5.6.7 Does your university as a body have measurement/tracking of women’s likelihood of graduating compared to men’s, and schemes in place to close any gap?

Canadian University of Dubai Celebrates Fourth Graduation Ceremony

Graduates honoured at glittering ceremony

DUBAI: Canadian University Dubai celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony with over 400 students receiving their degree certificates at a glittering event held in a packed Sheikh Rashid Hall at Dubai World Trade Centre.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and His Excellency Sheik Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development witnessed the ceremony, which was attended by over 2500 students, parents and faculty.

The ceremony was particularly poignant for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was amongst the many proud parents seeing their children graduate – his son, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Business Administration.

Praising the development of education at Canadian University Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan said: “Our presence here clearly highlights the great reputation and achievements that Canadian University Dubai has accomplished in its short life.

“These achievements are represented in its distinguished educational courses, addressing students” and society’s needs, not to mention fulfilling the requirement for global excellence in its fruitful and valuable collaboration with distinguished international universities.

“Perhaps the most important thing we see is the excellence the Canadian University Dubai graduates reflect, due to their strong and distinct contributions in the service of the overall development process in the nation and society.”

Mr Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of the Canadian University Dubai, added: “Canadian University Dubai will not spare any effort in providing creative higher education that takes into account the abilities and goals of every student, while linking it to the job market.

“The faculty at Canadian University Dubai constantly strives to achieve this goal to create a successful society full of expertise, a society that reacts creatively and peacefully to its surroundings, a society that does not produce armies and unemployed, an educated society that produces a suitable student for a suitable place. Machines and capital alone do not make prosperity, it is people, educated, progressive people. The result of the progressive educated experience in the UAE.”

Representing the students, Sheikh Rashid thanked the faculty for their hard work and had some stirring words for his fellow graduates:

“I would like to thank members of faculty and administration for all the efforts they put in to develop the university to serve the students and for keeping the name of Canadian University Dubai a symbol for us and for future generations.

“While we receive our graduation degree and reap the fruits of our toil and effort, we prepare ourselves for a new phase of our lives. We are at the beginning of a journey. We should always remember that success in life requires more effort, more excellence, non-stop seeking of knowledge, keeping up with modern trends and ensuring to benefit from evolution.”

2023 CUD Graduates in Numbers

The 2023 Graduation Ceremony at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) was a remarkable celebration of academic achievement and diversity. With a total of 425 graduates, it was a momentous occasion for both the university and its students.

What truly stood out was the impressive representation of women, with 54% of the graduates hailing from various faculties and majors. Many of these accomplished graduates also proudly adorned the honor chart, a testament to their dedication, hard work, and exemplary academic performance.

As they embarked on the next chapter of their lives, these graduates carried with them not only their degrees but also the values of equality, excellence, and determination that CUD instills in its students, promising a bright future for themselves and their communities.

Career Service

Careers advice is available to assist students in developing their professional goals and objectives, and regular career workshops are held to provide support in finding employment and preparing for life in the workplace. The aim is to make students career conscious and start building their life skills early on. All students are welcome to attend to start improving their life skills and employability, especially final year students.

In career workshops, students can learn how to create a professional CV, design a cover letter, develop their interview skills, use networking and negotiate an offer.

Our mission

The mission of the Career Services is to make a student’s transition from university to professional life a success story. This is meant to be a shared success; therefore, the Career Center invites you to collaborate and work together with your professors, internship mentors, and use the services and resources of the Career Services throughout your studies. Participate in events, start thinking about your career plans and set SMART career goals from your first year on. The Career Center will work to motivate you to take action and discover your possibilities, using your resources strategically. Throughout all events and one-on-one sessions, we will work on improving your life skills and employability, preparing you to enter the 21st century job market.

How can I benefit from Career Services?

