Does your university as a body have a commitment to meaningful education around the SDGs across the university?

CUD’s Sustainability in Action

Canadian University Dubai’s (CUD) proactive approach to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility is implemented through various eco-friendly initiatives and projects. The university is committed to research, with sustainability and climate change at the core of the mission to redefine the future. Sustainability principles are integrated into the academic curriculum, ensuring students are educated on the importance of environmental stewardship. CUD also collaborates with local organizations and participates in community events aimed at raising awareness about sustainability and climate change. Through these actions, CUD is cultivating a culture of sustainability within campus, adding value to the personal and professional lives of its graduates, and the communities it serves.

Universities Climate Network

Canadian University Dubai is a partner of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), hosted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UCN is a consortium of higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that are committed and united to empower youth collaborations in the international 28th Conference of Parties (COP28). At COP28, CUD will actively participate in dialogues and showcase contributions at the event.

From November 30th, 2023, to December 12th, 2023, the UAE will host COP28 at Expo City in Dubai, uniting nations across the globe in the quest for sustainable solutions. CUD is honoured to be a participating member of this network, aiming to positively contribute to some of the most significant sustainability challenges in our world.

CUD Ranks #1 in Dubai for the Sustainable Development Goal ‘Quality Education’

Quality Education: “Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

CUD, a Partner with UN PRME | Successfully Submitted its First Sustainability Report

CUD is a proud partner of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME), committed to sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility; aiming to empower a generation of change-makers. Together with UN PRME, CUD is shaping the future of business and management education.

CUD successfully submitted its first UN PRME report on Sustainability in the United Nations. This achievement marks a significant milestone in CUD’s commitment to sustainable practices. Speaking about the UN PRME report, CUD’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli said: “We will continue to contribute to the ongoing sustainable transformation in the dynamic city of Dubai, and globally, by working with PRME to advance innovative approaches to sustainable management in education.”

Canadian University Dubai launches new centre to lead on sustainable development

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has launched its new Innovation & Sustainability Centre with a raft of projects that aim to promote innovative approaches to sustainable economic growth. The new initiatives will support the university’s ambition to lead the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through higher education in the region.

Developed in collaboration with leading organizations across a range of sectors, the projects will tackle critical aspects of sustainable development in the context of higher education, from creating an energy-efficient campus to growing talent for the green economy. There will also be human-centred projects that support individuals across the university community to enhance their skills for sustainable professional development.

Among the first set of projects will be the WATER is LIFE initiative, conducted in partnership with a Norwegian company, Pure Blue Water. This international competition will enable students from the Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design to develop and showcase their skills in sustainable design. The initiative also provides participants with the opportunity to take part in a study tour to visit Scandinavian universities and explore water conservation efforts in Norway.

At its City Walk campus in Dubai, the University will be undertaking a number of projects to enhance the environmental sustainability of its physical infrastructure. In partnership with Etihad ESCO, a study will be conducted to assess optimal power-saving solutions, followed by retrofit works to install energy efficiencies, including solar panels, lighting, and MEP systems. The CUD Hub Building will also host two design and build projects, to establish a Sustainable Wellness & Healing facility and an Ergonomic Furniture Lab, to help promote workplace health and well-being.

Speaking about the plans, CUD President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli, said “The establishment of the Innovation & Sustainability Centre is part of our ongoing commitment to support the UAE Government’s strategies for business growth and climate action. Higher education has a vital role to play in promoting sustainable development, delivering research and education, nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship, and building on our partnerships will help us to make an even greater impact.

“The Centre will provide a hub for new and existing partnerships with industry, government, and our local communities. The aim is to amplify our own actions by supporting further knowledge exchange and innovation so that we can successfully and collectively promote economic development while protecting the environment.”

The Director of the new Centre, Prof. Albert Fakhoury, added, “The projects we have planned will provide excellent opportunities for CUD students to interact with industry and develop their employability skills in future growth sectors. One of the initiatives, Project Boomerang by CIAAD, will involve students working across international borders and time zones to complete an intercontinental innovation challenge. Unique global experiences like this, coupled with industry-relevant skills and exposure, will help CUD students to stand out in the professional world.”

