT solutions provider, Huawei, to support the empowerment of students through innovation in the context of the UAE’s move towards an information-based economy.

The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to seal their long-term commitment to the UAE’s younger generation at the International Conference on Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ICLIE), held recently in Dubai.

Hosted by CUD and supported by Huawei, the event brought researchers, practitioners, and policy makers together to focus their efforts on several key pillars of science, innovation and technology in a bid to form effective partnerships that tackle business challenges in the globalized economy.

“Huawei is committed to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors in the UAE,” said David Wang, CEO of Huawei UAE. “The UAE continues to build on its commercial success and take steps to become a global information centre and a knowledge-based economy. Our partnership with Canadian University Dubai confirms our support to the youth of the UAE who we see as the enablers of this national strategy.”

“Canadian University Dubai is delighted to bring together this group of academic, political and innovation leaders to align on the issues that affect our rapidly advancing world,” said Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of CUD. “We are also delighted to have Huawei as a key partner for both this conference and a longer term collaboration to support innovation on campus, and to transform the ideas of our young students into a reality that will contribute to the country’s national innovation strategy.”

Huawei’s strong legacy of innovation, with more than 176,000 employees globally and over USD$9.6 billion invested into R&D, positions the company as a strategic partner for the country during its digital transformation.

CUD Students Are True Real Evidence:

$7,000 Boost for CUD Students’ Sign Language App

March 3rd, 2016: The students behind the new Emirati sign-language app, Efhamni, have received a major boost in their plan to support the UAE deaf community, with a $7,000 award to scale their social enterprise from the Coca-Cola Foundation and INJAZ Al-Arab. The award follows the recent announcement of winners in the Ripples of Happiness university competition, a community initiative under which the innovation was developed.

The team of students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) was the only group to represent the UAE in the region-wide initiative, and secured second place overall in the six-week program, attracting funding equivalent to more than AED 25,000 to help further develop and mainstream their app.

The technology was created in association with the UAE Deaf Association and the Kalimati Speech and Communication Center. It specifically aims to support Emiratization among hearing impaired citizens, helping them to access better education and employment opportunities by teaching them, their family, friends and colleagues, how to communicate effectively through Emirati sign language.

The app was unveiled to over 100 stakeholders at a recent public launch event. Speaking at the event, member of the Efhamni project management team, Craig Muyambo, said, “Our aim is to contribute to the UAE in two ways: by preserving its history through the Emirati language, heritage and dialect, and by building its future by engaging all sectors of society in a single community, connected by a common language.”

The financial boost comes as a result of the interest and impact the team generated for the app during the Ripples of Happiness competition. Sulaf Saleh Al Zu’bi, CEO of INJAZ UAE, said, “It was an inspiring journey giving students the opportunity to create and discover their talents applied in this program and remarkable software application. The Efhamni app can touch many hearts, helping engage people with hearing disabilities more easily, and making the use of sign language for the community around them more mainstream.”

Facilitated by Mr. Mohsin Harris of INJAZ UAE, the team received intensive mentoring support from two volunteers from the business community. Ms. Sveccha Kumar and Mr. Youshey Zakiuddin brought their experience of corporate social responsibility initiatives at telecoms firm, du, to help the students to identify and address a distinct community need.

The team also benefitted from the ongoing support of CUD Assistant Professor, Jeanette Teh, who said, “I am extremely proud of how much the students have accomplished in a short amount of time and how hard they have worked. Through this project, they have learned the importance of teamwork, planning, research, communication, and even diplomacy, all of which will help them in their future careers. It has been an incredible journey, full of challenging lessons, not just for the students, but also for us the mentors.

“I would like to thank INJAZ Al Arab and Coca-Cola Foundation for organizing this wonderful competition, which has taught our students so much about launching a socially responsible business, but perhaps, more importantly, that they can make a difference.”

The team has already held discussions with the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research around how the app can help in promoting access to education among the deaf community. Nérimel Bessa, another member of the Efhamni project management team said, “We are excited to embark upon this social enterprise and with the award from the Coca-Cola Foundation and INJAZ Al Arab, we can start to empower the deaf community by employing members to support in the ongoing development of the app.”

