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American University in the Emirates Graduation Presents its Students to the World.

American University in the Emirates Graduation Presents its Students to the World.

American University in the Emirates (AUE) has graduated over 800 students for its 5th and 6th commencement, graduation day, at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Center on 5 June, 2016, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Graduates were sitting eager to receive their graduation certificates after the reading theme was announced for the commencement and a show stopping graduation with a packed audience of family and friends had begun.

The ceremony included a powerful and moving speech by H.E Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, in which he congratulated AUE graduates on the vital step they had reached in life by noting that, “The University (AUE) is a great contributor to the development of the beloved United Arab Emirates (UAE).” He also stressed the importance of education by adding, “Learning and teaching is in the hands of the country and its people.”

AUE Professors, Doctors and Instructors were sitting beside their students on a stage design of skyscraper books and wooden Islamic engravings. AUE President and CEO, Professor Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, who is well loved by his students, was in an emotional mood to see graduates start on a new leaf in life. While the AUE provost, Professor Nabeel Jurdi, who has greatly contributed to the unique programs at AUE, said of the memorable day, “It is my pleasure to see this number of students graduate. Graduation day is a once in a lifetime experience for both students and educators.

Boasting six colleges of Media and Mass Communication (CMMC), Computer Information Technology (CCIT), Business Administration (COBA), Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), Education (CEDU) and Law (CLAW) and with various undergraduate and graduate programs and specializations, some even unique to the region, AUE showcased a strong foundation for graduates to spring from and use throughout their future achievements. Dr Arafat Al Naim, Dean of CFAD, said of the triumphant day, “For an educator, today is a day of harvest, where all efforts come to a fruitful end. We are happy to see an extension of ourselves in our students.

AUE graduates were treated to a special speech by H.E. Sarah Amiri, Head of the UAE Council of Scientists, who reminded them not to limit themselves and to always try to shock themselves in order to reach new heights.

A shock surprise was in store for the graduation day with an uplifting performance of AUE and UAE flag waving with bursts of fireworks symbolizing the strength gained by being a graduate of such a forward thinking university in the hub of innovation like the UAE.

Graduation day has been an anticipated day for AUE as it strives to build new ways of learning and teaching and educating everyone that nothing is impossible.

American University in the Emirates Supports Mohammed El Husseiny’s Attempt to Cross the English Channel in 2017

American university in Cairo visit American university in the Emirates to sign a new MOU.

President and CEO of AUE, Provost prof Nabeel Jurdi and Dr Fadhallah of the Masters in Sports Law have agreed to join the two American universities in a partnership which will see an exchange of students, faculty and programs greatly benefitting the development and structure of both universities and education in the two counties as a whole.

AUC Provost, Dr Sherif Sedky spoke to AUE about how to attract more students to the universities and about future educational conferences that both universities can participate in. In addition, both parties discussed creating new training courses that will place a new platform for the universities in both Dubai and Cairo, focusing on tailored training that suit the regions and help further trainee’s skills access internationally.

Professor Muthanna spoke about the importance of the logistical side of sports programs, highlighting AUE’s unique Masters in Sports Law, which is the only one of its kind in the region, and he further emphasised how sports is a unification of countries and could be a great stepping stone for AUE and AUC.

A vital outcome of this Memorandum of Understating will see the creation of conjoined and dual degrees where AUE and AUC students will have the chance to partly study in both universities, resulting in fruitful education.

American University in the Emirates Supports Mohammed El Husseiny’s Attempt to Cross the English Channel in 2017

American University in the Emirates Supports Mohammed El Husseiny’s Attempt to Cross the English Channel in 2017

Mohammed El Husseiny is a young man who has always strived in life to excel above his immediate capabilities. An 18-year-old from the ancient Nile he carries with him the sense of relationship Egypt has with the waters.
El Husseiny has Down Syndrome but that is not stopping him from embarking on a challenge to cross the English Channel in 2017, not letting anything get in his way of this remarkable task and the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is helping him reach his life goal.

A passionate champion swimmer from an early age, with the help of his coaches from the Stroke for Egypt Academy (SFEA), El Husseiny has competed in three international contests for swimming organized by SFEA in Hurghada, Egypt.

SFEA is a swimming association established by two champion swimmers who have made waves in their home country of Egypt by breaking records and winning various championships. Captain Khaled Shalaby, El Husseiny’s coach and despite carrying a birth disability of having only one arm, was the first special needs swimmer to cross the English Channel becoming the winner of the World Special Needs Championships in 1983, amongst other impressive wins. Captain Sherwitte Hafez, Chairman of SFEA and a master Olympic swimmer, represented Egypt in the 1984 Los Angeles 24th Olympiad, as well as winning the gold medal in the 4th All Africa Games in 1987, amongst other great wins.

