Dundee, Scotland: Many Emirati students have described the annual Academic Training Programme at Al Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, Scotland as being a ‘life-changing’ and ‘powerful’ experience.
A total of 61 girls representing a number of international universities in the UAE, Malaysia and Egypt successfully graduated from the course which promotes multiculturalism, diversity and leadership.
The graduation was held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and attended by Mirza Al Sayegh, vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the College, and Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui, the UAE Ambassador to the UK, among other dignitaries.
Since its inception in 2003, Al Maktoum Foundation has invested in young Arab women around the world and has become synonymous with an outstanding education programme that yields vast opportunities for the students.
“At events like these, I feel proud and privileged,” said Al Sayegh, who has worked relentlessly to implement Shaikh Hamdan’s vision to provide opportunities for Arab women.
“In an ever-globalised world, the links between universities, based on knowledge, understanding and clear thinking, are of continuing importance and urgency.
“Over the years, many students have said that the Dundee programme has totally changed them and transformed their personalities.”
Al Sayegh also noted that the multicultural course is successful thanks to the cooperation between the participating universities.
“We encourage you to realise your vision and potential along whatever career path you will each choose to follow, for it has been the aim of Al Maktoum College of Higher Education to create the conditions in which the young generation have the best chance of flourishing,” Al Sayegh added.
The Summer School study topics also included Scottish history and culture, globalisation, Muslim women and leadership, and a civilisational dialogue.
Third- and fourth-year students came from Abu Dhabi University; American University in Dubai; College of Islamic and Arabic Studies; Higher Colleges of Technology; British University in Dubai; University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur; Zayed University; Cairo University; American University of Sharjah; Hamdan Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance; UAE University; Abu Dhabi Police Academy; University of Sharjah; and Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University.
