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| Dubai Internet City plans
to leverage the intellectual resources at neighboring
American University of Dubai to generate new
ventures. |
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority
and the American University in Dubai (AUD) are teaming
up in a bid to blend academic excellence with practical
industry expertise. The move is based on the successful
model in the United States, where companies and
leading business schools have forged successful
commercial partnerships and created profitable business
units.
Under the Agreement, AUD will provide the Free Zone
(along with its entities Dubai Internet City, Dubai
Media City and Knowledge Village) with educational
and training services. In exchange, the Free Zone
has committed to providing the university with technology
services and expertise. The move comes under the directives
of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown
prince of Dubai and UAE minister of Defense.
Ahmad bin Byat, director general of the Free Zone
welcomed the new cooperation between the two institutions.
He said it was in line with His Highness’ vision
to enhance Dubai’s prominent position as the
knowledge economy hub of the region.
“Productive linkages between the industry and
educational institutions are one of the key drivers
of the knowledge economy,” said Mr. bin Byat.
“Through this agreement with the American University
in Dubai, we hope to promote more collaboration between
the academic world and the knowledge industry in the
UAE.”
Elias Bou Saab, executive vice-president of the American
University in Dubai, said the agreement fits well
with the university’s objective of continuous
development, not just academically but also administratively
and technologically. “This agreement will help
us broaden our relationship with the Dubai Technology
and Media Free Zone, which could, in the future, also
lead to collaboration with other Free Zone private
institutions,” he said. Mr. Bou Saab hoped that
this step would enhance the relationship between AUD
students and the professional world. |
