4.3.5 Does your university as a body have a policy that ensures that access to these activities is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability or gender?
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Policy Title: |
8.a Learning Resource Center Policy (LRCP) | ||
| Policy Number: | LRC-PO-8A | Date Created: | 29-05-2011 |
| Responsible: | Director LRC | Approved by: | Board of Trustees |
Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to define the procedures, rules and regulations for visiting and using library resources.
Scope
This policy applies to all CUD students, all academic and administrative staff.
Policy Statement
Library Rules
Turn your mobiles to silent. Be polite to those studying, step outside to take your calls. Keep your voice down. You may be asked to leave if you have been warned repeatedly. No food or drink is allowed in the Library. This policy keeps the Library pest free and helps minimize damage to Library materials. Bottled water is allowed. You will be asked to leave if you bring in anything else.
Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave tissue or paper on the tables; drop it in one of the waste baskets on your way out.
Help us keep the Library a clean, comfortable and quiet place to study!
Library Clearance Procedure
Student Clearance
- Receive the Clearance Form
- Open the Library system and check by Student ID or by Student Family Name/Last Name
- Verify in the library system if there are borrowed items or outstanding overdue fines. In case of lost or damaged items, student is advised to replace on the following options:
- Replace the same item on a new condition or with a newer edition,
- Pay the current market price of the book plus AED 75 processing fee
- Video – AED 100 for videos
- Lost journal – AED 50 for journals
Note: The stated amount represents an average cost of the item which includes the processing and postal charges.
- If there’s no accountability, sign the Clearance Form.
- Record the student account in the ‘Library Clearances’ folder and update the MARC record 008 field.
Student Payment Procedure
- Print out and sign your timesheets on the 14th of the month. If the 14th is on the weekend, please print it out the Thursday before.
- Get the signature from your immediate supervisor.
- You should receive payment end of the month.
- See Finance department for payment.
Faculty/ Staff Clearance
- Receive the Clearance Form.
- Open the Library system and check by Faculty/ Staff ID or by Family Name/Last Name
- Verify in the library system if there are borrowed items or outstanding overdue fines. In case of lost or damaged items, faculty/ staff is advised to replace on the following options:
- Replace the same item on a new condition or with a newer edition,
- Pay the current market price of the book plus 75AED processing fee
- Video – 100 AED for videos
- Lost journal – 50.00 AED for journals
Note: The stated amount represents an average cost of the item which includes the processing and postal charges.
- If there’s no accountability, sign the Clearance Form.
- Record the student account in the ‘Library Clearances’ folder and update the MARC record 008 field.
Reserve Procedures
- Library material the item location should be changed to Reserve in the item record.
- A sticker is placed on the spine of the book with course code. Place the item on reserve item shelf.
- If the reserved material is not owned by the Library a bibliographic and item record must be created in the library system. A protective plastic strip should be added to the material, the barcode applied and covered.
- The sticker should be applied to the book (after applying the protective plastic strip) and the course code written on the sticker.
- Reserve items should be cleared and returned to regular shelving or the faculty at the end of each semester unless they are permanent reserve.
Collection Development Policy
The Learning Resource Centre strives to establish an extensive collection of materials that will serve the needs of the University and its quest of providing academic programs that correlate to those offered by institutions of higher education in Canada in their content and quality. The collection will directly support, but not be limited to, the curriculums in the following areas:
| General Studies | |
| Art Biology Chemistry Communication Language |
Learning Skills Mathematics Psychology Sociology Translation |
| Architecture & Interior Design | |
| Architects Architecture History of Architecture History of Interior Design |
Interior Design Materials Structures Textiles |
| Business | |
| Accounting Business Management Business Operations e-Business Finance Human Resource Management |
International Business Islamic Banking Management Information Systems Marketing Organizational Behavior Project Management |
| Engineering Technology and Applied Science | |
| Communication Technology Database Design Networking Operating Systems |
Software Systems Telecommunications Website Design |
| Health and Environment | |
| Environmental Studies Health Information |
Health Management and Administration Health Sciences |
The collection will include general, interdisciplinary, cultural, recreational and other materials that will strengthen the University community. The Learning Resource Centre collections include the following types of resources:
| Books Electronic Resources Encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks and other appropriate reference material Databases Media |
Maps, pamphlets and other items of interest to the University community User guides and other finding aids, including directories, indexes and abstracts Other materials that relate to specific institutional objectives Text books (on Reserve) |
Consideration is given to all formats, including book, multi-media, Virtual E-Learning databases and electronic resources. Microform and loose-leaf materials may be required if the content is unavailable in any other format.