In addition to the community benefits that the app is expected to generate, the process has also been a rewarding experience for the entire team involved, and for the student behind the technology itself, engineering major, Omar Sharif Zakaria, it has opened the door to an exciting new project.

Omar said, “Based on my work on Efhamni I have been approached by one of Dubai’s leading real estate developers to work on the creation of an app that will give them a new platform to engage with their customers.”

Omar plans to take on the new project, while continuing to offer his free time to support the continual development of Efhamni. As for the enterprise itself, Nérimel concluded, “We know that we will need a lot more support along the way – both technically and financially – but this award has given us a great platform to move forward with our aim to make Emirati sign-language a mainstream form of communication for citizens and residents of the UAE, and also to provide a gateway for visitors to the country to learn the Arabic language.”

A Full Circle Story | An Alumni’s Path to a Full-Time Faculty | Imparting Knowledge and Igniting Curiosity in Psychology

Shannaiah Inocencio’s journey advancement from a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate to a full-time faculty member in the Psychology Department at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is a testament to her passion for psychology.  Her commitment to psychology education is driven by the desire to enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of themselves and others, empowering them to positively impact the world.  Shannaiah shares her journey and the valuable teachings that played a role.

In 2018, Shannaiah embarked on her path at CUD, brimming with enthusiasm and an eagerness for discovery.   From her perspective, the most memorable aspects of her student journey were the dialogues she engaged in with her professors, classmates, and peers.  She learned the theoretical foundations of psychology, the intricate workings of the human mind, the value of experiences, and the beauty of seeking knowledge.  As a student, she actively participated in university social and academic activities, she gained fresh insights as a young adult and an aspiring psychologist.

Presently, in her role as a faculty member, Shannaiah is a mentor to the students in psychology. Her responsibilities are engaging with the students through meaningful discussions encompassing their coursework, research passions, and life aspirations.  She offers guidance in their educational journey, lends support to their research undertakings, and facilitates the functioning of two psychology laboratories.  One of these labs is equipped with electroencephalogram (EEG) machines, which offers practical learning in the field of neuroscience.  The second lab serves as a space for use of psychometrics and observation.  Shannaiah hosts laboratory workshops to extend student’s research skills and their understanding of the practical utilization of the EEG.

“The labs provide a unique setting where students can actively participate in practical experiments and research, deepening their comprehension of various psychological occurrences.  Through designed experiments, students learn crucial data collection and analysis techniques, utilize statistical tools, and interpret findings.  They also develop proficiency in working with specialized equipment and software, such as psychometric tools, EEG machines, and statistical analysis programs.  Additionally, their engagement in the design and execution of experiments nurtures critical thinking among our students.”  Shannaiah Inocencio, Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, CUD

Which three attributes would you say have contributed to your journey from graduate to faculty member?

1.Curiosity

“Pursuing a career as a Psychology professor is one of my dreams.  The intricate workings of the human mind and the complexities of human behaviour have always captivated my curiosity.  Joining the faculty department fills me with excitement as it offers a platform for perpetual learning, conducting research, and exploring concepts.  My role as a teaching assistant is dynamic and fulfilling, particularly when I present and deliver courses in Neuropsychology.  Additionally, engaging in round table discussions with students is an enlightening experience, as we collectively explore and exchange perspectives.”  Shannaiah Inocencio, Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, CUD

2.Networking

Shannaiah says: “My peer network has played a crucial role in nurturing my environment.  I connect with others to extend beyond the boundaries of psychology.  Building friendships with students from other majors provided me with invaluable opportunities to gain fresh insights.  I have been able to explore various cultural dynamics and understand how individuals perceive social structures differently.  This exposure has sharpened my communication skills and prepared me to engage with diverse populations. Moreover, the importance of diversity has been emphasized throughout my education, teaching me valuable lessons in compassion and tolerance.  I have expanded my capacity to imagine alternative viewpoints beyond my own limited scope.”

