Learn today, lead tomorrow

On the 20th anniversary of Dubai Men's College, students speak with pride about the education they are receiving which will help them contribute to the progress of their nation. Rania Moussly reports.

Dubai Men's College (DMC) opened its doors at temporary premises near Dubai Airport in 1989 with just 95 students. The facility consisted of nine classrooms, two computer labs and electronics, physics and civil engineering laboratories.

Twenty years later, DMC - part of the Higher Colleges of Technology- has grown to host state-of-the-art facilities, counting public and government leaders among its 5,217 graduates.

For the 2008-09 academic year, 1,900 students are enrolled on its campus in Dubai International Academic City.

The institution offers a first-class education with a choice of 30 programmes taught by a faculty of 200 representing 20 nationalities. It is set to launch its Executive MBA programme this year.

DMC celebrated its 20th birthday last week under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). A humongous carrot cake, competitions, karaoke, student programmes, gaming activities, a football match and dinner marked the day. A graduation ceremony for the class of 2007-08 was also held.

"For those of us who witnessed the birth of this college& [this occasion] engenders in us a sense of pride in our past accomplishments and strengthens our faith in a bright and prosperous future," said Shaikh Nahyan in his address to an audience comprising Dr Tayeb Kamali, HCT Vice-Chancellor, corporate sponsors, alumni, staff, students and parents. "This college is working hard to give students the very best training and education possible so they are equipped to meet the needs of this nation," he said.

"If we look at where our graduates are now, they are contributing to the running of the country," Dr Robert Richards, Senior Director of DMC, told Notes. He said the success of the alumni helps DMC stay connected to the community, helping the institute stay relevant and current with the programmes it offers.

"We prepare people for the world of work and help them play a meaningful role in the development of the nation," said Richards.

Omar Mohammad Ali, 18, visited DMC on its 20th birthday to take a look around and see what is on offer. He is currently studying for a diploma in science and engineering at the Institute of Applied Technology in Ras Al Khaimah and hopes to enrol for the aviation programme offered at DMC when he graduates next year.

"The history is important for any university and country. I'd feel proud to join a college that has 20 years of established history behind it," said Ali.

"This has become like my second home," said Ahmad Khalid Ahli. Age 20, he is in his second year of civil engineering and very proud of the achievements of his college and nation. Pointing to his paintings on display, he told Notes of the desire most students at DMC have to learn and express their ideas. "Most students here have more than just academic interests. We have hobbies, and painting is mine."

Speaking about the opportunities available at the college, Ahli gave the example of the establishment of student clubs - specifically the art club, of which he is a member. "The college helps us not just in our studies but our hobbies too," he said.

Ahli said he hopes a shaded car park will be built on campus in the near future.

Ahmad Khoury, 19, is in his second year of general business at DMC. "It's my third year here and I can see the development in the methods of teaching and facilities available," he said.

Before specialising in business Khoury, like most students at DMC, enrolled for the one-year foundation course to learn and improve his English.

"I didn't know much English and in one year I learnt it well& the way the teachers deal with students makes us want to learn," said Khoury.

Partnership and progress

At the anniversary ceremony, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, signed a cooperation agreement with Engineer Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

The municipality agreed to contribute Dh1.5 million to the HCT over three years. The memorandum of understanding will ensure cooperation between the organisations in areas of common interest such as academic qualifications and specialised training of human resources.