AUD Review Fall/Winter 2015

audreview

Fall/Winter 2015

A PUBLICATION BY THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI

INSPIRING THE NEW GENERATION

2

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

E

ach year at Commencement, I begin my speech by asking the audience to join me in honoring the university’s faculty.

It’s a poignant moment, and the audience recognizes it as such. In fact, people tell me that it’s one of the highlights of the ceremony.

I usually detest adulation, but recognizing AUD’s faculty comes very naturally to me. That’s not because I am a faculty member myself, but rather because of the indisputably decisive role played by faculty in the achievement of the institution’s mission. If AUD is to contribute to society and the world by imparting knowledge and fostering scholarship and creative endeavor, how possibly can that happen without faculty? The answer is that it simply can’t.

This issue of the AUD Review focuses on our “amazing teachers.” Take note. I happen to believe that we have more than our “fair share” of amazing teachers. That, more than anything else I can think of, explains how memorable the AUD educational experience is to our students. I am certainly not alone in remembering who taught me what through the years I went to school. Their personal eccentricities, passion for their discipline and commitment to student development are as clear in my head and heart today as they were 50+ years ago. It’s so gratifying even after half a century to be able to put a face on supply and demand curves; to associate a voice with the finer differences between ser and estar; and to recall the expectation in the air the first time a history professor so dramatically gave me and my classmates her take on the Gettysburg Address. That I studied with the person who invented the “majority fallacy” in marketing, a disciple of philosopher Ortega y Gasset (Julián Marías) and a writer who at nearly 80 years old is turning out more novels than ever really means something to me.

Of course, “amazing” is a very strong word. At the very highest level, it means “life-changing;” and at the very least, it means explaining in such a way so as to make understanding attainable. Inspiration is amazing, as is moral support. Amazing teachers coach and encourage; challenge and provoke; and always critically examine their methods for connection. The standards they set bring out the best in everyone. There is never enough of this on any campus; but that there are tangible examples, alive and well, at AUD is motivation enough for me to go on, even after twenty years at the helm. As with all universities, the rhetoric in our publications is abundant. The burden of turning that rhetoric into reality rests mostly with the faculty.

I wish to thank those who came up with the idea of this issue, those who are the protagonists of its contents, those amazing faculty who are not in the issue who could be and everybody who takes the time to read the Review as a contribution to a culture of teaching excellence.

Enjoy.

Lance E. de Masi President

1

CONTENTS 1 From the President’s Desk 4 Special Report: Innovation Week 8 Flying the Flag

AUD celebrates all things UAE

9 MBRSC News 10 A Digital Dawn

04

08

10

12

How Prof. Brad Moody keeps up to date with the ever-evolving world of technology

12 A Heart for Art

Prof. Michael Rice on taking the world of ceramics by storm

14 Architecture, Art and Design News 16 Dedicated to Diversity

Why more and more women are studying engineering – and loving it

20 Special Report: Reading Across Campus 22 Arts & Sciences News 24 University Relations 27 Student Achievements

30 Sports News 30 Education News 31 Faculty News and Achievements 35 Alumni News

Publication by the Office of Marketing Communications Reina S. Dib, Joy Semaan

2

36 Business News 37 Speakers & Conferences 38 AUD Forum

Dr. Nora El Belawi on classroom management, Dr. Pamela Chrabieh on how to make effective change, and Rana Abd ElMoti Mohamed on interreligious study in Rome

27

42 Proud AUD Professors

Professors Edgar Small and Thomas Corbin on life at AUD

43 Alumni Profile

Graduates Leen Al Faisal, Mitra Gholami, Omar Al Busaidy, and Abdulla Yousuf on how AUD transformed their career prospects

39

www.facebook.com/AUDubai

www.linkedin.com/company/american-university-in-dubai

www.twitter.com/#!/AUDubai

www.youtube.com/user/AUDChannel

www.instagram.com/audubai

Enhancing the Quality of Life with Good Food and Beverages, Everywhere

Nestlé Middle East has recruited more than 1,700 people under 30 over the past five years, with one third of its current employees falling in this age bracket. Nestlé Middle East provides youth career advising, internships and career training to enrich and attract outstanding talent across the region.