With the backing support of AUE, SFEA will be preparing El Husseiny to cross the English Channel through a yearlong rigorous training program, which will see him break another world record such as that of his coach.

AUE is well accustomed to not only believing yet also implementing its unique motto of “Nothing is Impossible” and that is why they will be there to support El Husseiny from shore to shore, empowering him to reach new heights in his career as a champion of the waters. President and CEO of AUE, Professor Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq also encourages leadership in all forms and says of the impressive initiative, “AUE is a place where dreams come true and we work to graduate leaders, that is why I am proud to support such a brave and hardworking person like Mohammed El Husseiny.”

The English Channel is a 36km swim from the South of England to the North of France and the task of completing the swim has been yearly undertaken from participants worldwide since 1875.

The American University in the Emirates Awards 15 Full Scholarships.

American University in the Emirates Establishes Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC)

As part of the UAE National Innovation Strategy American University in the Emirates (AUE) has announced the opening of its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) in April, which is set to adhere to UAE’s aim of making it the most innovative nations in the world.

Equipped with the latest technology of 3D printers and 3D cinema software such as the Maxon 4D Training Course, the only one of its kind in the GCC region, the IEC at AUE aims to graduate leaders with high employability focusing on creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
The Maxon 4D Training Course, which will soon be available to all, will offer both beginners and product switchers a comprehensive and in-depth introduction into the basics of 3D visualization and animation. With 19 sub-courses to complete the training, students will be able to come away with enough knowledge needed to bring all their audiovisual imaginations to life.

The IEC is also attempting to provide in-depth and high quality study, practice, research and teaching in design. It will benefit all students but more specifically students from both the College of Fine Arts and Design and the College of Media and Mass Communication.

With Dubai Film Festival’s continuous support of GCC and MENA filmmakers and its secured position as one of the leading film festivals in the world attracting unprecedented international attention, AUE’s IEC is set to ensure greater standards in graphic, animation and visual design communication in the UAE and the wider GGC region, while providing high quality training that continues to be passed on at all levels of design education and practice.

The American University in the Emirates Awards 15 Full Scholarships.

The American University in the Emirates Awards 15 Full Scholarships.

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) announces the lucky winners of the new full bachelor’s scholarships.

15 full scholarships for undergraduate programs at AUE have been awarded to the most excelling students, who will be studying across AUE’s six colleges.

The scholarships will give 15 bright students the chance to study for a full American bachelor’s in the UAE. AUE’s six colleges include programs unique to the GCC and Middle East.

AUE President & CEO, Professor Muthanna Abdul Razzaq, has always believed in an education for all, “These scholarships are going to be one of the most significant moments in their lives. I wish all 15 students a prosperous AUE experience.”

The scholarship winners will start studying in the fall semester, 2016-2017, which marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of AUE. Since opening, the university has grown to include more than 100 faculty members from all over the world.

The announcements of the students who have been awarded scholarships also fell on the last day of the university’s Open Days; a three-day event that gives new students starting university in September a full experience of their studies at AUE.

Situated in the heart of the business world in the Middle East, the American University in the Emirates has centralized the growing demand for highly educated and skilled professionals in a competitive and changing market, both regionally and internationally. In 2017, the university plans to open a College of Equine Studies with master’s and bachelor’s degrees, the first of its kind in the UAE.

AUE Hosts First Aid Training for Swimming.

AUE Hosts First Aid Training for Swimming.

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) has hosted a four-day training course for basic first aid for swimming and watersports, Star Swim Coach – UAE.

Starfish Aquatics Institute and the American Safety and Health Institute offered a comprehensive program that seeks to produce safer waterparks, swimming pools and beachfronts. Both institutes have globally developed stronger standards and they have shared their valuable experience at AUE. Professional Sports and Lifeguard Services have been the organizer of the full training.

Dubai is a top destination for beachgoers and various water sports are popularly encouraged, making this training essential to those swimming for pleasure or training for a professional medal, as well as organizations wanting to improve their facilities. More than 70 people attended the extensive training program which was led by Lake White, the Quality Assurance and Improvement Director for the Starfish Aquatics Institute, who travels the world to train lifeguards and provide on-site risk management and safety assessments. Also in attendance were Director of Sports Tourism at the Dubai Sports Council, Mr. Ghazi Al Madani, Technical Specialist of the UAE National Olympic Committee, Mr. Ramzi Battaieb, Vice President of the Arab Committee for Diving and Safeguard, Mr. Abeed Al Kaabi, former national swimmer, Mr. Khuwaiter Aldhahiri and Managing Director of the Emerging Center in Sharjah, Mr. Shihab Aloudhi.