3.Engagement

Shannaiah’s ventures at CUD commenced as a Psychology student.  Throughout her academic journey, she became actively engaged in several project capacities with faculty members, and several campus activities. Her roles included being the captain of the volleyball team and the president of CUD’s Psychology Club.  Shannaiah has also collaborated with multiple professors and co-authored three published research papers.  During the summer, Shannaiah participated in internships outside of the university, at the American Spine Clinic, the Swedish Specialized Centre for special needs, and also a part-time position at a children’s museum.  She firmly believes that her proactive approach and active community involvement have played a pivotal role in paving the way for her future. 

What advice would you give your former student self at CUD?

Shannaiah says: “Do not be afraid to knock on doors. Embrace the power of openness! Engage in conversations that transcend the boundaries of textbooks. Human connection is a pivotal tool to acquire knowledge. Meet! Learn! Connect!”

You mention networking.  Is there someone that has been instrumental in your journey?

Shannaiah says: “Since the beginning, my professor Dr. Stefane Mostefa Kabene, the Head of the Department of Social Sciences in the Faculty of Communication, Arts and Sciences; has shown me endless support. He has been a role model of an excellent professor, a mentor, and a colleague. He has always emphasized the importance of every student’s personal growth and has instilled in us a sense of pride and forward momentum.”

Which three essential Characteristics would you recommend for fostering healthy relationships?

1.Embracing Respect

Shannaiah says: “Respect is a fundamental value, despite our diverse backgrounds and origins.  By understanding, giving, and receiving respect, the differences in our norms can foster fruitful collaborations. By cultivating an attitude of respect, we create an environment that encourages active listening and open dialogue.”

2.Active Listening

She continues: “In our everyday interactions, we often engage in small talk without truly listening.  We may hear the words being spoken, but we often fail to understand the underlying messages.  By practicing active listening, we can surpass mere hearing and genuinely comprehend others’ perspectives.  Active listening not only allows us to gather valuable insights but also presents abundant opportunities for personal growth and learning.”

3.Authenticity

Shannaiah closes: “Embracing our true selves is essential. By playing a different role other than ourselves, we restrict our potential and hinder our personal growth.  On the other hand, by being authentic, we can showcase our uniqueness and demonstrate our genuine qualities. Understanding our values and principles enables us to cultivate deeper appreciation for others and empowers us to see the beauty that lies within our individualities.”

CUD Alumni | An Accomplished Author

Alumni, Shatha Al Zarouni, Bachelor of Arts in Communication in Public Relations

Canadian University Dubai is proud of alumni, Shatha Al Zarouni (Daawy), who has successfully published her second book ‘No Wounds Left to Sing’.

Daawy, a law graduate from Nottingham Trent University, has recently graduated with a communications degree from the Canadian University Dubai.  She began her writing career as a child, earning top honours in a writing competition.  In her debut novel, ‘From the Capital with Love’, she aspired to create a bridge between the Arabic and English worlds.  Her book has been reviewed internationally and featured in several newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television interviews. Daawy has also published several short stories in international anthologies.

Her most recent publication, ‘No Wounds Left to Sing’ is an inspiration of stories collected over a two-year period – and delivered in the form of a short, simple read of poetry. 

“Our life is transformed by the journey of love. Love is universal.” Shatha Al Zarouni (Daawy), Author

Daawy’s friends sought her wisdom for their application to life – which fuelled the author to begin to portray the emotions from their experiences into short poetry.  The author hopes her words would offer burning wounds a soothing balm, until no wounds are left to sing.

The book is a sequence of musings finding its events unfolding in the journey of life – an overview of romantic relationships and insights into each season, starting with love … and travelling all the way through to healing.

The author’s favourite chapter from the book is ‘Writing and Literature’. Her favourite quote is: “We breathed our love for words, boosting its intensity ….. When I drowned in language, I departed with myself.” Shatha Al Zarouni (Daawy), Author

CUD is proud of Shatha’s accomplishments as a successful book author. Daawy’s second book ‘No Wounds Left to Sing’ will be published on November 30th, 2022 and can be pre-ordered here.