Apply now:

www.nestlecareers-me.com

LinkedIn: Nestlé

Twitter: @NestleME

3

FEATURE

INNOVATION IS ALIVE

From unconventional teaching methods to highly creative art, AUD embraced Innovation Week with passion

I

nnovation is a buzzword prevalent in today’s society – and for good reason. Organizations that innovate have been proven to grow significantly faster than those that don’t, with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs famously stating: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

It’s no surprise therefore that AUD – which strives for educational excellence – is a great believer in creative thinking, a mindset that was evident during Innovation Week, held last November throughout the UAE.

4

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event formed part of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, and saw a raft of innovative activities on campus, all of which were open to the public.

WARM WELCOME

Among the visitors was His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council and a member

of the Supreme Committee of UAE Innovation Week. H.E. Al Shaibani toured the campus, visiting each activity organized for the week. He stressed the need to harness all means available to promote development in the UAE by supporting creative and innovative minds, and creating the right environment to stimulate innovation.

He also reflected on the organization of UAE Innovation Week upon the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who declared 2015 the Year of Innovation, and the launch of the

FEATURE

National Innovation Strategy, which aims to achieve the goals set by Vision 2021.

He explained: “The activities organized by the American University in Dubai are evidence that the university’s administration is in line with the directives of the government to create a stimulating environment for creativity and invention among students. This unites all government agencies and private institutions in the effort to achieve Vision 2021.”

GRAND TOUR

Accompanied by a team from the AUD Administration, H.E. Al Shaibani started his tour in the School of Engineering and viewed some of the students’ most exciting projects and inventions.

These included an electric car, a foldable solar-charging mat, and an intelligent fire suppression system.

The school also held a ‘wooden

bridge competition’ and movie nights throughout the week.

The touring team then visited the activity booth organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid School for Communication, where students were engrossed in ‘Make your Ideas Visible’, a competition in which participants pitched an original story idea in 15 seconds on Instagram.

The Science Education Fair, organized by the School of Arts and Sciences, was the next stop, where H.E. Al Shaibani discussed modern innovations with students and faculty.

Featuring science, health, and biotechnology poster displays, the fair included nine educational zones, manned by students. These included nutrition and health, genetically modified food, and innovation and discovery. Students also performed innovative experiments.

Dr. Meis Moukayed, who organized the fair, said: “More than 350 visitors from the general public, Dubai high schools, and AUD community engaged in lively scientific learning through interactive educational games with our students and faculty.

“Visitors also enjoyed ‘meeting the scientist’ and brushed shoulders with the likes of our-own Albert Einstein and Rosalind Franklin,” she added.

The School of Arts and Sciences also organized an interactive talk on innovative teaching methods, using technology in mathematics education.

Dr. Haitham Solh, Dean of the School, discussed how to engage students in and out of the classroom using interactive videos. Participants took part in an entertaining math lesson that helped to change their perception of math teaching, while competing to win prizes.

5

FEATURE

The final stop for H.E. Al Shaibani was at the School of Architecture, Art and Design, where he took in a range of fascinating exhibitions, workshops and presentations.

Highlights included a conference on architecture with Sou Fujimoto, The Wall Street Journal’s 2014 Innovator of the Year. Fujimoto presented some of his most famous projects, past and present, and displayed the mastery in the simplicity of his work.

Dr. Georges Kachaamy, Chair and Associate Professor of Architecture, said: “No other person could have been a better example of innovation in architecture. It was an absolute honor to host Sou Fujimoto as part of UAE Innovation Week.”

GOING GREEN

The school also held a workshop that explored reuse and recycling in the design of buildings, places, and spaces.

Entitled ‘Innovation = Renovation’, the session was led by Dr. Annarita Cornaro, Assistant Professor of Architecture, and featured lectures and a discussion. It also included a 30-hour charrette, an intense period of planning, in which groups of students conceptualized the reuse of a building, place or space in Dubai.

More than a dozen teams presented to a panel of judges that included the director of Maraya Art Center, the director of Alserkal Cultural Foundation, two artists and a

6

Innovation is alive at AUD, and I’m pleased that Innovation Week provided us with a framework for celebrating innovative thinking and doing among the members of our community” professor from Ajman University, and professional reuse architects.

Dr. Cornaro said: “In this region, there is space for a new trend in innovation that is not just looking forward, but also backward with a renovated enthusiasm.

Thinking about second uses and multiple lives in architecture can be a source of creativity that will change the region.”

The Department of Visual Communication also threw a spotlight on recycling, creating art from secondhand materials. The exhibition, led by Prof. Michael Rice, Associate Professor of Studio Art, explored the creation of innovative work using unwanted everyday objects, proving that art can be created from anything.

