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Canadian University Dubai Equality and Diversity Policy

Introduction and Statement

Canadian Dubai University is committed to promoting and implementing equality of opportunity in the learning, teaching, research and working environments.
The University aims to create a learning and working environment based on fostering good relations between all people, with a shared commitment to promoting respect for all, and challenging and preventing stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and harassment
The University is committed to inclusiveness, which “embraces diversity by valuing and respecting the perspectives and contributions of all our colleagues and students”, to the benefit of the University community in respect of its learning, teaching, research, management, administration and support service activities
The University upholds the principle that, in their areas of expertise, relevant staff of the University shall have freedom within the law to hold and express opinion, to question and test established ideas and received wisdom, and to present controversial or unpopular points of view without placing in jeopardy their employment or any entitlements or privileges they enjoy.

Scope of the Policy

This Policy applies to all members of the University community, including:

All members of staff holding a contract of employment, and staff from other institutions on placement at, or visiting the University
Individuals with honorary or affiliate status
All students, including visiting and placement students
Visitors, including external persons or agencies using the University’s premises, facilities or services
Contractors working at the University
Individuals working or acting on the University’s behalf, including suppliers of goods and services

The Policy

The University aims to ensure that all members of its community are treated with fairness, dignity and respect
The University will apply this policy in compliance with and in the spirit of the relevant legislation.
The University will not discriminate on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (hereafter referred to as the ‘protected characteristics’) in any decisions concerning student admissions, progression or support provision
The University will not discriminate on grounds of any protected characteristic, in decisions concerning staff recruitment and selection, career development, promotion, staff development opportunities, pay and remuneration, or reward and recognition
The University will not discriminate against any person on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation, in the provision of facilities or services, or in the exercise of public functions
In the provision of residential accommodation, the University will seek to provide an inclusive living and studying environment.
The University will not discriminate against any person on grounds of disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation..
Under-represented groups are encouraged to apply to work and study at the University.

Overall responsibility for Equality and Diversity lies with the University Court. The University Principal takes responsibility as overarching Equality Champion, supported by Equality Champions for each of the equality strands, drawn from the Senior Management Group.

The University will ensure that:

Staff and students are made aware of this Equality and Diversity Policy through the University’s web pages, publications, induction and training provision, and through the line management structure, as appropriate.
Publicity material reflects the diversity of the University’s community.
Staff, students and visitors are treated fairly, irrespective of their protected characteristics. The University will take prompt action over alleged discrimination, victimization or harassment.
Reasonable adjustments are made, as appropriate, to enable disabled staff and students to overcome substantial disadvantage in the working and learning environment, and in the use of recreational facilities provided by the University.
Existing procedures for staff and student complaints, grievances and discipline/conduct matters are applied in a just, fair, open and timely manner.
Staff involved in staff recruitment, student admissions, selection and promotion panels receive training on equality and diversity matters.
External contractors are made aware of their responsibility in relation to equality and diversity and will be required to comply with university policies and regulations
Learning and teaching material, where practical, includes positive, diverse, non-stereotypical content.
Public events are held, wherever possible, in accessible locations, and where accessibility is limited by necessity, this is made clear to potential attendees

Individual Responsibilities

All University staff, students, contractors and visitors have a responsibility under the Equality and Diversity Policy. All individuals are:

Responsible for making themselves aware of the University Equality and Diversity Policy
Expected to participate in training which supports the implementation of the University’s Equality Policy, as appropriate.
Responsible for their behavior and expected to treat others with dignity and respect. This includes cases where alleged or proven discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimization has occurred.
To support the University’s determination to promote good relations and eliminate discrimination and harassment.
Staff responsible for schemes of work, teaching content and resources should demonstrate sensitivity to equality and diversity issues.
Staff responsible for dealing with appeals, complaints, grievances, staff discipline and student conduct matters should demonstrate sensitivity to equality and diversity issues

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 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.