CUD alumnus represents UAE at 85th General Assembly of IEC

Monday, October 25, 2021: Engineer Mohammed Hasan, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) alumnus, was one of four national participants selected to represent the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the Young Professional’s Program at the 85th General Assembly of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that occurred Oct. 3 – 7, 2021 at Dubai World Trade Centre. He successfully won the Asia and the Middle East seat and will be working with the IEC this year.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the event brought together around 300 international experts, scientists, technicians, and specialists in industrial, commercial, academic, technical, and engineering fields from 88 countries to discuss topics related to future industries and advanced technology, such as: power generation, transmission and distribution, solar energy, and much more, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Held under the theme “Leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Standardization”, the assembly provided a unique platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices and establishing new directions and strategies.

Speaking of his accomplishment, Mr. Mohammed said: “It was a great honour to be chosen to represent the UAE at the 85th General Assembly of IEC. This achievement has motivated me to keep pursuing opportunities in the future and to never think that it is too hard to reach a certain goal.”

Mr. Mohammed completed his MBA in General Management at CUD in 2019, graduating as part of the Class of Tolerance. He currently works as a Health Physicist in the Radiation Safety Department at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), conducting periodic inspections of safety and radiation protection procedures.

“Coming from a scientific background, it was a challenge to do something in business. At the same time, it was a great opportunity to grow; increasing my soft skills and my ability to communicate with others. This achievement adds to my career path development and motivates me to pursue further aspirations.”

The goal of CUD’s MBA programs is to provide students with a strong analytical foundation in the fundamental aspects of management. Each is structured to assess the current and future needs of a cross-section of organizations around the UAE, making the curriculum strategically relevant to the challenges of today’s business environment. As a graduate of CUD, you will learn alongside high-ranking professionals and have the opportunity to develop long-term networks and business relationships with peers from the public and private sectors, and from a wide range of industries across the UAE.

Learn more about Mr. Mohammed’s journey below:

CUD Connects with its Alumni | Success Stories

CUD Alumnus, Madhulika Karthi, BBA Accounting and Finance

Madhulika secures a role at one of UAE’s leading assurance and advisory firms

“I am currently pursuing an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) because my degree from CUD enabled me to receive certain exemptions.”  CUD Alumnus, Madhulika Karthi, Intern, Grant Thornton

Six months into Madhulika’s journey after graduating from CUD, she quickly secured an Audit Intern role at Grant Thornton in the United Arab Emirates.  During her busy work schedule, we enjoyed a cup of coffee with her:

Why did you choose to study at CUD?  I chose to study at CUD because of the quality of the academia, as well as the learning environment and the active student life.  The previous years’ graduation ceremonies have been spectacular!  Moreover, my prospects were aligned to what I needed in my qualification from CUD.

How did the professors impact your career after graduation? My professor’s constant support and motivation in guiding and directing me on my career path and job options has helped me make the right choices – both personally and professionally.

What did you enjoy at CUD?  CUD’s campus and learning environment is so supportive and positive.  I enjoyed studying at CUD.  The student life helped to develop my social skills.  I had the opportunity to host and participate in several grand events at CUD because I was Business Club President and also Student Council Treasurer.

Tell us about your journey:  I am currently pursuing an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) because my degree from CUD enabled me to receive certain exemptions.  I was recognized as the prize winner in the United Arab Emirates for the Financial Reporting exam in September 2022.  My next goal is to pursue CFE and become a Forensic Accountant.

CUD Alumnus, Madhulika Karthi, BBA Accounting and Finance

CUD Alumnus becomes Director of Detailed Design at Ministry of Urban Development and Land in Afghanistan

Tuesday, March 9, 2021: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) alumni are the pride of our University and living proof of the power of education. Today, CUD congratulates Abuzar Barakzai, who recently became Director of Detailed Design at the Ministry of Urban Development and Land in Afghanistan. He graduated from CUD with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2017.

“It means the world to me,” states Mr. Barakzai. “I am in a position that I can finally have an impact on modernizing society by creating the right spaces and places for Afghan people. Cities and districts need to be redesigned in a way that everyone feels responsible, and the city design must respond to their needs.”