The launch of the Centre follows the recent release of the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, which positioned CUD as Dubai’s top-performing university against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Faculty of Management webinar ‘Championing the Agenda for Sustainable Development: Youth for SDG’

Calling all Faculty of Management students to attend the FREE student webinar titled ‘Championing the Agenda for Sustainable Development: Youth for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)’ on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the ultimate blueprint to achieving a sustainable future for all. The SDGs touch upon pressing topics such as inequality, climate change, poverty and more through their 17 goals that are intertwined with each other.

Organized by Pearl Initiative in collaboration with AIESEC, this webinar will help you discover the role of youth in effectively implementing the SDGs framework in your future careers and in contribution to building a sustainable society.

Learn how the youth of today have a responsibility to demonstrate their leadership, organization, advocacy and determination in order to achieve the ambitious SDGs by 2030!

Webinar speaker: Simarna Singh, Chief Sustainability and Impact Officer, Coco Veda

Click here to register

We look forward to your participation!

CUD Student featured on Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute talk show 

Thursday, April 22, 2021: Layla Khawatmi, senior Environmental Health Management student, Canadian University Dubai, was invited by Dr. Rashed Karkain, Founder, Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute, and Professor, Canadian University Dubai, to be a guest on his talk show “Young Environmental and Sustainability Leaders.”

Speaking to her environmental and sustainability achievements, Ms. Khawatmi shared her success in the community and her involvement with voluntary activities, academics, and innovation. Part of her discussion with Dr. Karkain also touched on how youth have become more conscious, more caring, and more concerned about protecting their environment to ensure the sustainability of public health.

Ms. Khawatmi originally enrolled at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) to learn more about food safety when she took courses that touched on water treatment, air pollution, and waste management. These courses broadened her horizons and opened her eyes to what she didn’t know, pushing her further into the direction of wanting to help the planet.

CUD offers over 30 programs in a variety of industries that introduce students to a wide range of disciplines. The Bachelor of Environmental Health Management prepares students for the technical and professional demands of careers in the field of Environment, Human Health, Safety, Healthcare Institutions, and Research. It also gives students the chance to be actively involved within their communities, through the planning and execution of environmental and health projects.

When asked about what advice she has to offer future leaders, Ms. Khawatmi said: “Never stop at one thing. Even if you have an idea, always try to improve it. Always try to seek advice from people with more knowledge to enhance it and achieve more. Reach for the sky.”

About Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute

Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute offers quality all-round education and knowledge via training programs both as synchronous and asynchronous; as well as workshops to individuals and employees of both private and public sectors in addition to scholars, researchers, and students from varied backgrounds. The organization operates under the umbrella of Dubai’s SME, as part of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s Program and is licensed by Dubai’s Economic Development Department and approved by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

About Canadian University Dubai

Canadian University Dubai, established in 2006, is a higher academic intuition located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ranked 42nd overall in the Arab region and 9th in the UAE (according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings), CUD offers a broad range of academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels based on the Canadian curriculum and serves as a gateway for students to pursue higher education, research, and employment opportunities in Canada.

CUD Expert Contributes to Sustainable Campuses Debate

February 12th, 2015: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) lecturer, Mr. Ryan Sisson, joined a panel of leading local and international experts to discuss sustainable development in higher education at the UAE’s first Sustainable Campus Initiative conference, hosted by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD).

The inaugural conference set out to establish a platform for debate, exchange of ideas, and transfer of international best practices on sustainable development measures in the higher education sector. It heard from international experts from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, who shared their experiences of sustainable campus principles from across the globe.

With his experience of sustainable campus initiatives in Canadian higher education, and his campaign efforts on campus at CUD, Mr. Sisson was invited to join a panel of higher education practitioners to discuss the need for mainstreaming sustainability across universities and colleges in the UAE.

Alongside other experts from UAE universities, Mr. Sisson gave his insights into what sustainable campuses in the country might look like, and spoke about the values, policies and competencies that would be required to develop and operate a sustainable higher education organization.

The Sustainable Campus Initiative was launched by EAD in November 2014 to encourage university students, educators and administrators across the UAE to address conservation issues, develop sustainable initiatives, and establish effective policies to raise awareness and promote actions towards sustainable development.