Special Needs Services

Canadian University Dubai pledges to provide an inclusive learning environment and to support the cognitive, emotional and creative development of students with special needs. Canadian University Dubai ensures that reasonable effort is made to accommodate students with special needs such that their program learning objectives are met. Special Needs Services are provided equally through programs and services.

Special Needs Services

Canadian University Dubai pledges to provide an inclusive learning environment and to support the cognitive, emotional and creative development of students with special needs.

Canadian University Dubai ensures that reasonable effort is made to accommodate students with special needs such that their program learning objectives are met. Special Needs Services are provided equally through programs and services.

Examination Conflict and Special Considerations

If a student is scheduled for more than two examinations in one day, or has overlapping examinations, the student must report to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the first week after the final exam schedule has been released to make the necessary adjustments to his/her schedule. A student with special needs that requires specific arrangements to enable the writing of exams must submit their requests at least three weeks prior to the examination date to their Academic Advisor. Changes in the dates or times of scheduled examinations cannot be approved.

Special Needs Scholarship

We at Canadian University Dubai pledge to provide an inclusive learning environment and to support the cognitive, emotional and creative development of students with disabilities. Special needs may be justified by physical or other disabilities. Students eligible for a Special Needs Scholarship will benefit from a tuition reduction of up to 30%.

Overall Terms and Conditions

For students applying for the Special Needs Scholarship at the point of admission to the University, the academic average will be considered by the scholarship committee on a case-by-case basis.
For current students, a minimum CGPA of 2.0 is required to be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Deadlines for the fall semester (July 7th) and spring semester (December 20th) must be met.
Special Needs Scholarships do not apply for summer semesters.
Students are required to provide an up-to-date professionally documented diagnosis that will be kept confidentially.
The scholarship application is reviewed by and subject to the scholarship committee’s discretion.

Health Services

Canadian University Dubai Health Center provides primary healthcare services and supports the safety and wellness of students, faculty and staff on campus.

Professional, licensed nurses are available to offer first aid and medical care for minor illnesses and injuries, provide health education and promote disease prevention.

The health Center services are free of charge and available on a walk-in basis or by appointment for doctor’s consultation. Information regarding the health insurance benefits, coverage and networks is also available.

The Center is equipped with a range of equipment to help maintain and monitor your health. Emergency cases are referred to the ambulance service.

The health Center regularly collaborates with community organizations to conduct awareness raising activities such as no smoking campaigns, cancer awareness events and blood donation drives.

Students with medical needs or disabilities who require regular assistance on the campus may submit a medical report from their physician stating their health condition and special requirements.

All health records, forms and documentations are securely stored. The release or transfer of medical Information requires patient’s approval, unless legally authorized, or in a life-threatening situation.

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.

Canadian University Dubai Admissions Non-Discrimination Policy

At the Canadian University Dubai (CUD), our commitment to fairness and equal opportunity is reflected in our unified online admission application process.

We take pride in providing an application platform that is open to all aspiring students, with the same set of conditions and requirements applied uniformly, ensuring that there is no discrimination in the admissions process.

We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves a fair chance to pursue higher education, and our inclusive admission process is a testament to this belief. Our aim is to create an equitable and diverse academic community where talent and potential are the only criteria for acceptance, fostering a vibrant and enriching learning environment for all.

Tolerance Document for Employees in Education System to denounce Discrimination and Hate

Inclusive education for people of determination

The UAE has made big efforts to include people of determination in the mainstream educational settings. Ministry of Education provides expert teachers who specialize in dealing with children of determination.

In 2008, Ministry of Community Development launched an initiative to integrate people of determination in the government education system. The initiative which was launched under the slogan ‘School of All’ and adopted by Ministry of Education was a major step towards the social integration of the disabled and their involvement in the development process.

MoE offers several training programs and facilities targeting children of determination, their parents and kindergarten teachers.

Programs include guidance for dealing with people with visual and hearing disabilities, talent identification programs, getting familiar with sign language for the deaf and handling speech and language disorders in kindergarten-going children.