Since childhood, Mr. Barakzai loved drawing and had an appreciation for art. Inspired by architecture and the landmarks of the countries he visited, he felt compelled to study architecture and create similar landmarks for the cities of Afghanistan.

Mr. Barakzai has worked for construction companies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Afghanistan. His experience will heavily benefit his responsibilities, which include land conversion and the redeveloping, redesigning, and resketching of detailed plans for the various districts.

“My role helps me to connect everyone in the community. By understanding their needs, I am able to act accordingly; creating appropriate cities, districts, and neighborhoods that have a positive, long-lasting impact on people’s lives.”

Art Hub Features Canadian University of Dubai Alumni and Local Talent

Art Hub features Canadian University Dubai Alumni and local talent

Canadian University Dubai Alumni and local artist, Farah Al Balooshi held her first photography exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Art Hub recently. The opening ceremony was a huge success with large number of attendees, including the Irish and American ambassadors.

Farah talks about her passion for photography: “Growing up in Dubai, the serene, yet harsh desert landscape was once the view from my bedroom window. Today however, it seems afar out on the edges. As UAE grows and vast concrete structures and paved grounds increase day by day, I believe it is important that we remember and enshrine our roots.

The fascination of nature’s architecture being so closely aligned with man’s architecture is what inspired me the most. Miles of sandy desert fading into huge cosmopolitan cities, traditional to modern, old to new, culture & heritage. If you focus, every detail constitutes a unique pattern.

My aim is to capture the beauty and essence of each subject and bring out its uniqueness in the minimalist form. Using camera as my medium, I prefer black and white minimal photography as it highlights and intensify the lines, definition, character, texture, depth, and the story of each and every subject making it special in its own manner.”

Over 30 Businesses Participate in CUD’s Annual Career Fai to Inspire Students’ Career Exploration

Dubai, March 16th, 2023: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) organized and hosted the annual ‘Industry Career Fair & Networking Event’, which welcomed over 30 national and international organizations. The event’s primary objective was to facilitate meaningful interactions and exchanges between CUD’s students, graduates and potential employers. The fair showcased various employment, part-time work, and internship opportunities available to both current students and graduates.

Leading up to the ‘Industry Career Fair and Networking Event’, students received guidance on how to interact and engage with prospective employers.  These mini precursor sessions included topics:  How to present well by dressing professionally and making a positive first impression, conducting thorough research about the targeted company, devising a distinctive and professional approach to stand out to the employers, and how to expand professional networks through LinkedIn.

This year’s attendance to the ‘Industry Career Fair & Networking Event’ was a clear indication of the UAE’s thriving employment market, particularly for graduate-level positions.  Over 300 students took the opportunity to market their skills to high profile organizations from both public and private sectors.  The fair attracted businesses from a dynamic range of fields, including retail, healthcare, aviation, banking, recruitment, real estate, architecture, engineering, and technology – due to CUD’s diverse degree programs from four undergraduate schools.

Among this year’s recruiters was former CUD student Naira Abdelhafez, who attended the Fair to represent her existing employer, Nextcare Allianz Partners, in the role as Talent Acquisition Lead. As a graduate of CUD’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, Ms. Abdelhafez knows what it takes to find the perfect job.  Ms. Abdelhafez said: “My love for Human Resources stems from my passion for connecting and interacting with people. Understanding individuals is key to implementing best practices within a company, finding the right fit for the organization, and ensuring employee satisfaction.”

Exhibiting at CUD’s Industry Career Fair & Networking Event as an employee of Kalvad, Mr. Ahmad Nofal, also a former CUD graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in Telecommunication degree, said: “During my journey at CUD as a student several years ago, I acquired the fundamental abilities and expertise necessary to thrive in my career.  The Career Fair hosted by CUD some years ago also introduced me to my current employer, Kalvad, for which I am grateful.  I am honoured to be a part of the Kalvad team.”