- Selection of Materials
Final responsibility for the selection of all materials lies with the Director LRC who makes all selection decisions with the assistance and advice of the library staff, University academic officers and the Learning Resource Centre Committee. Participation in the acquisition process by all library users is encouraged through the Recommended Title form available in the LRC. Email and “in person” suggestions are also encouraged.
Accepted resources such as Choice, Magazines for Libraries, Guide to Reference Books, ARBA (American Reference Books Annual) and other credible sources of reviews and recommendations will be used in the selection process.
- Principles of Selection
During the evaluation process of acquisition, priority is given to selections that support:
- curriculum of an existing course, diploma or degree program
- general needs of students
- teaching and course development
- faculty information needs and research
- cultural, intellectual and professional needs of the University Community
During the evaluation of books or other monographic items for acquisition the following will be considered:
- relationship to the existing collection and collection goals
- significance and timeliness of material
- scope and authority of the author/publisher
- requests from users for specific titles or subjects
- reviews and recommendations
- format
- cost
When considering journals or other periodicals for acquisition the following factors will be considered:
- relationship to the existing collection and collection goals
- significance and timeliness of material
- availability in owned databases
- availability of indexing and finding tools
- scope and authority of the author/publisher
- requests from users for specific titles or subjects
- reviews and recommendations
- format
- cost
- Gifts
Gifts are accepted provided there are no conditions from the donor. No monetary value will be placed on items gifted to the library. The library will not assure special arrangements for the housing, retaining or displaying of gifts. Selection and weeding principles apply to gifts and purchased selections equally.
- Interlibrary Loan
It is not possible for the Learning Resource Centre to own all materials that are requested or needed by its users. When the library collection does not contain an item, efforts to locate the item and obtain it through all reasonable means will be undertaken. The LRC maintains an account with the British Lending Library for interlibrary Loan.
- Cooperation with other libraries
As the CUD Learning Resource Centre grows it will cooperate as fully as possible with regional libraries in resource sharing activities. Possible areas of cooperation may include interlibrary loan, staff training, cooperative collection development, or reciprocal use/borrowing agreements. The LRC may participate with other libraries or library consortia for the purpose of cooperative purchasing programs or other activities.
- Replacement
Missing resources will not be automatically replaced. Careful consideration of demand for the title or subject, existence of adequate coverage in the collection, cost of replacement (is it still in-print) as well as the availability of better more up-to-date materials on the subject will be carried out. Replacement fees are charged to the user whether the exact item is purchased or not.
- Duplication
Multiple copies of resources will not be purchased unless sufficient need is demonstrated. The Learning Resource Centre will add copies received through other means.
- Electronic Resources
Virtual E-Learning databases are vital to the research needs of students and faculty. The Learning Resource Centre is actively seeking out databases that will complement the curriculum of the University and be most useful to Learning Resource Centre users. Full text databases are highly preferred over indexing or abstracting databases.
- Access
The Learning Resource Centre collection is cataloged and classified using Library of Congress call numbers and subject headings. An automated catalog of the collection will be maintained and will be accessible by LRC users over the Internet.
The collection will be assessable so users can browse the stacks and serve themselves. Reference, reserve and periodical collection items are not normally loaned out. Books and multimedia items are available for loan according to the LRC’s circulation policies.
Fines for overdue, damaged or lost items may be instituted by the Director LRC. All fines and fees are uniformly enforced. Under special circumstances, the Director LRC or a senior staff member may waive fines.
The e-library collections and services are available for CUD students and academic staff and other users.
CUD Electronic resources is strictly for registered students, faculty and staff.
Computers are available to provide access to e-resources for users within the university.
The e-library access is provided in an easy access platform, adopting new technologies and new resources added to the discovery tools resource and catalog.
Access to electronic resources off-campus through EZ proxy is available using university account login from https://www.cud.ac.ae/lrc
Access to electronic resources is in accordance with the International copyright law and UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 2002 Concerning copyrights and neighboring rights and permission on the terms of use defer by publisher.
- Preservation
Damaged items are repaired, replaced or withdrawn according to the policies of the LRC. Specific provision is made in the LRC’s budget for the repair and binding of materials.
- Weeding and Storage
Outdated and superseded material may be discarded or placed in storage with the approval of the Director LRC. Discarded items are removed from the LRC’s holding records. Any items placed in storage will have their location updated to reflect the change. The LRC collection’s inventory is represented by the computerized LRC records. The Learning Resource Centre makes these electronic records available for purpose of financial audit. Records of discarded items are retained for a reasonable period.
