Dubai International Academic City welcomes students for new academic year

Week of Welcome, an annual signature event hosted by Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) to mark the beginning of a fresh academic year, opened to an enthusiastic response from new and existing students across 27 universities based at the academic free zone.

Organised by DIAC’s Student Hub, Week of Welcome (referred to as WOW) is a perfect platform for students to interact and gain insight into campus life. The students are particularly familiarised with the activities and facilities offered by the Student Hub. Information on relevant local regulations and cultural sensitivities is also shared during the event.

The programme that kicked off on 2 October will continue until 6 October. Day-one opened with a two-hour orientation session that shed light on the cultural offerings of the UAE as well as the code of conduct prescribed to DIAC students.

Ibrahim Jamel, Director of Operations, Education Cluster, TECOM Investments, and Nasif Kayed, General Manager, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), welcomed the students to the event that is set to roll out a series of recreational activities through the week.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Education Cluster – TECOM Investments, said: “Week of Welcome is a unique initiative by DIAC that encourages students to explore their creative side. It serves as an ideal platform for students from different backgrounds with diverse interests to come together to share knowledge, thoughts and ideas and enhance their overall student experience. I wish the new joiners every success at DIAC and congratulate the Student Hub for their flawless preparation to successfully host the Week of Welcome.”

Nasif Kayed, General Manager, SMCCU, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Week of Welcome. DIAC and SMCCU see the value in helping new students understand the culture and people of the UAE. As part of this objective, we are hosting cultural awareness presentations in a traditional tent to educate and exercise our ‘Freedom to Ask’ mission along with our ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ philosophy. We encourage students to ask questions and learn about the environment that surrounds them as they make the UAE and in particular Dubai their new home.”

In addition to sporting events, dance performances, comedy shows and movie screenings, inter-student challenges such as ‘DIAC’s Got Talent’ and ‘Mind Exceptions’ are also being featured at WOW to encourage team spirit.

Vivek Parpia, second year student at Heriot-Watt University, studying BA in Accountancy and Finance, said: “I have been closely involved with the DIAC Student Hub to organize the event, right from putting up posters to coordinating with student representatives from various universities. I was well guided by the team every step of the way and have no doubt that this has provided me with the right platform to bring out my creative side and prepare myself for the opportunities that await me outside university life. I also feel fortunate to be a part of the DIAC campus that has made available excellent facilities for students such as the recreation room and food court to help strike an ideal work-play balance.”

Shahla Saad, first year student studying BA in Tourism Management at the newly opened Amity University campus at DIAC, said: “I am excited about my first year at Amity University.  The faculty has been really friendly and their guidance has helped us feel instantly at ease.”

As a key component of DIAC, the Student Hub periodically organises a series of sporting, social and community initiatives. It works to enhance the overall campus experience through shaping a vibrant environment and hosting a range of virtual and on-ground events. Additionally, it offers counselling for internships and career placement opportunities. Personal development seminars and workshops are also permanent calendar events at DIAC.

DIAC students enjoy additional benefits such as the Jawaz card, a unique student ID and lifestyle card that offers a wide range of deals and discounts at over 600 retail outlets across the UAE.

Organised by Beyond Borders, Week of Welcome 2011 is sponsored by Head and Shoulders and co-sponsored by Gillette.