Mr. Nofal further said: “Now, participating as a recruiter at CUD’s Industry Career Fair & Networking Event, it is truly inspiring to see the next generation of CUD students who are brimming with energy and fresh, innovative ideas.  The passion and drive displayed by these students during our interactions underscore the quality of education that CUD provides.  For current CUD students, I encourage you to grasp every opportunity that arises, whether it’s a project or internship, as these experiences can help you develop your skills and grow your professional network, which is essential in today’s competitive job market.”

A wide range of employment and internship opportunities were on offer to students and graduates, with several companies conducting interviews for immediate and forthcoming vacancies during the career fair itself. Fouzia Lkbiech earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Digital Media and Journalism degree from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) several years ago and now as an entrepreneur was participating at CUD’s Industry Career Fair and Networking Event. Moreover, Fouzia harbours a strong enthusiasm for contributing back to her community and eagerly invited students from CUD to undertake internships in her digital marketing business.

Speaking after the event, Ms. May El Khoury, Career Services and Internship Coordinator, said “this had been the most successful career event to date, and we thank participating employers and enthusiastic students.  I am very proud of our students as I received a lot of positive feedback from the employers who are now faced with the challenge of how to narrow down their candidate lists.  Feedback from the exhibitors was very positive and they had expressed their confidence that many of the interviews would lead to positive outcomes for the students.”

Since the previous ‘Industry Career Fair & Networking Event’, the CUD Job Portal remains open for students to register.  This online platform is an inhouse-created-platform. It serves as a one-stop-shop for CUD students and fresh graduates to accelerate career growth and discover exciting part-time work, graduate positions, and internship opportunities. By registering on the Job Portal, students gain access to a range of career advancement tools that help make a smooth transition into the workforce.

For more information about CUD’s career portal offering various employment, for part-time work, and internship opportunities to both current students and graduates, connect with Ms. May El Khoury, Career Services and Internship Coordinator.

Big Businesses Seek Top Talent at CUD Career Fair

More than 20 international corporations and UAE-based companies have been seeking out the next generation of young professionals ready to make their mark in the regional workforce at the Canadian University Dubai (CUD) annual career fair hosted on campus today.

Global brands including Hilton Worldwide and Audi Volkswagen sat alongside leading local enterprises such as Union Coop and Ducab to engage with CUD students and graduates looking to find opportunities in their chosen professional fields; from business, media and design, to engineering, technology and healthcare.

A wide range of employment and internship opportunities were on offer to students and graduates, with several companies conducting interviews for immediate and forthcoming vacancies during the career fair itself.

Representatives from VFS Tasheel came to CUD in search of talented interns for roles in finance and communications. Priyanka Padiyar, Corporate Communication Manager, said, “We’re looking to hire young self-starters with a fresh perspective to support our communications strategies. It is these young people that have the new ideas and insights we need, along with a good knowledge of social media, which is why we are here today.”

This year saw a strong representation from companies looking to engage with students from CUD’s unique set of programs in the School of Public Health & Health Sciences, with Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Environmental Group and Médecins Sans Frontières all in attendance. Students from CUD’s renowned design programs were also in demand with several architecture, engineering and home interior companies also on campus.

Following a successful outcome from last year’s fair, the Gulf branch of established architectural practice, Brewer Smith and Brewer, were back in search of young design talent. Head of Design, Armin Buchbinder, said, “We took on a CUD intern last year who was able to get involved in various aspects of the business and develop a wide range of experience in a short space of time. This year, again, we are looking for young people with a good portfolio and the enthusiasm to get involved in every opportunity.”

The event was organized by CUD Work Placement and Career Coordinator, Ms Orsi Urban, who said, “We support our students with a wide array of career development workshops that aim to equip young talent with the right skills to successfully navigate the Career Fair. It is exciting to see our students make an outstanding impression on the participating employers and to further their career through this event.” 

Souq.com Signs Mou with the Canadian University of Dubai to Promote Entrepreneurship

Students will benefit from internships, lectures, keynotes from industry leaders and startup incubators

In a major initiative announced today jointly between the Canadian University Dubai and ecommerce leader in the region, Souq.com, students will have access to internships, lectures and mentoring from industry pioneers to nurture their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Saygin Yalcin, vice president, Souq.com stated: “If you have a look around the world, the hotbed for entrepreneurial activity is most often universities. It is in their university years that students think big and take risks. We want to nurture their ambitions by mentoring them through interactive lectures and internships.