A highlight was a large mural of Egyptian singer Oum Kolthoum, created entirely from balloons.

“Both 2D design classes worked on the project,” Prof. Rice explained. “We

thought about whom we should use in the artwork and the students decided on Arabic icons. Oum Kolthoum seemed an obvious choice and provided fantastic imagery with which to work.

All the students worked extremely hard. I am very proud of them.”

A second piece, a mosaic mural of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was made entirely of ceramic tiles.

ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS

As H.E. Al Shaibani discovered, art featured heavily throughout AUD’s Innovation Week, with Assistant Professor of Studio Art Mr. Flounder Lee creating ‘Drinkable’, an installation that dealt with environmental issues in an engaging and provoking way.

Prof. Lee had previously created two versions in the UAE, one for the Sikka Art Fair in Al Fahidi District and one for the launch of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit. Both works highlighted how, in years to come, water scarcity will be at the fore of global issues. The UAE is developing and implementing large scale desalination and will have to innovate in the area of water usage to continue to grow.

Prof. Lee explained: “My work intends to bring something to mind that is literally and figuratively hidden from view. It uses a simple industrial material, PVC pipe, in a novel way to create something beautiful and thought provoking. There are sounds

FEATURE

coming from throughout the installation that push ideas about water usage.”

Dr. Spencer Striker, Assistant Professor of Digital Media, exhibited artwork of an altogether different kind. He showed H.E. Al Shaibani ‘Twisted Cargo’, a digital graphic novel displayed on an iPad Pro. Written and designed by Dr. Striker, the book utilizes interactivity, motion FX, sound design, and an original music score.

A digital media producer, entrepreneur, and professor, Dr. Striker, who specializes in building next-generation mobile products, shared another project ‘World Without a Name’, a tablet-first, next generation interactive entertainment experience set in a fictional universe.

DRAMATIC DESIGNS

Back in the real world, the Department of Interior Design celebrated Innovation Week with award-winning projects from the inaugural Architecture and Interior

Design Awards, and the Swedish Wood Meets Arabia design competitions.

The department also hosted a talk entitled ‘Interior Design: A bridge from academic to professional practice’.

Given by Renaé Hewitt, Director of the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), the presentation was in collaboration with APID and The Interior Design Association Club.

Other highlights included a presentation on the results of the third collaborative workshop between AUD and the Technical University in Dresden.

Entitled ‘Augmented Reality and User Experience - New Possibilities of Real Driving’, the workshop was a joint initiative between the Chair of Media Design at the Technical University Dresden, the Saxon State and University Library, AUD’s Visual Communication Department, and designers from German automobile manufacturer, Audi AG.

Finally, seminars on innovative teaching methods included ‘Cultures of the Middle East’, a culinary festival in which Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, explained her Diplomacy of the Dish teaching method.

There was also a talk at the Department of Architecture on innovative development of Dubai design culture. The talk used Pecha Kucha, a presentation format in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each.

Commenting on the university’s highly successful Innovation Week, President Dr. Lance de Masi said: “Innovation is alive at AUD, and I’m pleased that Innovation Week provided us with a framework for celebrating innovative thinking and doing among the members of our community. Three years ago at Commencement, I said, ‘Innovate or die’.

I meant it then. And I mean it now.” n

7

FEATURE

CELEBRATION OF A NATION AUD commemorates UAE National Day and Martyr’s Day

A

UD was proud to commemorate Martyr’s Day and the 44th UAE National Day in a combined event last November.

The campus, adorned with the colors of the UAE flag, was packed with activities including henna painting, camel riding and photo sessions. Delicious local dishes were also on offer.

Celebrations began with the national anthem and a minute’s silence for the souls of the martyrs, followed by performances from several Emirati artists. Famous poets Diab Al Mazroui, Khalfan Al Kaabi, and Hadi Al Mansouri also recited their works.

8

Organized by the Khaleeji Cultural Club, the evening was attended by faculty, staff, students and their families.

President Dr. Lance de Masi congratulated club members on the event and on promoting national pride among the community.

Rashid Harib, Khaleeji Club President, said: “We are very happy during National Day as it [reminds us of] when our founding fathers stood together waving the Union flag, and built our country. Thanks to them, we’ve become happier people.”

Maitha Al Muhairi, Vice President of the Khaleeji Club, who led the event’s organization, thanked the Dubai Electricity

and Water Authority (DEWA) for its gold sponsorship and all the companies that contributed to the success of the evening.