Items found to be damaged, superseded, outdated, objectionable or inappropriate for the LRC collection may be disposed of. These items will be marked “withdrawn” and can be discarded or may be sold at a University sponsored book sale. The Director LRC gives final approval for discarding items or removing them to storage. The Learning Resource Centre Committee will be actively consulted on such decisions, as will faculty familiar with the material under consideration.
Periodical back issues are stored in box files designed to preserve documents. Binding may be done on back issues. Issues are retained indefinitely unless noted differently on the electronic record in the LRC catalog. Back issues are subject to the same conditions for removal or withdrawal to storage as other materials.
- Objections
Libraries strive to acquire materials that represent diverse points of view. There may be occasions when a Learning Resource Centre user objects to a particular item in the LRC collection. Objection forms are available in the LRC office. Once a completed and signed form has been received, the LRC will review the item promptly. The review is conducted by the Director LRC or a senior staff member. The Learning Resource Centre Committee and senior academic officers are included in the review process as appropriate. Findings of the review process are promptly reported to the originating user.
- Faculty Participation
Faculty and staff are encouraged to make purchase recommendations by any means they find convenient. During new faculty orientation the process for making purchase recommendations is explained. The LRC circulates publisher’s catalogs and forwards electronic lists to encourage and assist faculty in making recommendations in their fields of expertise. Recommendations are welcomed in any format–publisher’s catalogs, bibliographies, photocopies of flyers, journal reviews, and commercial sources (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)
- Student Participation
Student contributions to the LRC selection process are also encouraged. The different methods of suggesting titles for purchase are highlighted in the Learning Resource Centre orientation sessions.
- Standards
The Learning Resource Centre collection is developed in accordance to the collection standards established in the latest available edition of “Standards for College Libraries” which is prepared by the Association of College and Research Libraries Board and the American Library Association Standards Committee and endorsed by Canadian Library Association.
- Fair Use, Copyright & Intellectual Property
Patrons are encouraged not to violate UAE copyright law. No more than 10% of any teaching & learning material is allowed to be photocopied within LRC premises. Faculty are encouraged to contact publishers directly to find out how much of their teaching aids(electronic) are copyrighted before using them for students.
- Information Literacy
Research skills information sessions are provided to all students, faculty & staff.
Learning Resource Centre User Survey Policy
The Learning Resource Centre will conduct user surveys once a year. All LRC users (students, faculty and staff) will be surveyed.
As most institutions create their surveys, we have started with a basic tool in Moodle. We will continue to monitor the survey tools available and investigate a professional tool, such as LibQual, for comparison to other Libraries / Learning Resource Centre internationally for future use. Surveys of this type are usually directed at finding out what the LRC can do better and what they do well.
Questions would address the physical and environmental aspects of the Learning Resource Centre, LRC resources (print and electronic), approachability and knowledge of staff, what the LRC does well and what areas it needs to work on.
Circulation Policy
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Students
- Learning Resource Centre books are loaned for two weeks and may be renewed.
- Books can be recalled after one week.
- Fines will apply to all overdue items.
- Replacement fees will apply to all lost items.
- Learning Resource Centre patrons are responsible for all materials checked out to them.
The Learning Resource Centre warns patrons not to loan items borrowed to another person. If the item is lost or returned late, the patron will be responsible for all fines and replacement fees.
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Faculty
- Learning Resource Centre books are loaned for one semester and may be renewed.
- Books can be recalled after two weeks.
- Fines will apply to all overdue items.
- Replacement fees will apply to all lost items.
- Learning Resource Centre patrons are responsible for all materials checked out to them.
The Learning Resource Centre warns patrons not to loan items borrowed to another person. If the item is lost or returned late, the patron will be responsible for all fines and replacement fees.
-
Staff
- Learning Resource Centre books are loaned for two weeks and may be renewed.
- Books can be recalled after one week.
- Fines will apply to all overdue items.
- Replacement fees will apply to all lost items.
- Learning Resource Centre patrons are responsible for all materials checked out to them.
The Learning Resource Centre warns patrons not to loan items borrowed to another person. If the item is lost or returned late, the patron will be responsible for all fines and replacement fees.
Fines and Replacement Fees for Lost or Damaged Item
- Fines
For regular overdue item, an overdue fine accrues as AED 2, per day per book for 14 days loan. For reserve overdue item, an overdue fine accrues as AED 2, per hour per book for 3 hours loan.