Ministry of Education has set up support centers to follow up and evaluate the progress of people of determination before and after integration in schools. These centers provide various services including individual diagnosis of students with disabilities and learning difficulties, recommendations, helping and supporting parents to deal with the child’s situation and directing them to sources with appropriate support services for their child.

Canadian University Dubai Campus

Canadian University Dubai campus is steps away from Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare of downtown Dubai and the hub of the financial district. The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and many of Dubai’s premier attractions surround our facilities, and the Financial Centre metro station is walking distance from the University campus, ensuring an easy commute from anywhere on the network. There are also a wide variety of shops and restaurants nearby. Canadian University Dubai campus is an architecturally unique building. Our four Halls are surrounded by lush vegetation, providing the perfect backdrop in any of our courtyards for quiet conversation or study.

Academic Facilities

The University’s classrooms, laboratories and studios are fully furnished and well-equipped with the latest technology, enabling faculty and students to enhance the learning process with digital and online content. Wireless network access is available in all classroom areas and other common areas for the use of students.

Red Theatre

1 Our Red Theatre is a gathering place for both official ceremonies and student led activities. From MoU signings to student talent competitions, there is always something happening in this versatile space.

Classrooms

Canadian University Dubai has classrooms located in Halls B, C & D comprehensively fitted-out with comfortable chairs and workspace. Each classroom has wireless network access and is equipped with overhead projectors and computer workstations that enable faculty members to enhance learning with interactive content.

Computer Laboratories

Canadian University Dubai has several computer laboratories strategically placed throughout the campus, including one lab dedicated to Apple products. Each lab is appropriately furnished with computer desks, chairs and Desktop PC’s for students to use. Software required for all programs has been installed on these machines. The labs offer a great deal of accessibility for your needs.

Students Lounge1

Located in Hall C, the Student Lounge provides students with a space where they can relax, play games, and socialize.

Masters Lounge1

Our Masters Students’ have their own nicely decorated and fully equipped lounge on the third floor of Hall C near to most Masters classrooms. This lounge offers an excellent space to socialize, study, or relax during classroom breaks.

Sport Facilities1

Canadian University Dubai has a range of athletic facilities that allow students to balance their studies with physical activity. The 160-seat tennis court with its cement surface promotes a fast game with a high bounce. 1 These services are suspended during pandemic as per the directions of MOE, KHDA & DHA

Student Health Clinic

Free basic medical services are provided for students at Canadian University Dubai Medical Centre. A qualified nurse is available on campus, and a fully qualified medical doctor is available once per week for consultations and followups.

Prayer Rooms1

Canadian University Dubai offers two beautiful prayer rooms located on the third floor of Hall D. These rooms allow both male and female students the opportunity to perform their prayers in the University. The Holy Month of Ramadan During Ramadan, the University expects all members of the community to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking on the University premises during daylight hours. In acknowledgement of our diverse community, the University designates a particular room where non-Muslims may eat or drink according to their needs. The University expects all its members to respect the U.A.E. culture and regulations, and show deference to the Muslim community during this period.

Cafeterias1

Our campus is home to four cafeterias serving a wide range of cuisines. The cafeteria areas provide a coeducational, multicultural, multinational, and social environment. They are the main gathering place for students between classes and during their free time, where they can enjoy free wireless internet. In addition, the students can always use one of the many vending machines located throughout the campus.

Parking Facilities

Secure parking is available for a nominal fee per semester on a first-come first-serve basis. Please check with Physical Resources for more information. There is also free parking available on the streets surrounding the University.

Determined Ones Continue to Demonstrate their Skills

September 27, 2018; Dubai EnSENble is the UAE’s first choir for the ‘Determined Ones’ are now based in CUD.

The choir was founded by Mr. Rivaan Mager, Music Coordinator and Mr. Dusan Popovic, Sports Coordinator both employers at CUD. They have a passion for working with the people with determination and try to help their various challenges through their shared love of music.

There are also many volunteers who help out, some of them being ‘speech therapists or behavior therapists, all giving freely of their time to ensure the success of the choir.