Regardless of year of studies, major or interest, every student can benefit from the following services:

Advice on career related matters – job and internship search strategies, setting career goals, objectives and a step-by-step plan
Improving career correspondence (CV, thank you notes)
Improving profiles and visibility on career platforms
Assistance in finding internships, part-time or volunteer opportunities
Workshops to develop interview skills, online and offline networking and personal branding
Our annual Career Fair to be introduced to companies and organizations

Watch how Career Services can help you get ahead in life

INTERNSHIPS

Choosing a career path can be challenging, and an industry-based internship can help you to explore and evaluate your career options while still at University.

Canadian University Dubai works with a wide range of partner companies to provide students with the opportunity to put into practice the skills and concepts learned in the classroom. The internship is an important experiential and academic component of each program and is compulsory for all undergraduate majors.

During an internship, students work for 150-180hrs (dependent upon the program) either on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time internships involve 30-35hrs per week and part-time internships involve 15-20hrs per week. The host company/organization provides professional staff members to take the student forward in their learning experience.

Internships at CUD are managed by the Career Services, and all open positions will be communicated to you internally on CUD career portal.

If you are about to graduate or are a fresh student, prepare your CV and send it to careerservices@cud.ac.ae for review indicating “CV Review” in the subject.

FOM hosts guest speaker on human resource management: the career of the future

The Faculty of Management (FOM) at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) hosted guest speaker, Jihan El Saghir, who introduced students to the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) through the lens of an HR practitioner.

During Jihan’s talk, students learned about the career options available to them within the field, as well as the evolving role of HRM through real-life examples from Bayer – Middle East. She said: “Through their numerous intelligent questions, CUD students showed forward thinking and enthusiasm for HR as a career. They were able to recognize the strategic impact of the HR function on the competitiveness of the organization!”

Jihan is a CIPD-certified passionate HR professional with over 11 years of continuous HRM experience. Having a generalist profile, Jihan worked across multiple areas within the HR function, in different industries ranging from distribution and retail, to manufacturing, high end jewelry, information technology, and pharmaceuticals.

She recently joined Bayer Pharmaceuticals as the HR Business Partner for Saudi Arabia transferring from Hewlett Packard Computing and Printing Middle East where she was the HR Lead for Middle East and Saudi Arabia.

In addition to partnering with the business to set and implement people-related strategies, Jihan enjoys the talent development activities of HRM where she launched her most recent program: the “Accelerated Career Development Program” at HP which targeted employees identified as key talents and successors to prepare them for their next career move, retain them, and help them succeed.

The Human Resource Management 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.

CUD Career Services Prepare Students for Professional Success

Students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) have been taking advantage of a comprehensive package of guidance and support services from leading names in the career development arena, as they prepare to pursue their professional development goals for 2017.

Facilitated by Orsi Urban, Work Placement and Careers Coordinator at CUD, students have benefitted from a series of skills development and profile-building workshops, delivered by representatives from the University’s strategic careers partner, Bayt.com; the UAE’s biggest internship jobs site, InternsME; and the World’s largest professional network, LinkedIn.

Taking an innovative and interactive approach to engaging students in career networking, John Fawls of LinkedIn UAE hosted a profile picture photo shoot, to help students create a professional image that they could use when setting up their own LinkedIn account. He also encouraged students to take full advantage of LinkedIn while still at university, to build professional networks that could be helpful in their future careers.

Meanwhile, InternsME representative, Noor Irfan, conducted an informal workshop to introduce students to different ways of engaging with prospective employers, demonstrating how a video CV could help candidates to stand out from the crowd, and providing tips on how to achieve a high-ranking professional profile.

Representing CUD’s strategic careers partner, Bayt.com, Hatem Hannoun provided students with an insight into the art of CV writing. Through interactive case studies he demonstrated to students how best to represent themselves in the context of the UAE jobs market.

Hatem said, “At Bayt.com, we encourage students to begin creating their CVs during their university years, because a CV acts as an individual’s timeline. Rather than face the daunting task of having to look back upon graduation and think of the courses, projects, and internships they did during their time as a student, they can start building a CV on an easy-to-use career site like Bayt.com, adding their experiences while the information is still fresh in their head.