Attendees of the training program are being trained in aquatic risk management systems, water safety initiatives and litigation support. They will also receive an international license and certification approved by the UAE Swimming Federation.President and CEO of AUE, Professor Muthanna Abdul Razzaq explained his honor of being involved, “AUE always strives to create community engagement through different event, training programs and workshops.”

While presenting the training, Professor Ali Samaka, of the College of Law at AUE, said, “Water sports are a big part of the UAE and that is why an international training program is vital for keeping standards high and current.” Professor Samaka teaches the MA in Sports Law program at AUE, which is a unique degree in the GCC and MENA.

The UAE will be hosting the 2020 FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships and AUE is working hard to make a mark on its contribution.

AUE CET Students Win First and Second Prize at the Emirates Transport Hackathon

AUE CET Students Win First and Second Prize at the Emirates Transport Hackathon

In association with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Innovation Week 2015, Emirates Transport (ET) conducted a national Hackathon competition involving all UAE Information Technology university students.

In a bid to develop skills and highlight their strength in programming and software development UAE university students were tasked to develop a computer application that would benefit the growth of society within a limited eight hours.

Steering the two winning groups, Light Bulbs and Richi, Dr. Ahmad Noufal and Mr. Jamal Diab of the College of Engineering and Technology (CET), prepared and supervised their students for a path to success. Professor Sameh Ghawanmeh, Dean of CET, was able to show the strength of his program at AUE through his students’ creative innovations. He said, ‘I’d like to thank ET on behalf of AUE. We would like to add that 50 percent of our Bachelor degree involves practical hands-on work; a new concept within CET that we are very thankful has been recognized.’

First prize winners, Light Bulbs, with leading and exceptional students, Arooshay Imran, Marwa Ali and  Khadija Hashim developed Carish, an application they planned, documented, designed and presented to help manage carwashes more effectively by including an interactive tablet device embedded within the cleaning machine which tracks requests and links customers with staff and staff with their management teams, thus, providing a clean cut service. Humbly, the Light Bulbs team were shocked of the recognition of their application. Arooshay Imran exclaimed, ‘It was a remarkable outcome and more than we expected.’
Runners up in second place were also proudly AUE students Firas Darwish and Yazen Al Dawoodi of the Richi team. Nadhifni (translated to ‘Clean Me’) was their android application designed to make life simpler for drivers wanting their car washed with a basic mechanism that required the shake of one’s smart phone to locate the nearest carwash center.

After handing out both prizes of 20 thousand dirham and 10 thousand dirham within the commemoration ceremony, ET General Manager, Mohammed Abdullah Al Jarman, added, ‘The aim of the competition was to discover fresh hands-on ideas. We would like to invite you again to continue this great initiative that distinguishes such passionate students as it is our duty to encourage innovation to young people.’

With such distinguished efforts being recognized nationally by a prestigious body the moral of the whole department has been lifted and stimulated to continue creating renowned work. The ET Hackathon awards are a great achievement on behalf the CET department illustrating the high standard of teaching that can add value to the UAE society and create AUE graduates whom are leaders in their fields.

AUE Honored at the Rashid Hospital Awards Ceremony

AUE Honored at the Rashid Hospital Awards Ceremony

The Psychiatry Department at Rashid Hospital has held its 6th annual awards ceremony of the Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2015 and honored the American University in the Emirates (AUE).

AUE has a long standing relationship with Rashid Hospital with several collaborations that have been recognized in the past few years. Dr. Emad Shahrouri of the College of Education (CEDU) steered the most recent initiative through the Psychology program at AUE.

One of the collaborations involved students participating with Rashid Hospital’s Psychiatry Department headed by Consultant Dr. Alya Hamad Al Merri. Several students, including honored students Walid Musa Ibrahim and the late Rashed Duwaya Ahli, took part in a walkathon for awareness on mental health to support an end to the social stigma surrounding the subject and its sufferers, as well as several seminars where students and faculty were able to delve into the Psychiatry Department to learn and be inspired by its efforts.

Studying a Minor in Psychology and a Major in Business Management, Walid Musa Ibrahim explained that, ‘Although one might think that the two subjects are unrelated, I felt it was important to interlink Psychology into Business as many aspects, such as, body language, an understanding of your audience’s psyche and being empathetic towards their concerns is learnt through the help of my Minor.’