The choir started in September 2017 and hosted their inaugural concert on November 24th 2017. This saw a full house at the CUD Red Theatre. The concert was the first of its kind in the UAE, and also featured the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert was a huge success and generated great emotion from the audience.

The choir has performed at various venues, including Global Village, MENA Special Needs Olympics in Abu Dhabi and they even had the opportunity to collaborate with leading schools in Dubai.

This year the choir has many events planned over the next 10 months, they will host their annual gala concert on 23rd November 2018 at 5pm at the Canadian University Dubai. The UAE Philharmonic will once again perform at this prestigious concert. There will also be guest performers from the “Which School Advisor” musician of the year competition and choirs from schools around Dubai.

The choir will also be performing at the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The Canadian University Dubai has been an integral part of the choir’s success, and they support the choir fully and have dedicated a ‘music studio’ for the choir to rehearse weekly. The university also has a passion towards inclusion through music.

The choir is free to join and is always welcoming new members to be part of this choir family. Through our passion for music, we want to show the UAE community that music unites everyone irrespective of our personal challenges in life. The choir rehearses every Thursday at the Canadian University Dubai from 4:30pm-5:30pm.

In addition to coordinating music in CUD, Mr. Rivaan also undertakes peripatetic work in other schools with Determined Ones among their pupils.

For more information regarding the choir please contact Rivaan Mager +971559071410

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Canadian University Dubai Chancellor discusses actions for inclusion

May 16th, 2019: Following the successful gala event, ‘Music is our Voice’, which brought together people of determination and the local school community in a spectacular celebration of music, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, has spoken to Edarabia about the institution’s actions towards promoting inclusion.

Why did CUD organize a music gala for people of determination? Would this be a yearly event?

The event was organized as part of the University’s ongoing endeavors to promote inclusion, understanding and coexistence, in the spirit of the UAE Year of Tolerance. Since 2017 we have seen the Canadian University Dubai EnSEmble grow and flourish into an extraordinary realization of individual and collective talent. We wanted to share that talent with our local community to mark Autism Awareness month.

We know from our work with people of determination that awareness and inclusion across wider society remain among the biggest challenges they face in everyday life. Canadian University Dubai wanted to bring people together in an inclusive celebration of music to help further advance the conversation about autism in the UAE; to change the discourse into concrete action and progress across every aspect of society – from education and employment to cultural and social interactions. The gala was also hosted as a fundraising event, to help support therapy, care and community initiatives for children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have been delighted by the response and similar future events.

Studies suggest that sports are associated not only with social inclusion, but also with physical wellbeing and the enhancement of self-esteem. Does music have the same effect?

Absolutely, music is by definition inclusive, without boundaries, music does not discriminate against anyone. Numerous studies have shown that the effect of music on confidence levels and self-esteem is significant. For instance, music has helped young people in conflict areas to cope with stress. In other contexts, music has given young refugees a voice allowing them to be active participants in society. Music has had, over the history of mankind, an incredible unifying and healing power.

How does CUD cater to students of determination?

Canadian University Dubai was among the first universities in the UAE to welcome students with special educational needs, and has supported more than 100 determined students facing a range of personal challenges, from visual impairment to autism.

The University has a number of formal support structures in place, such as scholarships for individuals with special needs, tutoring programs that offer one-on-one academic support, and a dedicated student counselor to offer pastoral care throughout the students’ studies. However, the essence of our approach is to tailor our support to the specific needs of each individual and to work with families to achieve this, not only from the practical perspective of delivering an education, but also to ensure that we support their social, cognitive and emotional development to achieve success.

Are schools equipped to meet the needs of gifted students in the regular education (inclusion) classroom?

Canadian University Dubai is able to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of students of all backgrounds. This means creating inclusive classrooms and providing the supplementary support measures to those students with special education needs, from additional academic tutoring or personal counseling, to extracurricular activities that provide an outlet for personal creative expression.

How does CUD equip its students with the right skills to enter the workforce? Are any special measures taken to prepare students of determination for the same?