- Replacement Fees
Users who have lost or damaged borrowed item are advised to replace on the following options:
- Replace the same item provided it is in a new condition or with a newer edition
- Pay the current market price of the book plus AED 75 processing fee
- Video – AED 100 for videos
- Lost journal – AED 50 for journals
Note: The stated amount represents an average cost of the item. That includes the processing and postal charges.
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct states the rights and responsibilities of the LRC user and has been adopted by Canadian University Dubai Learning Resource Centre.
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CUD’s Learning Resource Centre will provide:
- respectful, knowledgeable and helpful assistance
- facilities conductive to group and individual learning
- tools facilitating general inquiry, study and research
- information resources to support general inquiry, study and research in various formats
- facilities and resources free from the problems caused by food, beverages, other damaging items and inappropriate use
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Learning Resource Centre users will:
- act in a manner that does not cause damage to the library, its resources or disturb other LRC users
- use the LRC as a place to collaborate on study and research
- be respectful and courteous to other LRC users and LRC staff
- maintain a pest-free, clean environment by clearing study space when leaving and not bringing in food or beverages (except bottled water)
By upholding the CUD Code of Conduct Learning Resource Centre users are ensuring all users of an environment that is advantageous for study and research, contemplation, reflection and collaborative learning. All Learning Resource Centre users are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Code of Conduct and act appropriately while in the LRC. Those who fail to comply and disrespect the rights of others will be asked for their University ID or other identification, escorted out of the Learning Resource Centre and reported to the proper University authorities.
Learning Resource Centre Committee
- Learning Resource Centre Committee Mandate
On behalf of the faculty to assist the Director Learning Resource Center to ensure the quality of LRC services and the quality and breadth of the collections by actively participating in the development of said collections and services and in striving to meet the needs of the University community.
- Learning Resource Centre Committee Structure
The Learning Resource Centre Committee consists of one member from each Faculty (e.g. Management; Communication, Arts and Sciences; Engineering and Architecture; and Graduate studies and Research) and which is appointed by the Dean of the School. A member from Student Affairs, usually from the Success Centre which is appointed by the Vice President of Student Affairs, and a representative of the Student Council. The Director Learning Resource Center is the Chair of the Committee.
Reporting
The Director Learning Resource Center reports to the President.
Frequency of Meetings
Meetings are held twice a year, one in Fall and one in Spring semester and additional meetings may be called as needed.
Note: Access to LRC services and resources are provided Virtual E-Learning during this unprecedented pandemic period.
Study Rooms Policy
- The study rooms are intended as a place for CUD students to work and study together as a group.
- The study rooms are NOT for individual study
Reservation
- A study room can be reserved for two (2) hours at a time
- A minimum of three (3) people are considered as a group
- Room key and the remote controls of AC and LCD projector can be collected at the library circulation area and student ID card must be presented
- The study rooms can be reserved through Virtual E-Learning study reservation booking, phone call, email to the library or physical requested at the circulation area
- Rooms may be reserved up to two (2) days in advance
- A grace period of 10 minutes is given, if the room is not occupied by an eligible group, the reservation will be forfeited. The room will be given to another group
- Back-to-back reservations of the room are not allowed. However, the group can stay in the room provided that there is no other group waiting.
- Drinks can be consumed within the room. Eating food is not permitted. Please maintain cleanliness.
Included Equipment
Each room has a computer, projector and whiteboard.
Any difficulties with the use of technology, please contact the learning resource center staff at the circulation area or call at 04 709 6260.
Mission and Vision
Our Vision
Canadian University Dubai is committed to providing students with an international academic experience, guided by the highest educational and corporate ethics, adding value to the personal and professional lives of its graduates, and the communities in which we serve.
Our Mission
Canadian University Dubai promotes Canadian perspectives in learning, research and application, grounded in an appreciation and respect for the diverse culture and values of the UAE.
Core Values (PRIDE)
CUD has adopted a set of core values that aim at supporting the Vision and the Mission of the University. These core values are termed as “PRIDE” which are the fundamental elements that drive CUD organizational culture and operations.
P People:
“People are our Greatest Asset” recognizes the essential importance of people: students, faculty, and support staff, and their contribution to the success of our mission. We strive to ensure the CUD community embraces our values in their day-to-day interactions.
R Respect:
We value all individuals and strive to maintain an environment built on mutual trust, openness and personal dignity.
I Integrity:
We are committed to creating an academic environment built on honesty, abiding by all legal and ethical standards, thereby earning and maintaining the trust and respect of our stakeholders and community.
D Diversity:
We strive to build a community that celebrates diversity, strengthening the educational environment, and preparing our students and employees to be global citizens.