“Moreover, a CV can act as a career guide, helping to make the next decision while maintaining an overview perspective of one’s career development, and to assess whether their next course, project or potential internship experience aligns with their career goals.”

Speaking about the workshop, student Elvira Aggoune said, “It provided very useful information and tips on how people look for the right candidate and how you can be that candidate, by building a customized CV that highlights relevant skills and shows an understanding of the job description. The workshop was very beneficial to us as undergraduate students as we don’t yet have much experience of reaching out to employers, so it helped us to focus on what companies are looking for and how best to present ourselves.”

Over 30 Businesses Participate in CUD’s Annual Career Fair 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.

Career Fair Preparation Workshop supports students to explore career aspirations

In preparation for the Canadian University Dubai annual Career Fair on April 10th, the Career Services Department held a preparation day aimed at helping students get the most out of their interaction with employers. The event was organized by Ms. Naoise Lane, Career Services and Internship Coordinator, on behalf of the Department of Student Affairs.

The first part of the event was devoted to a review of student CVs and Ms. Naoise commended the students on their professional approach to their tasks.

The facilitator of the event was Yomna Selim, Success Executive at Oliv Recruitment and Account Management. Formerly InternsME, Oliv’s mission is to reduce MENA youth unemployment by facilitating career support; the organization has grown from an intern recruitment portal to supporting early careers – from internships, to volunteering, part-time jobs and graduate jobs.

Oliv has also used tech projects to enable UAE youth to match their skills with company needs and built internship programs for businesses to help them maximize their talent base.

Ms. Naoise and Ms.Yomna provided the students with advice on how to approach prospective employers, with recommendations including dressing to impress and creating a good impression; carrying out extensive research on target employers; developing a unique approach to the employer e.g. a video CV; and making sure to add the employer to their LinkedIn account to grow their networks.

As a result of the event, the students are now much better prepared to approach prospective employers with greater confidence.

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.

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.

Freedom Finance Delivers an Enlightening Workshop at CUD

Canadian University Dubai (CUD), Faculty of Management welcomed Freedom Finance (DIFC) Limited Company to its avant-garde campus in City Walk, Dubai on November 3rd, 2022, to deliver an enlightening workshop about the current and forecasted financial global analytics. The event was well attended by students and faculty.

The workshop was organized by CUD Trading Floor, which was established by the Faculty of Management in 2019. Olga Starkova, Teaching Assistant and Head of CUD’s Trading Floor, said: “The purpose of the CUD Trading Floor is to educate students with the leading theoretical fundamentals of trading and investment strategies – and to give CUD students an opportunity to meet up with working professionals from the industry”.

The Freedom Finance (DIFC) Limited was represented by Markus Maier, Director; Yana Makarevich, Associate Director; and Aleksandr Korenev, Associate Director. Each distinguished representative shared a unique background story – marking solid career paths through an interesting financial journey.

“Economic cycles play an important role in trading. To select the correct time to invest – be well-informed and knowledgeable about the concept of economic cycles”. Aleksandr Korenev, Associate Director, Freedom Finance (DIFC) Limited

Freedom Finance (DIFC) Limited has demonstrated great global expansion since its establishment in 2008 – with a strong presence in 15 countries and over 100 offices. With sound knowledge and advice, the team presented insights into several pathways offered within the United Arab Emirates market. Moreover, insights into the global market analytics were presented, together with analytical forecasts.

Empowering educational seminars from Aleksandr Korenev summarized four rules of trading, namely:

The ‘Statistics and Probability Theory’ plays a crucial role in predicting outcomes

Knowledge about economic cycles can help in understanding the right time to invest

The ‘Principle of Universalism’, which is applied for each asset class

The importance to calculate an expected value

Yana Makarevich, Associate Director: “If life were predictable, it would cease to be life and be without flavour.” Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the United States.

Canadian University Dubai thanks Freedom Finance (DIFC) Limited for presenting and sharing several valuable insights into the global market.

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.

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. #CUDubai #CareerFair pic.twitter.com/woU10Hhans
— CUDubai (@CUDUAE) March 6, 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.

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.”