He added: “The Canadian University Dubai is one of the most modern educational institutions in the region. As such, we are confident that through this partnership we will learn a lot from the young minds at the University.”

Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of the Canadian University Dubai stated: “The skills a student garners through internships and interactions from those in the industry are a necessity. We are glad that an industry pioneer like Souq.com, has set an example by devoting their resources to nurture and mentor the young minds in region with this unique partnership”.

This first of kind MoU also will result in collaboration on general program courses emphasizing entrepreneurship, research initiatives, and an annual industry conference on entrepreneurship.

Industry Career Fair & Networking Event, 2023’

Take a look at some of the employers that will be featured at the ‘Industry Career Fair & Networking Event, 2023’.

Save-the-date :

March 16th, 2023 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | CUD, City Walk 📍

*This event is open to CUD Alumni and Current Students.

New CUD Collaboration to Prepare Employees for Vision 2021

Supporting the advancement of a competitive, knowledge-driven economy is top priority for The Brown Consulting Group and Canadian University Dubai (CUD) as the two organizations embark upon a partnership in the context of the UAE national strategic development plan, Vision 2021.

The new alliance will see CUD and Brown Consulting collaborate on the delivery of graduate and executive-level training in core business disciplines, to transfer key knowledge and skills to professionals and ultimately help them to make their organizations more efficient, productive and profitable.

The partnership has been developed to help support the Vision 2021 strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In particular, it aims to contribute to one of the plan’s key pillars – to build a competitive knowledge-driven economy, by developing the talents of the workforce.

Mohamad Saadeddine, CEO of Brown Consulting explained, “One of the most important aspects of developing a competitive economy is ensuring that all levels of the workforce have the relevant skills and understanding to perform effectively.  At lot of the training on offer remains largely theoretical and it is sometimes difficult for learners to apply this to their own work context. However, the programs that we offer are based on real business scenarios, which instantly help trainees to understand the practices discussed and to translate them to their own organization and role.”

The partnership with CUD will allow students enrolled in the University’s MBA program to benefit from practical training workshops in areas such as finance and human resources. Courses will also be open to organizations, their employees and the wider public through CUD’s Corporate Training Services. Uniquely, the training is offered in both English and Arabic, supporting the Vision 2021 goal to develop the talent of both national and expat employees.  

Formalizing the agreement between CUD and Brown Consulting, the two organization came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony witnessed by members of the business community, as well as CUD faculty and students. Signing on behalf of CUD, President and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli, said, “The University is committed to supporting the advancement of UAE society and we are delighted to enter into this partnership to provide a range of practical training solutions that will help to empower individuals, grow organizations, and contribute to a productive, competitive and diversified economy.”

Internships

Be our Internship Partner

At Canadian University Dubai, all undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours internship work during their third or fourth year of study.

We recognize the important role that companies play in shaping students’ education, by enabling them to put into practice, skills and concepts learned in the classroom.

For companies, hiring a student intern is a flexible, cost-effective way to add real value to their business, while supporting the professional development of tomorrow’s workforce.

Why partner with us?

As a CUD internship partner, you will have access to a talented, ambitious workforce who can help to increase your business productivity, drive innovation, and ultimately become employees of the future.

With a wide range of undergraduate programs, CUD works in collaboration with its internship partners to place students in the following disciplines:

  • Business: Finance/ Accounting/Marketing/ HRM/ International Business/ e-Business/Events & Tourism Management/Luxury Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management/Sports Management
  • Communications: Advertisement / PR / Journalism/Creative Industries
  • Architecture/ Interior Design
  • Environmental Health Management/ Health Organization Management
  • Telecommunication Engineering/ Network Engineering/Electrical Engineering
  • Psychology/Applied Sociology

As a CUD internship partner, you will be able to:

  • Access a young, creative talent pool three times a year (Fall, Spring and Summer)
  • Assess potential new hires
  • Help refine our academic programs to meet market demand
  • Contribute to your Corporate Social Responsibility agenda by mentoring the next generation
  • Receive priority at the CUD career fair and other events.