E Excellence:
We are committed to achieving high academic standards and professional services. We strive to support personal growth and intellectual advancement of our students and employees.
Discover CUD
Like the UAE, Canada’s immense diversity in both population and landscape is central to its national identity. The country’s ten provinces and three territories expand from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, encompassing cosmopolitan cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, immense natural beauty like the Rocky Mountains, and the peaceful existence of the maritime coast.
With citizens and residents from over 200 ethnic backgrounds, Canada takes great pride in its multicultural heritage. It is a welcoming and hospitable land, which is consistently ranked among the United Nations’ best places to live around the world, with something unique to offer for every way of life. The country’s abundant natural resources play an important part in its economic history and development, with many areas of the country still making a living from forestry, fishing, agriculture, and energy. Nevertheless, industry is now dominated by the service sector, accounting for more than 70% of Canadian employment, and presenting a wealth of opportunities in sectors such as banking, healthcare, education, communication and transport.
Canada’s world-renowned education system includes several leading universities that consistently rank in the top tier of global tertiary institutions. Canadian people are among the most educated in the world and students travel from across the globe to benefit from this elite higher education experience. This reputation for excellence has helped to forge a natural alliance with the ambitious nation of the UAE, which is why Canadian University Dubai has established a portal to higher education, research and employment opportunities in Canada for students starting out in this region.
Vibrant student life
The CUD community is a dynamic network of 120+ student nationalities. The University campus life buzzes with activities. Students are encouraged to explore and develop their interests through several events, performances, concerts, and cultural events. The vibrant university spirit, together with the quality of higher-learning, provides students with an enriching educational experience – shaping champions of the future.
Tolerance Document for Employees in Education System to denounce Discrimination and Hate


Embracing Diversity | A Look into the CUD Community’s International Cultural Day Celebration



Dubai, March 9th, 2023: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) International Cultural Day festival showcased the diversity of its community. The event, organized by CUD’s Student Council, brought together students from 16 countries to exhibit their unique cultures, traditions, and customs. The festival was graced by the presence of Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, CUD’s Chancellor, who visited the event and joined in the celebration of cultural diversity on campus.
International Cultural Day at CUD provided an opportunity for students and the wider community to unite to celebrate dynamic cultural backgrounds by showcasing their cultures, traditions, and customs. Students were able to share their unique perspectives and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for one another’s countries.
Several students also set up interactive tents on the campus showcasing items representing each of the individual cultures and traditional cuisines. The tents also showcased traditional clothing, artifacts, and food from countries such as Afghanistan, Algeria, the Americas, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine/Jordan, the Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, UAE, and many others. All teams made exceptional efforts, notably recognized for their live performance were students representing India and for their tent design Palestine/Jordan.
A notable aspect of the occasion was the featuring of attires, comprising traditional garments from different countries, providing glimpses into the wide range of clothing styles across the globe.
One of the highlights of the event was the ten live performances by students from Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Lebanon/Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine/Jordan, the Philippines, Sudan, Turkey, and which included drum performances representing India and Pakistan, and distinct music representations of each culture. The vibrant and lively night showcased traditional and cultural dances from CUD’s Music Society and CUD’s Dance Society, delectable cuisine, beautiful fashion, and games.
The event highlighted the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating the role that higher education can play in promoting intercultural understanding. It also showed how cultural exchanges can enrich the educational experience. We are all part of one world, and celebrating diversity is essential for creating a more tolerant and harmonious society.
FOM hosts guest speaker on HRM and creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

Tuesday, November 23, 2021: Continuing with our guest speaker sessions, the Faculty of Management (FOM) at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recently welcomed Saroj V. Pathak, Head of Customer Support Middle East and Turkey at HP Inc. and Chairperson of the Equity workstream for Global Customer Support (CS) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), to our City Walk Campus on November 11, 2021.
Mr. Saroj recently moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates with over 24 years of diverse industry and global leadership experience in the Supply Chain and Customer Services domain.
During his talk on the role of human resources management (HRM) in creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, students learned about the importance of diversity in today’s workplace environment, how to move from promoting diversity to practicing inclusion, policies and processes for DE&I, current challenges in DE&I as well as how human resources (HR)roles revolve around employee well-being, growth, and inclusion.
Echoing his belief in continuous learning, Mr. Saroj said: “Pursuing graduate studies in HRM has the potential to enhance a candidate’s exposure and increase their chances of finding employment and growth in the competitive labor market.”