CUD has been recognized among the leading higher education institutions in Dubai for sustainability measures, winning a DEWA Conservation Award in 2014. Mr. Sisson was also among a team representing the University at DEWA’s event to mark World Energy Day last year.

Speaking of his latest contribution to the sustainability debate, Mr. Sisson said, “As educators we have an important role to play in building the capacity of future generations, and this initiative has helped to position universities at the front line in terms of developing sustainable infrastructure and services, as well as teaching and learning.

“The conference was a valuable opportunity to reinforce our commitment to this agenda, and also to learn from international experts in the field, particularly on how we can develop initiatives that apply students’ environmental learning to positive measures on campus.”

CUD Architecture Graduate Wins Sustainable City Design Competition

October 19th, 2016: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) graduate, Mohamed Fayed, is among a team of graduates that has taken first place in a challenging design competition to conceptualize a sustainable community development in the UAE.

The competition, part of the AECOM UAE Professional Development Program, provided young professionals starting out in the industry with the opportunity to apply their learning to a real-world project. Mohamed and his team were tasked with creating an integrated, practical and innovative pre-concept level solution for Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City development, a project within the AECOM portfolio.

Coordinating with four other team members representing different roles within the design process, Mohamed took on the challenge of master planning the project, which was required to push the boundaries in social, economic and environmental development, while providing infrastructure to support 50,000 residents, 40,000 employees and 45,000 visitors.

In just three hours, each team had to develop a presentation to showcase their vision for the site, as well as their strategy for implementation. The teams also had to consider connectivity, both across the community and to other public transport hubs, as well as demonstrate how sustainability goals would be achieved.

Mohamed and his team drew upon traditional architectural features such as the wind tower and the courtyard system, using natural environmental elements to help promote sustainable living. Their design also took account of the climatic challenges and opportunities, proposing shading for streets and buildings, while capturing the sun’s natural energy through a solar park.

The team was awarded first place based on their innovation and attention to the brief, as well as the collaboration they demonstrated as a multi-disciplinary group in what was a challenging yet rewarding experience for the 2014 Bachelor of Architecture graduate.

Mohamed said, “The competition was a great learning experience, coordinating and collaborating with different disciplines, managing how we distributed the responsibilities and working out how to present a concept to judges from different disciplines.”

He continued, “Overall, the AECOM UAE Professional Development Program has proved to be an invaluable learning experience, with a world-leading firm. I have gained exposure to different areas such as landscape architecture, and benefited from a range of professional courses and mentoring that have improved my skills in both technical and business-related disciplines.”

Mohamed credits his CUD experience with preparing him for the challenges he has taken on and the successes he has achieved. He concluded, “My education at CUD was unique and provided me with a well-established architecture syllabus that consisted of a wide range of project experiences, from urban planning to landscape design, which gave me a great foundation on which to build my professional knowledge.

“My professors were instrumental in directing my learning and I particularly thank Dr. Hazim Al-Nijaidi, Dean of the School of Architecture & Design for supporting me through my post-graduate, as well as my educational years.”

Canadian University Dubai business students turn creative talents into new ventures

Business students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) are turning their creative talents into entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of a variety of unique, self-made products at the university’s market day events. Challenged to develop and grow a new business concept, students have combined their academic knowledge with their extracurricular endeavours to unveil innovations across a range of products and services, from sustainable fashion wear to organic aromatherapy.

Among the talented students sharing their creations is a 20 year-old marketing major, Ramsha Rehan. Following her passion for baking, Rehan has established Cayke&co, offering a variety of home-baked goods to local households. She revealed, “Being a student, it was difficult to choose a full-time activity and so I decided to go with baking cakes as I could get support from my parents.

“It has been a great experience, and as a result, I have decided to continue with the same activity with an organised setup. Most of the things I have learnt in my university studies have helped and guided me to make decisions, handle certain situations and deal with customers. I’m so glad for what I have gained in the past year and all the things I’ve learnt. This has genuinely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

“We are planning to diversify the products over time and make sure Cayke&co appeals to new clients. Most importantly, developing a franchise is the ambition for the future, so that it allows us to expand the market reach. I’m still learning so much about my work and myself that I’m humbled by how far I have to go,” Rehan added.