The audience enjoyed folk dances on stage, as well as a display of luxury and classic cars. The audience also applauded the artist who painted live on stage the face of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

At the end, the Khaleeji Club members honored the artists and poets with tokens of appreciation.

The evening followed a ceremony earlier in the month that marked National Flag Day. The Khaleeji Cultural Club organized the event in response to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who requested the flag be raised across the country at the same time.

President Dr. Lance de Masi and Provost Dr. Jihad Nader both attended, as did H.E. Mr. Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice President and current Minister of Education of Lebanon, who hoisted the UAE flag to the UAE national anthem.

Attendees enjoyed traditional music and food made by Emirati bakers. n

MBRSC NEWS

A TRIO OF TOP TALKS

MBRSC hosted three distinguished media specialists as part of its everpopular Media Chat Series.

From India, renowned charisma coach Danish Sheikh talked to students about the importance of developing soft skills in today’s business world. Helping people improve their interpersonal skills, he shared his step-by-step learnable system that demystifies charisma.

In the world of TV, Nouraldin AlYousuf also spoke to students about his career and achievements. A presenter since the age of 13, he has conducted several interviews with prominent Arab personalities, and worked as a producer and anchor for Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya news channels.

Finally, renowned Arab director Nabil Asmar talked through his path to success. Born in Beirut in 1970, he has directed TV shows, concerts, and corporate films for major Pan-Arab TV channels and production houses. n

IN THE DRIVING SEAT

Graduating students from AUD’s MBRSC took part in a fascinating public relations journey.

Participating in ‘Driver’s Seat’, an interactive workshop with leading PR practitioner Mohamed Al Ayed, students learned how effective communication can engage and influence audiences, and steer companies to success.

Organized by TRACCS UAE, the MENA region’s largest independent PR network, the program gave students 360-degree information on the public

relations industry, teaching them about recent developments and career opportunities while reinforcing the critical importance of the function as a strategic business tool.

Mohamed Al Ayed, TRACCS CEO, said: “This is where public relations can get into the driver’s seat, look at the road ahead and even beyond. It can identify obstacles, seek out opportunities, map out the right course and lead with direction and purpose.

“Success is the final destination and while many will get there, organizations with public relations in the driver’s seat will definitely get there and quicker,” he added.

The workshop involved a series of individual and group exercises. In one, students were required to set up the corporate team of a business startup and define the different functions and roles. In another, students were divided into groups and asked to brainstorm ideas to promote their university.

Student Hala Abu Al Hawa said: “It was a wonderful workshop and the speaker was a true expert on the subject. Thanks to his presentation skills, I personally have a new point of view about public relations and the role it could play in helping me become a successful journalist.” n

AUD GOES LIVE Students from the MBRSC were live on air recently as they participated in World College Radio Day 2015.

The MBRSC Post Radio show featured English and Arabic music, as well as interviews with Mrs. Sophie Boutros about the shortfilm festival ON, and with TV host Mouna Al Haimoud on the importance of charity organizations.

A special discussion on Arab media and Western influence also aired. World College Radio Day was founded in

2012 as a response to the phenomenal international interest in College Radio Day, which began in the USA in 2011. n

9

FEATURE

THE DIGITAL DAWN

In a constantly changing technological world, every day is exciting for Brad Moody, Associate Professor of Digital Media

W

e used to believe that the world in which we died would look much the same as the one in which we were born, but with endless technological developments, things are different now.

For many – Brad Moody included – this is remarkably exciting. The Associate Professor of Digital Media thrives in his fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, dramatically altering the content of his courses to keep up with rapid advancements and student requests.

“The industry changes so quickly,” he said, “and what we find is that, between these changes and feedback from students, every semester my courses almost completely change.”

10

GEARED UP

It’s not just class content that’s prone to modification. In the last two years, the Department of Visual Communication has remained at the fore of technological developments and updated its equipment, too.

The team has converted the old Apple Mac Pro lab into a space that utilizes state-of-the-art technology and promotes creative and collaborative project-based learning. By replacing the projector with Apple TV, Airport Extreme base station, largescreen monitor, and sound system, faculty and students can seamlessly mirror projects and materials, while moving into different spaces using Airplay streaming technology.

“We replaced the old Mac Pro computers and outdated monitors with Apple Thunderbolt displays,” explained Moody.

