In what specific ways is Abu Dhabi University (ADU) successfully positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for leading educational opportunities? Our university has successfully positioned itself as a leader within the education sector through the opening of a world-class campus facility in Abu Dhabi. We have hired the best academic faculty and staff from around the world, because we believe that since we live in a multicultural society, and a student body, which consists of 35 different nationalities, it is important to represent the same within our system. We have secured alliances and affiliations with international universities and organizations, which provide us with support and allows us to keep up to date with what is going on elsewhere in the world, thus giving us the opportunity to ensure that we are providing the best resources and the best quality programs which are internationally benchmarked and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. We understand that not all students have the financial resources to fund higher education, and we believe that this reason should not inhibit the opportunities of a dedicated and skilled student; therefore we have introduced and awarded scholarships and “Sanabil” Financial Aid to 550 students. Additionally, we are able to offer invaluable internships at international organisations, and currently have done so for 350 students.
How many students do you currently have and what are your enrolment goals for the next several years?
Presently over 2000 students are enrolled on our campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. We are planning for the future needs of the UAE and we are also anticipating that enrolment will increase. As a result we are committing to a state of the art campus with a capacity of up to 10,000 students.
What elements are required to start a worldclass higher learning institution from scratch?
First and foremost it requires excellent leadership and vision and a dedicated team of professionals with excellent qualifications and world-class experience. Educational programs must cater for both the current and future needs of the country. Undoubtedly support for the local community is needed and last but not least …lots of hard work.
What partnerships with industry stakeholders has ADU fostered, and why?
We have an extensive internship program for our students and we have formed relationships with over 500 National and International companies. Eventually ADU graduates will have to integrate into the workforce and by gaining experience in the workplace, ADU students will be well prepared for the world of work. Additionally, through our future plans for research centres, we will be able to work alongside industry to help drive progress in the region.
On what basis did you choose your faculty? And why?
The ADU faculty have gained their PhD’s from premier universities in United States, UK, Canada and other English speaking countries that are considered amongst the best in the world. We choose our faculty members on the basis of their strong academic credentials, their fluency in English, and their passion for teaching. Since we use the American model of higher education, with English as the language of instruction, we must carefully select professors who enjoy the challenges of teaching in the Middle East, but with an appreciation for Western approaches to teaching and learning.
What other options were available previously in Abu Dhabi before the advent of ADU? Where did students generally go if they went abroad?
Before we opened, students in Abu Dhabi could attend the government institutions such as Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology, or various other colleges in Abu Dhabi and indeed other Emirates. Overseas, universities in America and the UK have traditionally attracted students from the UAE.
Will you focus on one or two areas of expertise, or is the goal to be a comprehensive post-secondary institution? We are a comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate institution offering a range of baccalaureate and master’s degrees based upon the American model of higher education.
What further innovations can be expected from ADU in the future? What post-graduate courses do you currently offer? What are in the pipeline?
We have recently opened a new world class campus in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi in September 2006. The Abu Dhabi University Academic village is expected to be a landmark facility in the region and will include student housing, research centres, teaching hospital, a mosque, a graduate centre, a K-12 school and state of the art sports facilities. The main educational building will cover a total area of 43,000 sqm and will include a 630-seat auditorium, 50 classrooms, separate outdoor sport facilities including a gymnasium, a football pitch, two tennis courts, two basketball and two volleyball courts. Space has also been allocated for further development of facilities in order to ensure the University meets the needs of students in years to come. Currently we offer 18 programs accredited by the UAE ministry of higher education with more to come in the near future.
What partnerships have you made with international universities and colleges for exchanges and cross-accreditation?
We have affiliations with many international universities and organizations. Through affiliations such as with HEC Paris, the Pennsylvania State University and Thunderbird, and the Garvin School of International Management we hope to increase the network of knowledge and opportunity for all our staff and students.
Despite your successes, what challenges does ADU face in making a name for itself and in marketing the institution to the ever-growing volumes of interested students?
The education market is extremely competitive and with new institutions entering all the time the students in the UAE have a lot of choice. UAE students will not compromise on the quality of their education and therefore ADU places the quality of education as its highest priority.
Please depict scenarios for the future?
We envision that ADU will grow to 10,000 students with a range of doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate degrees. Once the housing and other amenities have been completed on the new Khalifa City campus, we intend to expand our international student recruitment. We also intend to complete the process for International accreditation; add doctoral programs; develop a centre of excellence in many different disciplines, expand on the non-credit community service offerings; and develop additional campuses in other Emirates and other countries.