All of our academic programs are industry-driven and are designed to develop the employability of our students. As market needs are constantly evolving, we regularly talk to our advisory boards, alumni and employers of our graduates to gauge if our courses match their specific current and future needs.

What we’ve learnt from this is that employers are increasingly looking for qualities and skills that transcend typical sector boundaries. Competencies such as teamwork, leadership, reasoning, responsiveness and ethics are the skills that will help the future workforce to navigate the rapid pace of change. These are the skills that students develop through their practical work, which includes course-related internships, but also through special initiatives like the Canadian University Dubai EnSEmble.

Canadian University Dubai’s enSEmble delivers Spectacular Performance at Dubai Opera

April 18th, 2019: Canadian University Dubai marked International Autism Awareness Month and UAE’s Year of Tolerance with a unique musical celebration last evening at Dubai Opera uniting the musical talents of people of determination and Mohammed Assaf, in an awe-inspiring gala event.

The audience of the enchanting event titled ‘Music is Our Voice’ enjoyed the incredible musical talents of the enSEmble choir and Mohammed Assaf’s captivating performance. Assaf’s inspirational story of overcoming challenges to realize his musical dream was a fitting accompaniment to the young singing stars of Canadian University Dubai’s enSEmble choir.

Speaking about Music is Our Voice event, Mohammed Assaf, said: “This has been a heart-warming and an empowering experience. Being able to sing along with these outstanding determined talents was an uplifting moment in my career, and I’m proud to be supporting this worthy cause.”

Celebrating the unifying power of music, the gala event was organised by Canadian University Dubai to mark International Autism Awareness Month and to contribute to promoting inclusion and understanding as part of the UAE Year of Tolerance. Music is Our Voice was also proud to host the renowned Emirati vlogger, Khalid Al Ameri who delivered a touching speech on change, awareness and inclusion.

The concert brought together a diverse audience of people of determination, their families and support networks, as well as members of the wider UAE community. In partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent humanitarian organisation, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Autism Awareness campaign.

According to Autism Speaks diagnosis has risen 15% in the past few years through improved identification from awareness, research and support services. The event is part of the global campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to promote understanding across the wider community of the special needs and talents of people on the spectrum.

For further information about Canadian University Dubai, please visit: http://www.cud.ac.ae

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Wings for Life Ambassador Delivers Inspirational Talk to CUD Students

Students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) have received an inspirational talk from paralyzed athlete, Mr. Chris Khoury, about the importance of positivity and inner strength in day-to-day life.

Khoury, who was paralyzed from the chest down following a motocross accident in 2009, visited CUD in his capacity as an ambassador for the Wing for Life campaign, a non-profit research foundation that aims to find a cure for spinal cord-related disabilities.

Speaking about his life-changing accident, Khoury said that he made a conscious decision early on to adopt a positive attitude and seize every opportunity that came his way.

He said, “A voice inside my head said that this was my new reality and I immediately chose to be positive about it. I have met so many different people and learnt so many new things because of this. Most of all, I’ve discovered that positivity is contagious, and if you face your fears, you come out stronger both physically and emotionally, and so lead a fuller life.”

Following his accident, Khoury learned to cope with his constant pain through persistence and determination, and ultimately started to carve a new pathway to enjoy the recreational side of his life that had been hindered by his injury. Starting out with hand-cycling, he progressed to compete in triathlons, and is now at the forefront of promoting the Wings for Life World Run in Dubai.

The run, which will be held on May 8th at Dubai Autodrome, challenges participant to stay ahead of the ‘catcher car’ to stay in the race for as long as possible. It is part of a global event that takes place in 35 countries simultaneously and involves more than 150,000 runners. All funds raised go to the Wing for Life Foundation.

Khoury concluded, “Once every six minutes, someone learns that they will never walk again. Our mission through this event is to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and make paralysis a thing of the past.”