The HRM program at CUD develops student skills in strategic staffing, compensation and benefits, industrial relations, performance management, as well as training and development to help graduates shine in one of the fastest developing disciplines of the twenty-first century.
Our MBA in HRM specifically provides comprehensive insights into the application and orientation of business administration concepts in human capital management, enabling students to develop line management competence while addressing challenges in ethics, leadership and motivation, in a competitive business context.
Speaking to CUD’s commitment to our students, Dr. Rima M Bizri, Associate Professor, Canadian University Dubai added: “We believe in providing our students with a dynamic learning environment, encouraging guest speakers to visit our campus to share their alternative perspectives of thinking. By leading immersive discussions, we are able to generate important conversations in a variety of topic areas such as HRM and the future of human capital management.”
These unique learning opportunities at CUD provide our students with important industry insights to assist them in gaining a head-start in the UAE’s growing knowledge economy upon graduation.
CUD Community Celebrates Cultural Diversity




March 25, 2018: Canadian University Dubai celebrates Canada’s biggest strength, Cultural Diversity on-campus at an energetic evening of live singing, dancing, food and extraordinary fashion.
Students from countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Canada, Jordan, Kazakhstan, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Tajikistan, Tanzania, UAE, USA, Uzbekistan & Yemen held live shows exhibiting their national dances, fashion and music. Many established tents on the campus grounds containing items representing their various cultures and serving traditional food.
The International Cultural Day celebrations highlighted the diverse population of the University. The university teaches students from more than 101 different countries.
The event was also attended by visitors from the Embassy of Algeria, Ambassador of Tajikistan and Yemen to encourage students of these countries.
Nigeria was voted Best Performance for their extra-ordinary crowd pleasing performance and Yemen earned the title of Best Stall for their outstanding efforts.
CUD Produces Song for Dubai in Collaboration with GEMS School

November 23, 2017, GEMS Wellington School, Silicon Oasis: Students from GEMS school accompanied by CUD staff recorded a song, celebrating the diversity of Dubai titled ‘You’re Dubai.’
The song was written by Dr. Franziska Apprich, Assistant Professor and Head of Learning Zones and Incubation in CUD, in collaboration her Communications students.
The recording of the song is a follow up to an initiative in early October when students from the Communications Department worked closely with GEMS students on the subject of bullying. During their classes the GEMS students wrote and recorded lines about anti- bullying.
The students were so impressed by the creativity of the students that they felt motivated to prolong the relationship and as a result encouraged Dr. Fran to pen a song.
The song was recorded by the GEMS School Choir ‘Resonance’, under the supervision of music teacher Olivia Shields and, music coordinator Danielle Boylan. The choir was accompanied by members of staff from CUD.
The song is about the beauty and innovation of Dubai and how it has given us all a home. We’re all part of Dubai and are happy to be living in this peaceful and tolerant place.
Many of our students have been born in Dubai and consider this to be their home. Every time Fran comes into a classroom she is reminded of the diversity and beauty of Dubai.
Dr. Fran expressed the hope that the song would receive the maximum exposure through Radio and Social media as she felt that many people share the values of the song and music video.
The song is the end product of an initiative between CUD and Gems School addressing issues around bullying and examining strategies for coping.
Speaking on behalf of the GEMS School, Thomas Nelson, Head of Emerald House and Physical Education teacher who originally invited CUD to participate in the anti-bullying campaign said that it was important to encourage students to acquire confidence when discussing issues around bullying in the classroom, making it easier for students to talk about bullying issues when they happen, and also providing a better understanding of why they happen and how people are affected.
We wanted to establish a link with The Canadian University of Dubai and with the help of Dr. Fran and her students, we were able to work together to deliver songwriting workshops that allowed our students to express their feelings and experiences around the theme of prejudice and discrimination.
For the future, our ambition is to ensure that this awareness and message remains a focal point at the Academy throughout the academic year. As a school we know we have made a positive difference to our students in recognizing, reporting and responding to bullying.
Students Celebrate Their Cultural Identity at Global Day Event



More than 800 people gathered at the Canadian University Dubai campus on Saturday for an energetic evening of live singing, dancing, food and extraordinary fashion as students celebrated their University’s cultural diversity.
Students from countries including Afghanistan, Morocco, Nigeria and Sri Lanka held live shows exhibiting their national dances, fashion and music. Many established tents on the campus grounds containing items representing their various cultures and serving traditional food.
The Global Day celebrations highlighted the diverse population of the University to prospective students who were visiting the campus as part of the Canadian University Dubai’s Open House event, which ran simultaneously. The university teaches students from more than 86 different countries.