According to the World Health Organization over 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide, without prejudice to age. This make depression the leading global cause of disability. Therefore, campaigns on mental health can change the perception and mindset towards mental disabilities, showing the true face of psychiatric help in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In her keynote speech, Dr. Samia Abul, a Consultant at the Psychiatry Department at Rashid Hospital, stressed the importance of the Mental Health Campaign, stating, ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’

AUE has built itself as an advocate of modern education where it encourages a focus on topics and subjects that are often overlooked yet pay an enormous and significant position within the construction of the future of UAE. Hence, AUE will continue to distinguish itself and its students through these vital developments creating a society built on understanding and a strong foundation of higher education.

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AUE Holds Seminars on Cancer to Create National Discourse.

AUE Holds Seminars on Cancer to Create National Discourse.

In honor of Gulf Cancer Week and World Cancer Day, the American University in the Emirates has conducted a trilogy of seminars to raise awareness on the causes and preventions of cancer in order to change attitudes in the UAE.

With cancer being the third leading cause of death in the UAE following heart disease and accidents and the percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UAE being similar to the global average, AUE knew it was time to take some serious action.

The first day kicked off with a seminar by Dr. Jazla Fadda on ‘Healthy Lifestyle Choices’ where attendees were able to learn some shocking facts that pushed them into gear to make new and conscious decisions to change their everyday habits.
Dr. Jazla Fadda revealed that at the rate of cancer cases today it is globally estimated that there will be 15 million cases by 2020 and it is only through consideration of the effects of our environment and lifestyle choices can we beat this worrying statistic. She continued to say, “The most important aspect was to be physically active, allowing oxygen into your body, and having a balanced diet void of processed food”.

Joining her on the day was Ms. Raashi Sadana, who delved into orchestrating positive energy through the Chinese environmental philosophical system, Feng Shui. She noted well that, “There is energy in everything and if the energy is wrong the effect will be adverse”. With so many aspects of modern life effecting our wellbeing Feng Shui brings 3500 year-old tactics that are easily adaptable today.

Dr. Jazla Fadda returned for the second day seminar on ‘Tobacco Facts and Epidemiological Figures’ where AUE faculty, staff and students learned of not only all the disturbing components of a cigarette, that clearly have no place in our body, but of facts that had attendees gasping for eternal fresh air. What was more distressing is the connection of cancer to Shisha smoking, a prevalent trend in the UAE, which due to its water element worsens your chances of avoiding cancer diagnosis much more than through cigarette smoking.

Smoking is the top reason for cancer diagnosis worldwide and causes 12% of noncancerous deaths. That is why AUE welcomed Dr. Amna Hasan Shalash for her ‘Quit Smoking Tips’ seminar which exposed that quitting smoking is difficult not primarily because of a lack of will power, yet the pressures of advertising along with the lack of taxation on cigarettes preludes an absence of formal education and communication on the subject.

To finish off, AUE’s final seminar day had the presence of clinical dietician and TV personality Dr. Dana Al-Hamwi. On this day audience were taught the benefits of a healthy diet through including anti-oxidants and avoiding processed foods and meats. In an American study revealed that vegetarians are 40 percent less likely to develop cancer. This brought an active debate on what constitutes a healthy meal, where some of the audience were able to learn of simple ways to alter their dishes to add the much needed vitamins and nutrients.

At the end of the three day seminar all audiences were able to come away with something new that they had learned and hence were able to pass on a new message to their peers, loved ones and anyone they meet, as cancer is unprejudiced to anyone, that a healthy diet plays a large role in determining your wellbeing.

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President of Vojvodina, H.E. Igor Mirovic, Visits AUE.

President of Vojvodina, H.E. Igor Mirovic, Visits AUE.

President of the provincial government of Vojvodina, H.E. Igor Mirovic, visited AUE to talk about the autonomous region in Serbia and also discussed leadership, regional development and international cooperation.

On an official state visit to the UAE, highlighted the importance of cooperation in education with the UAE, which he believes will aid in the expansion of relationship between the two countries.

“Good cooperation between the two countries in education is a good step towards the advancement to the next level,” He told AUE faculty members and students during his dedicated seminar at the University.

H.E. Mirovic revealed to the AUE President and CEO, Professor Muthanna Abdul Razzaq, that he had strong feelings about the view and vision of the world the youth had and that adopting it will see positive changes.

Professor Abdul Razzaq welcomed H.E. Mirovic’s strategic cooperation between Vojvodina’s leading universities and the AUE, explaining that the initial plans “Were very encouraging.”

AUE has students from over 25 countries and sees any international cooperation as a vital step forward in understanding the needs of students to further develop a learning environment for all who want to achieve academically.

“I think the UAE is one of the rare countries in the world where people live in harmony; it is such a unique way,” added H.E. Mirovic.

As a first step, discussions arose on a possible collaboration with the University of Novi Sad, which has specializations in technical science, biotechnology, law, economics, medicine and arts.

28^th November, 2016.