How it works

Internships at CUD are managed by the Career and Internship Office.

All you have to do is send the job descriptions and conditions along with a brief about the company and the career and internship office will make sure to post the opportunities on CUD internal platforms which are available only to CUD students and Alumni

For more information and support, please write to careerservices@cud.ac.ae

Some Success Stories

Here are some examples of how CUD students have contributed to UAE businesses through the internship program:

Sania Ahuja

Thomson Reuters

Sania Ahuja did a three-month internship at the Dubai office of Thomson Reuters after making an instant impression when the company visited the CUD career fair.

Ms. Hala Bou Alwan, Head of Risk Market Development for the company’s Global Growth and Operations team said, “Sania is an outstanding performer; she keeps surprising me with her talent and creativity, and the passion she shows in everything she does. She is very dedicated and implements what she learns with high responsibility and a positive attitude. I would love to have Sania as a permanent member in my team.”

Hussein Akberali

PAE

Hussein Akberali worked as an intern with PAE as part of his BBA in e-Business program and was later hired as a full-time staff.

Mr. David Klassen, Senior Subcontracts Administrator at PAE’s offices in Dubai said, “Hussein brought the right attitude to his internship in our office, he was always flexible and open to learning something new. He also brought great initiative and after some time, he was able work on special projects independently, which highlighted some of his skills in software application. We saw great potential in Hussein during his internship and were able to bring him on as a full-time employee, where he continues to develop his skills and grow within the company.”

Interested in becoming a partner?

Please Contact:  studentaffairs@cud.ac.ae

Corporate Incentive

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) aims to support the development of the UAE by promoting a culture of lifelong learning as part of its corporate and social responsibility. Therefore, CUD is pleased to offer the following value added education incentives to our participating corporate partners.

The Key to Success – Value Added Services

Canadian University Dubai is committed to the academic success of our students. Therefore, in addition to the posted fee reductions, the University offers our participating partners the following personalized employee educational advising services:

  • Annual onsite employee orientation session: CUD admission staff and faculty provide a one day orientation service to our participating partners’ employees interested in furthering their education objectives at CUD.
  • Invitation to CUD Corporate Open House events throughout the year.
  • Personalized admission services: CUD’s Community Outreach Office provides personalized attention to each employee throughout their admissions process.

Fee Reductions

CUD recognizes academic excellence through a wide range of financial incentives for our corporate partners, reflecting all levels of academic achievement.

Graduate Programs (MBA)

  • Automatic 10% fee reduction to all our participating partner employees wishing to study MBA for groups of 12 employees or more.
  • Automatic 5% fee reduction to individual employees wishing to study MBA.

Undergraduate Programs

  • Automatic 15% fee reduction to all our participating partner employees wishing to study in any of CUD’s five undergraduate schools for 12 employees or more.
  • Automatic 10% fee reduction to individual employees wishing to study in any of CUD’s five undergraduate schools.
  • Fee reductions are also extended to the children (aged 16-25) of employees of participating corporate partners; terms and conditions apply.

Academic Excellence (Undergraduate)

  • Automatic 20% tuition waiver, awarded to all our participating partner employees with a high school average of 85% and above. This Award grants a 20% waiver on tuition only for the first semester. 10% automatic fee reduction available on all subsequent semesters.
  • Fee reductions are extended to children of employees of participating corporate partners; terms and conditions apply.

Scholarships

In addition to the above automatic fee reductions, Canadian University Dubai is pleased to offer our participating partner employees a selection of scholarship opportunities. CUD scholarships provide up to 100% waiver on admission fees; terms and conditions apply.

Prospective students scholarship 

Certificate Programs

  • Automatic 25% fee reduction to all our participating partner employees wishing to study in any of CUD’s short-term, certificated career programs. Terms and conditions apply.

In case a student qualifies for more than one reduction, scholarship or discount, the student will be given the chance to choose the benefit with the highest value.