A rise in the level of original research conducted within the region has a critical role to play in the next stage of social and economic development in the Middle East, according to senior dignitaries and high level businesspeople gathered at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi last night.
At a reception for the British University in Dubai (BUiD) – the Middle East’s first research-based, postgraduate university – the successes of the university’s first year were highlighted and new opportunities for partnership and collaboration in Abu Dhabi were discussed.
The British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, HE Richard Makepeace, spoke at the event, saying: “The foundation of the British University in Dubai is one of the most exciting developments in the strong relationship between the UK and UAE that has occurred in recent years.”
“We now have an institution which can act as a meeting point for some of the finest minds in Arab and European education, which in turn can act as a spur for more original research.”
Statistics from the OECD suggest that public spending on original research and development represents less than 0.2 percent of GDP across the Middle East, compared to 1.9 percent in a country like the United Kingdom.
This “research gap” has been identified as one of the potential reasons why countries in the Arab world hold fewer original patents than their European counterparts, which in turn could be an economic barrier to growth and development.
The rise of institutions like the British University in Dubai, which conduct original research at the highest level, is seen as an important factor towards expanding the intellectual capital necessary to generate new patents and new innovations.
In addition, exploration into educational and social issues provides the chance to track some of the ongoing changes in Middle East societies. The University has already begun major research projects into speech development in sufferers from Down’s syndrome and the environmental design of buildings in the Middle East.
Since BUiD’s creation in 2004, the university has established strong links with key organisations in the UAE’s public and private sector. In 2005, organisations as diverse as Emirates Group, Atkins, and Dubai Duty Free, have supported the University in several ways including the creation of 55 new scholarships to encourage more eligible students to become involved in higher education.
“The strong support of major organisations across the region has been a key element behind the University’s success and features in its long-term plans for development. Their involvement helps underscore the relevance of study being undertaken at the university and ensures that is directly relevant to the region’s economy,” said BUiD’s Registrar and Acting CEO, David Lock, speaking at the reception.
Currently BUiD offers full and part time masters programmes in Project Management, Information Technology, Education, and Environmental Design of Buildings, all of which have been granted accreditation eligible status by the UAE Ministry of Education.
The University is also in discussion with the Ministry regarding the introduction of and MSc in Finance and Banking, and MSc in IT Management and PhDs.
As well as the degree courses, BUiD also regularly provides public lectures by staff and international visitors and provides special programmes of continuing professional development tailored to the needs of private and public sector organisations.
Photo Caption: Left to right: Dr. Habib Talhami, BUiD Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of Institute of Informatics; HE Richard Makepeace, British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates; David Lock, BUiD’s Registrar and Acting CEO; Dr Mohammed Dulaimi, BUiD Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Institute of Education.
About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and now the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK national Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, the Built Environment and Education. Subject to accreditation, a new Masters programme in Finance and Banking will be offered in January 2006.
All BUiD’s current Masters Programmes have received Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is managed by a provisional council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins and Dubai Duty Free are supporters of the university through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships.