“We have created five industry standard pro new media suites, featuring card-access systems. Each suite is soundproofed and set up with two professional seating areas and theater-style seating at the back.

Students can book a suite in threehour blocks any time in a 24-hour period, giving them individual and collaborative space to create when best meets their needs,” he said.

Three of the suites are equipped with Ultra High Definition 4K large monitors and 4K interfaces. The department also has 16 iPads that

FEATURE

students can reserve for individual projects, or for the whole semester.

It’s not all about ushering in the new, however. The team has found an excellent use for 12 old Mac Pros, grouping them together to create a render farm, or high-performance computer cluster. This is networked with the new media suites and Digital Media’s 19 iMac computer lab, allowing animations that used to take three days to render, to now take just one.

Initially the Digital Media major had limited resources for creating content.

Over the last several years, however, it has requested and received specialized industry standard equipment to meet course requirements. As a result, students now have access to some of the latest equipment and software for animation, sound design, interactive, video and web development.

“In our interactive class, we used to focus a lot on digital or multi-touch things for iPad publications,” Moody added.

“Now we’re moving into more interactivity with electronics. We want to move into circuit boards, motion sensors and do more interactive programming for these electronic devices,” he said.

Similarly, with video, DSLR cameras were all the rage five years ago but now Black Magic, the world’s smallest broadcast camera, offers such excellent quality that the school uses this as a cost effective alternative.

ON THE PULSE

With such a great rate of industry change, how does Moody stay abreast of the never-ending developments?

“It depends,” he said. “I am involved in a bunch of organizations such as The International Council of Graphic Design Associations and The International Society for Technology in Education, not just internationally but locally as well. I also hear things from students. All this combined means I keep on top of what’s happening.”

The industry changes so quickly and what we find is that, between these changes and feedback from students, every semester my courses almost completely change” Moody is also a judge and mentor at several international industry awards, and this helps him to keep up to date on many changes. Presenting at conferences and exhibitions throughout the world, he not only shares valuable knowledge with students at AUD but in far-flung destinations such as Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Berlin, Amsterdam and Madrid.

Last October, he attended Loop Berlin, a summit for music makers in Germany. Sponsored by the university, he described the experience as “amazing”, meeting top representatives from the world of electronic music and learning new presentation methods, which he then incorporates into

his own teaching style. In terms of Digital Media students, the last two years have been fruitful. In 2014, graduate Haya Al Tamimi helped direct ‘Sounds of the Sea’, a featurelength documentary about a forgotten fishing community in Um Al Quwain.

Last year, Jetshri Bhadviya saw her video work featured in MercedesBenz’ Experiencing Perspectives exhibition. It was also selected to screen in the 20th Annual Society for Photographic Education (SPE) Women’s Film Festival in New Orleans.

If that wasn’t enough, Jetshri was also hired as Adjunct Faculty at the College for Creative Studies for Digital Fundamentals-Foundation courses.

Other noteworthy hires in 2015 included Prerna Khini who joined RGB Art Productions in Dubai’s Al Quoz as Junior Producer, after completing her internship. Afroz Nawaf was also hired as Visiting Faculty in Media Studies at Middlesex University Dubai.

With each year that passes, Moody and his team grow more and more passionate, consistently producing worldclass graduates to help shape the future of Digital Media, one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic industries. n

11

FEATURE

A HEART FOR ART

Passionate about ceramics, Professor Michael Rice is making his mark in the global arts scene

S

ince joining AUD in 2014, Michael Rice has made quite an impression. In his first year, the Associate Professor of Studio Art inspired dozens of students, before winning the 2015 Provost’s Award for Innovation in Teaching, an accolade of which he remains enormously proud.

More recently, he was named one of two winners of the Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, a prestigious competition that enables up-and-coming designers to showcase their works on a global level.

Following a call for design proposals last November, the luxury jeweler in

12

collaboration with Design Days Dubai – the region’s leading fair for collectible and limited-edition furniture and design objects – selected four finalists out of 40 shortlisted entries. From these, the final two winners were announced in March.

Prof. Rice said: “I am completely elated to be one of the two winners. It is a real honor. This is the first year they have awarded two entrants – because the competition was so close.”

With a theme of nature, the competition aimed to inspire designers to work with natural materials indigenous to their immediate surroundings and required entrants to design objects that serve a

functional purpose. In response, Prof. Rice created a spiral bowl made of crystal glass.