“We are extremely proud of our unique student population and encourage our students to share their own cultures and traditions not only with each other but also with the wider community,” said Professor Karim Chelli, President and Vice Chancellor of the Canadian University Dubai.
“We teach tolerance and that embracing other cultures is an important part of Canadian and UAE values. This serves to move our students forwarded as well-rounded good global citizens.”
Canadian University Dubai hosts Canada Day event at City Walk


University marks occasion with inauguration of campus expansion
Sunday, July 4, 2021: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has commemorated this year’s Canada Day in Dubai with an all-day event on Thursday, July 1st, at the University’s City Walk campus. The occasion marked the official inauguration of the campus expansion.
In partnership with the Canadian Business Council in Dubai and Merex, CUD welcomed visitors of all nationalities to join in a range of activities to mark the 154th anniversary of the nation. The event was attended by H.E. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul General of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Mr. Colin Beaton, Chairman of the Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Speaking at the official reception, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, said: “Canada Day marks the official inauguration of our expanded City Walk campus, celebrating the bilateral relationship we have between our two nations – the United Arab Emirates and Canada. This relationship spans decades and has placed great emphasis on building prosperity among both of our societies. Today, we acknowledge the shared principles that have brought us together, embracing our cultures through common values.”
H.E. Jean-Philippe Linteau remarked: “This Canada Day we must reflect on our history, show solidarity, and come together to create a brighter future. We are building a great country, but we need to acknowledge where Canada has come from, the ancestral lands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, to move forward.”
Looking to the future, Mr. Colin Beaton revealed: “The past year has been a challenge, but we are forward thinkers. We have big plans for this year, and Expo is a large part of it. We have many plans, programs, teams, to ensure the Canadian community is fully engaged with our happenings at the CBC every step of the way.”
With longstanding bilateral ties between the two nations, the UAE is home to some 40,000 Canadian citizens. CUD was established in 2006 to help strengthen that bond by bringing the world-class Canadian curriculum to Dubai. The University has since gone on to become one of the Arab world’s foremost higher education institutions and ranks among the top 2% (601-650) of universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings 2022.
The recent expansion to City Walk marks the next phase of the University’s pioneering approach to higher education, with a focus on entrepreneurship, research, and non-conventional methods of teaching and learning.
In parallel with the official reception, shops, and restaurants across City Walk marked the day with special concessions for those wearing the #CanadaDayUAE stickers. A #CanadaDayUAE photo booth was set-up by CUD to allow participants to share their Canada Day greetings and various outlets beyond City Walk offered Canada Day promotions.
International Cultural Day

The International Cultural Day event starts now! We are excited to invite you, your family, and friends to our International Cultural Day event from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the CUD HUB Atrium, City Walk.
Difference Culture Celebration
Canadian university students from over 85 nationalities celebrated their different cultures through music and melodies.
Here are some excerpts from Canadian University Dubai’s musical celebration, City Walk.


Write it Simple. Write it True
H.E Mary Simon
@GGCanada
and H.E Whit Fraser gave an inspiring speech to
@CUDUAE
students on 🇨🇦’s core values in #indigenousculture, #inclusion, and #empowermentofwomen.

“Write it simple. Write it true.” Mr. Whit Fraser spoke with students at the Canadian University Dubai. He talked about his experience as a Canadian journalist and discussed current challenges in journalism.
CUD Conference Celebrates International Womanhood

Raha Moharrak, the youngest Arab and the first Saudi woman to conquer Mount Everest, has revealed how her father’s refusal to allow her to take on the immense challenge fuelled her determination to succeed. Raha was speaking among a line-up of inspiring women at a recent event to celebrate International Women’s Day, held at Canadian University Dubai (CUD).
Speaking of her childhood growing up in Jeddah, Raha described how she felt the walls of gender rising up around her, and how she had always yearned for adventure, but was increasingly aware that, in the eyes of many, the colour of her passport was going to dictate her capabilities.
“Ultimately I found myself at a crossroads – marriage or adventure – and at that point I chose to listen to my heart and follow my dream”, she revealed, “But it was only when my father told me ‘no’ that I knew I could actually do it. I discovered that my love of adventure exceeded my fear of rejection. I raised the courage to confront my family and eventually, they told me to go for it.”
Raha’s adventure first took her to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro where, after a grueling ascent, she was inspired by the landscape to take on the next leg of her momentous journey. Having climbed Mount Vinson, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kala Pattar, Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl, she moved on to the world’s highest peak, simply because, she says, ‘I believed I could do it’, and in 2013 she stood shoulder to shoulder with a group of men on the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Saudi woman to reach the top of the world.
