Abu Dhabi, UAE: Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, and Adrian Kearney, Regional Director of IB in Africa, Europe and Middle East, inaugurated the UAE Higher Education Forum yesterday (Tuesday) at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi campus.
The one-day event, which is held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, brought together government officials, universities, and schools to network and discuss issues pertinent to the transition from IB programs to higher education.
At the outset of the event, Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, gave a keynote speech and said: “It gives me a great pleasure to address this international gathering of experts, educational leaders, decision makers, and practitioners from schools, universities, and governments to discuss issues pertinent to the transition from IB programs to higher education and develop collaboration ideas on preparing students for the future.
While we do this, kindly join me in extending our appreciation to Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi for acting as the patron for the UAE Higher Education Forum at Zayed University.”
In his address on the occasion, Professor AlMehaideb said, “We, at Zayed University, are very much pleased to welcome and acknowledge the International Baccalaureate program and schools, and we recognize the rigorous and high quality education that the IB students receive, along with the professional development provided to educators and students that improves pedagogy and leadership.
Zayed University attracts students from different types of curricula, but we are especially keen to attract the high-achieving IB graduates and consider them some of our most accomplished.”
He also pointed out in his address that Zayed University has always been committed to provide a high quality education and to establish a cutting-edge educational environment that promotes innovation and prepares qualified graduates-able to contribute to the development of their society, who are productive, empowered with critical thinking skills, and are open to the world around them.”
Addressing attendees from schools, universities, and government entities, AlMehaideb emphasized, “As we meet today, we renew the long-term commitment and the fruitful partnership between higher education institutions and the IB schools, providing our students, who are the focus of our operations, a clear path forward in their educational journey.”
The event also saw a keynote address by Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief, Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD) at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of the Emirate of Dubai.
A session was dedicated for IB graduates, who narrated their success stories and explained how the IB prepared them for life beyond the classroom.
Additionally, Queen Rania Teacher Academy, King’s College London, New York University Abu Dhabi, American University of Beirut, and Zayed University participated in a session, where they discussed ways to prepare universities, students, as well as academics for the 21st century.
The Office of Zayed University Registrar organized the one-day forum, which started at 10:00 am and ended at 6:00 pm. It was attended by Dr Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs and Ruba Ramahi, Interim Zayed University Registrar.
About Zayed University:
Zayed University is today the premier national university in the United Arab Emirates and a regional leader in educational innovation and change. It has created and implemented a skills-rich, outcome-based general education program that systemically develops student skills, knowledge, and values associated with liberal learning and provided a solid foundation for pursuit of disciplinary majors and future careers. Zayed University welcomes national and international students, and provides them with a high quality education, offered by seasoned teaching scholars to prepare them to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.
Zayed University offers Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in the following Colleges: College of Arts & Creative Enterprises (recognized as substantially equivalent by NASAD), College of Business (Accredited by AACSB), College of Communication & Media Sciences (Accredited by ACEJMC), College of Education (Accredited by NCATE), College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Technological Innovation (Accredited by ABET).