Also embarking on the entrepreneurial journey alongside her studies is 20 year-old accountancy and finance major, Riya Sawlani, founder of aromatherapy products business, Vaya & Co. She revealed, “Candle making was a hobby, I loved trying out new scents and designs, wanting to make different and natural candles to the ones we usually see in the market.

“Vaya means wow in Spanish and good energy in Sanskrit and is also a combination of my mom’s and dad’s names and that is where I drew my inspiration. My mom always encouraged me to embrace my creative flair whereas my dad has been my role model as an entrepreneur himself. Vaya & Co is unique because our candles are one-of-a-kind, they are hand-poured, customisable, organic and are completely safe to inhale, in contrast to some other candles we see in the market.

“I do hope to put Vaya on the map and diversify in the future from candles to flowers, to personalised gifting, with the ultimate aim to be a sustainable, organic and luxury brand that is everyone’s go to for their gifting and aromatherapy needs,” Sawlani concluded.

Exploring a different dimension of the sustainable market are 23 year-old international business major, Ahmad Aljasmi, and his co-founder and former CUD student, Abdallah Ahmed Baswaid. Together, Ahmad and Abdallah have established fashion brand, AQUIRD, which aims to increase sustainability in clothing production.

Aljasmi explained: “Both of us discovered an early passion for owning our own clothing brand and so we decided to take the step of investing our savings into launching AQUIRD. A little over eight months on we have customers of all ages, and the business has surpassed our expectations in terms of growth and value. Our long term goal is to produce all our clothes in sustainable fabrics, to expand and grow to build a successful international brand, and to give back to the community.”

Canadian University Dubai retains #1 QS ranking for third consecutive year

Institution also remains Dubai’s top university in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

August 17th, 2023, Dubai, UAE: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has been named the number one ranked higher education institution in Dubai for the third consecutive year in the recent QS World University Rankings for 2024. The institution also remains Dubai’s top university according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for 2023. Alongside the number one position in two of the world’s most renowned university rankings, CUD also retains its prestigious five-star status in the QS rating system, reflecting the institution’s excellence in broader metrics such as campus facilities, graduate employability, and social responsibility.

Maintaining the top position in the 2024 listing means that CUD has been recognized as Dubai’s number one university every year since it first entered the QS rankings system in 2022. This year, the institution made notable advancements in the diversity metrics, climbing to a global ranking of number four for international faculty ratio, and number five for international student ratio. In addition, the recent THE Impact Rankings position CUD as number one in Dubai and number three in the UAE for Quality Education.

Globally recognized among the most respected university rankings, QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) was the first worldwide system to have received International Ranking Expert Group approval. The 2024 listing marks the 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings and includes 1,500 institutions across 104 locations. This year’s assessment also introduced three new metrics relating to sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research networks.

Speaking about the recent ranking, University Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, said, “We are honoured to be recognized once again as the top-ranked university in Dubai. As a world-renowned education destination, this city offers an abundance of international study options, so we are extremely proud to uphold the first-class reputation of Canadian higher education with another number one position. This achievement acknowledges the outstanding dedication of our faculty and staff and the tremendous talent of our students and graduates in helping to build our global reputation for academic excellence set in an inspiring campus community.”   

In recognition of the university’s contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), CUD has also topped the listing of Dubai-based institutions in the THE Impact Rankings for 2023. It is the second year in a row that CUD has been named as the number one university in the ranking, which assesses universities’ contribution to all 17 SDGs across the core activities of teaching, research, outreach, and stewardship. According to THE, a record 1,705 universities from 115 locations were assessed this year.

CUD President and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli, remarked, “As we prepare the next generation of global citizens for the leadership challenges that lie ahead, we recognize our role in setting the standards for sustainable development practices. The top THE ranking is a testament to our academic and outreach endeavours, which create a positive impact in our local community, while also contributing to global sustainability goals.”