Lifestyle Transformation Leads CUD Graduate to Triathlon Success

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) graduate, Mohammed Kasim, has once again proved the power of determination, completing the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi following his incredible journey to lose 100kg in weight.

Kassim, who earned a Master of Business Administration with specializations in General Management and Finance, weighed almost 200kg when he graduated from the University for the second time in 2013. Following stark warnings from doctors about his health, he started out on a calories controlled diet and exercise regime, and now weighs in at a muscular 98kg.

The ITU Triathlon – a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run – is the latest challenge Kasim has set himself as part of his remarkable transformation. Having confessed at one time to eat nine burgers in one sitting, his journey started when he joined Dubai gym Inner Fight to take up cross-fit, and he became part of the Intisaar project, a government initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for Emiratis.

It was when he was supporting a friend in the Dubai Ironman that he decided to set himself the next goal. “I’ve been running, cycling and swimming for two years and I decided now was the time to test myself”, said Kasim, who trains around 17 hours a week.

Having completed the Dubai Standard Chartered marathon a few weeks earlier, he joined a field of 3500 amateurs, along with some of the world’s top triathletes, to take on the gruelling challenge, which centred around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.

Having proved himself among a top-class field, Kasim already has his sights set on the next challenge, as he aims to take part in the Olympic distance event next year. In the meantime, his main aim is to inspire others to take their health and fitness seriously.

“I had accepted that I was obese, but then my knee collapsed and even after two surgeries things were only getting worse. It has been a long road to fitness but my sec ret is to keep focused and surround myself with supportive people. It has changed my life and I encourage anyone in the same situation to do the same. Nothing is impossible”, Kasim concluded.

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CUD Student and UAE paracycling coach sets sights on Paris 2024

CUD student reveals academic and sporting ambitions on return from first Paralympic games

Tuesday, October 12, 2021: Following an historic first outing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games, Emirati paracycling coach, Mohammed Al Murawwi Al Blooshi, says he has already set his sights on Paris 2024. As he begins preparing his team for the all-important qualifying events, Mohammed has another milestone to pursue before the next games, as he aims to be among the first graduates of the Canadian University Dubai (CUD) sports management degree program.

Combining his roles as a government employee, national team cyclist, undergraduate student and paracycling coach, Mohammed is no stranger to ambitious challenges. The UAE team fielded its first and only paracycling athlete at Tokyo 2020, and Mohammed is now aiming to coach up to seven paracyclists to make it to Paris in 2024. At the same time, he enters the fourth year of his university studies, with the aim of graduating in the midst of the qualifying events calendar in 2022.

Reflecting on the recent games, Mohammed revealed, “We learnt a great deal from our time in Tokyo, both from the racing itself and also from the Paralympic experience as a whole. In particular, dealing with the challenges of fast-changing weather situations is something that will help us in our future training and race strategy. We were also able to learn a lot off the track from the previous Paralympians who were generous in sharing their knowledge and experience with us.”

An accomplished athlete himself, Mohammed has been cycling since 2000, when he was inspired by a member of his family to take up the sport. “It seemed that he was always away on exciting adventures, and I wanted to experience that,” Mohammed explained, “so I started cycling, recreationally at first, and then it turned into a passion, and I joined a club and began competing.” Starting out with domestic tours, Mohammed has gone on to race at local and international events across the UAE, Europe, and Asia with his club, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.

Driven by his passion for the sport, Mohammed began his coaching career in 2017 and following training and professional development in the field he became an official coach for the Dubai Club for People of Determination, which led him to his role at the Paralympics. As he starts work with the team to build up points in the 2024 qualifying events, Mohammed also has the important matter of his Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management to complete.

Speaking about how he juggles his studies with his work and coaching commitments, Mohammed said, “It’s a challenge of course, but the flexibility in the program and class timings have enabled me to do it all at the same time. In fact, it’s been very beneficial learning about the business aspects of sport, from HR and leadership to event and facilities management, as I can bring this to my work with the club.”

Mohammed is now looking forward to the challenges ahead and hoping that both 2022 and 2024 will be milestone years in his sporting career.