The Women’s Day event, organized to celebrate international womanhood, also heard from another inspiring Saudi female, Summer Nasief, who, as a healthcare and life sciences executive, has recently been ranked number 47 amongst the Most Powerful Arab Women of 2015. Drawing on her life experiences, including becoming the first female executive for IBM in Saudi Arabia, she assured the audience of young women and men that, with the right tools and attitude, anything is attainable.
Alongside the two inspiring life stories, representatives of the University community provided their own perspectives on the past and future of womanhood. Students Asma Ghanem and Lavender Sheshe profiled a range of inspiring UAE women from Olympic athletes Latifa Al Maktoum and Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum, to the first woman appointed to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi.
Student Kazem Aboudan paid his own tribute to womankind through a recital of his self-penned poetry, while the event culminated with a spectacular celebration of fashion as ladies from a whole spectrum of nationalities took to the stage in a colorful display that celebrated their traditional dress.
CUD Professor Discusses Gender Stereotypes and Barriers to the Boardroom

February 9th, 2015: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Assistant Professor Jeanette Teh has revealed that ‘double standards and gender stereotypes’ are still significant barriers to women’s progression in the workplace, in a recent article published by industry magazine, Gulf Business.
The opinion piece, entitled “Held To Higher Standards: Why The Glass Ceiling Still Exists”, is the latest in a series of commentaries by professor Teh to feature in the leading business publication. In it she discusses the recent research findings issued by American independent research organization, Pew Research Center, on the subject of ‘Women in Leadership’.
“The findings were interesting,” reveals professor Teh, “While the American public generally felt women were equally capable as leaders, women were held to a higher standard than men and these gender stereotypes will continue to prevent true equality.”
She continues, “While men were perceived to be stronger at risk-taking and negotiating profitable deals, women were seen by the majority as being more compassionate and organized. Female business leaders were also generally seen as better at compromising, being honest and ethical, mentoring, and providing fair pay than their male counterparts.
“Theoretically, then, women are deemed as capable as men. However, they have to do more to prove themselves to surmount the expectation that men are more naturally suited to leadership positions.”
Teh considered the Center’s recent research findings in the context of the upcoming International Women’s Day, which will run under theme ‘Make It Happen’, and concluded the article with her own ideas on how to ‘Make It Happen’ and eliminate the need for women to perform to higher standards because of outdated expectations.
CUD hosts Model United Nations Academy

March 28th – 30th: Canadian University has proudly hosted the Dubai Model United Nations Academy, in collaboration with United Ambassadors.
Teams from as far away as the Democratic Republic of Congo took part in a packed four-day program where they were treated to a magnificent Opening Ceremony followed by two days of intensive workshops and presentations. The event culminated in a keenly fought debate on the final day, addressing some of the major issues facing our world, including sustainability, discrimination, conflict resolution and world poverty.
The event was introduced by Nabila Elassa, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of United Ambassadors with contributions from Mr. Omar Hernandez, Lead Trainer and Mr. Ahmad Al Ammar, Facilitator and former MUN participant. United Ambassadors is a world-leading international Model United Nations Education non-profit organization with a mission of building the next generation of youth leaders and global citizens, through Model United Nations.
Students learnt about the importance of demonstrating effective leadership skills and having empathy with their stakeholders. During the workshops and presentations they developed skills in public speaking, writing proposals, reaching consensus, interpreting briefings, diplomacy and negotiation skills, all interspersed with a variety of fun activities.
Several of the delegates also made personal statements for their audience reflecting their determination to make an impact on their communities.
The MUN initiative was created to provide a platform for young people to learn about international issues, diplomacy and inter-government relations and to develop their capabilities in critical thinking, research and debate. The model simulates the United Nations forum itself, with each group of students representing a country in the debate over a range of issues from health and social progress to the economy and global finance.
Speaking after the event, Mr. Omar Hernandez, Lead Trainer with United Ambassadors, praised the standard of commitment and debate displayed by the delegates. He said, “this is a remarkable opportunity for young people to gain a unique perspective on how diplomacy works. The skills they are learning will help them make a difference in their future lives, and with the delegates coming from different backgrounds and culture, they are able to appreciate the importance of tolerance in today’s world.”
Eszter Meszaros, Administrative Coordinator for United Ambassadors in Dubai said the purpose of the event was to help the leaders of the future realise how they could make a difference.
The event concluded with presentations to the delegates and a series of presentations from the leaders of each group.