CUD Ranks #24 in the Arab Region & Receives 5 Stars | QS Arab Region University Rankings

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From left to right: Dr. Mohammed Djeddi, Vice President of Academic Affairs, CUD; Prof Dr Amr Ezzat Salam, the Secretary General at the Association of Arab Universities; Prof. Karim Chelli, President & Vice-Chancellor, CUD; Mr Jason Newman, the COO (Chief Commercial Officer) QS; Dr. John Newark, Executive Vice President, CUD.

The ‘Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Arab Region University Rankings of 2023, World University Rankings Award’ was celebrated onboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai, UAE on October 19, 2022. Canadian University Dubai (CUD) was honoured to host this event for the Arab Region, under the patronage of QS.

CUD Ranks #24 in the Arab Region & Receives 5 Stars

(QS Arab Region University Rankings of 2023)

Representing CUD, Prof. Karim Chelli (President & Vice-Chancellor) together with Dr. John Newark (Executive Vice President) and Dr. Mohammed Djeddi, (Vice President of Academic Affairs) received the awards.

“QS ranking demonstrates our collective commitment to the region’s educational system, connecting the Arab region with the rest of the world.” Prof. Karim Chelli (President & Vice-Chancellor, CUD).

This momentous and spectacular event was attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests, showcasing 200 universities from across 18 Arab league countries – cherished with esteemed institutions and remarkable pioneering champions who are inspiring minds and transforming lives for the better.

Dr. John Newark (Executive Vice President, CUD) expressed his insights into higher education. “University and institution learning programs are designed to develop and shape the youth for the future – to equip, provide and prepare them holistically, to enter the world with bold ambitions, to become specialists in their area of expertise, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Education is a vital cornerstone within our developing world, for the advancement of our societies. Universities work to provide an inclusive and enriching student experience, with academia excellence, a vibrant student life, and world-class faculty – demonstrating a commitment to higher education – the bridge to preparing generations of learners to lead industries across the globe.

Education has evolved substantially in this part of the world. The spirit of higher educational experiences in the Arab Region cultivates and promotes perspectives in learning, research, and application – grounded in appreciation and respect for diverse cultures and values.

This is only the beginning of the advancement of higher learning within the Arab Region and globally. I encourage and urge us all to continue to innovate and deliver initiatives that will help to develop an esteemed level of higher education – together leaving a global footprint.”

It was an honour for CUD to host this event for the Arab Region, in collaboration with the patronage of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Canadian University Dubai earns accreditation from KSA Ministry of Education

Dubai, UAE: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has secured formal accreditation for its degree programs from the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, building on its existing portfolio of international academic credentials.

The accreditation affirms that CUD programs align with the Ministry’s standards and requirements for academic equivalency. As an accredited institution, students graduating from any bachelor’s or master’s degree program at CUD will be able to have their degrees recognized in the Kingdom. This recognition will be hugely beneficial for fresh graduates entering the KSA job market as well as working professionals looking to advance their career in their home nation.

Speaking about the achievement, CUD Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, said “It is a privilege for the University to achieve this recognition at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is accelerating strategic initiatives to diversify its economy as it builds towards Vision 2030. We thank the Ministry for its support in this process and look forward to adding value to its vision, by contributing to the education and professional development of Saudi nationals.”

CUD President and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli, remarked, “This is an important milestone in the University’s agenda to broaden our international collaborations and to help promote growth in the regional knowledge economy. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven programs and practices, CUD is dedicated to making a significant contribution towards building the skills and professional capacity to match the region’s increasingly diverse and dynamic jobs market.”

CUD alumna, Marwa Al Rammal, who graduated from the University with a BBA in Accounting and Finance and an MBA in Finance commented, “As a Saudi national, I am very proud to hear about the University’s accreditation from the Ministry of Education. It is a great achievement and a wonderful opportunity for Saudi students and graduates from CUD to pursue their careers at home in KSA.”

The accreditation from the KSA Ministry of Education applies to each of the 40+ degree concentrations offered at CUD and builds on the University’s extensive portfolio of regional and global collaborations. In addition to its suit of formal transfer agreements with universities in Canada, CUD has academic partnerships with institutions across five continents, allowing student to gain an international academic experience while earning a UAE, and now also KSA, Ministry accredited degree.