He now receives up to AED30,000 to produce a unique concept after which he will be flown to Paris for a five-day trip to attend courses at the L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels, an exclusive school devoted to the legendary house.

In another career high, Prof.

Rice, who comes from the chilly climes of Northern Ireland, will see his work ‘Coriolis’ exhibited at the Taiwan Ceramic Biennial later this year. Held in Taipei from June 15 to December 15, the event showcases the world’s finest ceramic artworks.

FEATURE

“The cool thing about the event is that it happens every two years and it’s like a role call of the best ceramics in the world,” he said. “There’s only a hundred or so pieces and big prize money for the 15 winners. I’m super happy to be at that level.”

While his excitement is to be expected, given his immense talent, industry experts are, perhaps, less surprised by Prof. Rice’s success, especially after his election to the prestigious International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) last year.

Recommended by three existing members, he is the only representative from the UAE and has been invited to

attend the 47th IAC General Assembly in September in Barcelona. He will attend as an artist member and submit his work for the accompanying exhibition, as well as receiving an IAC diploma.

Founded in 1953 by Henry J. Reynaud, director of the Swiss Museum for Ceramics and Glass, the IAC is an official UNESCO partner, and the only international association devoted to clay. To be an elected member signifies the highest quality of excellence and achievement in ceramic arts.

But having reached such giddy heights, what attracted Prof. Rice to ceramics in the first place?

“The messiness of clay and working on the wheel,” he said. “Once you start, it gets under your skin and you don’t want to stop.You just want to get better,” he said.

One of his favorite processes is raku firing, which sees clay objects fired to 1,000 degrees in an outdoor gas kiln. Removing the pieces requires protective clothing and large tongues.

“You lift the piece out and put it into wet sawdust and it explodes and cracks. Then you drop it into a bin full of combustible materials and it cracks all over – that’s the smoke going into the cracks. So there are all these techniques and you want to get better at them all,” he said.

Prof. Rice shipped his personal kiln to Dubai from Northern Ireland and uses it in his class to fire student works such as busts, which he describes as a “fun introduction”.

“A lot of them have never used clay before,” he said, “but they all enjoy it.

Some of their pieces were really good.”

Introducing his kiln led to the Provost’s Award and created new opportunities for students. “It meant we could make stuff with glass as well so suddenly there were a lot of new possibilities,” he explained.

According to Prof. Rice, new beginnings are not unique to AUD, and span the UAE as a whole. He believes that ceramics are extremely well catered for at the top end of the market but that there’s a big gap in the middle of the market.

As a result, he receives countless requests to get involved in new projects. “There are so many opportunities, I don’t think I’ll be going home any time soon,” he joked.

Prof. Rice last visited the UK in November for Belfast Design Week. Here he shared his knowledge and experience at the University of Ulster and fielded countless questions from locals.

“Home’s great. It’s always there but the level of opportunity here is just far more,” he explained. “It’s not all roses in the UAE but people are open to new things. I find that everyone is very positive and I don’t see that changing.”

With such a busy international schedule, what’s next for Prof. Rice?

“I’m writing a few articles,” he revealed.

“One of them is about the Van Cleef & Arpels competition and another is about rotational phenomenon, which a lot of my work is based on, specifically spirals and celestial bodies,” he said. One thing is certain: Prof.

Rice’s artwork is out of this world. n

READ ALL ABOUT IT Michael Rice, Associate Professor of Studio Art, is featured in the launch edition of Dubai’s new arts magazine BeachRoad Journal.

Julian Castaldi, the magazine’s founder, asked Prof. Rice to appear in the first issue, in which he is interviewed, and pictured at work.

Prof. Rice explained: “I’m really pleased to have taken part and I’m looking forward to future editions perhaps featuring VC students and alumni.”

13

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

AUD STARS AT DUBAI DESIGN WEEK

Helping to establish the city as the region’s design capital, Dubai Design Week took place in October – and AUD was at its heart.

Participating in a variety of events, students from the School of Architecture, Art and Design took part in a hands-on pottery workshop given by Prof. Michael Rice. The Associate Professor of Studio Art demonstrated how to sculpt objects

COMMON GROUND AT SLIDEFEST

In conjunction with SlideFest, a collection of inspiring photographic presentations, AUD’s Visual Communication Department presented ‘Common Terrain’.

Featuring the work of 11 American artists, this striking exhibition was organized by Assistant Professor of Studio Art, Flounder Lee, and formed part of AUD’s Visual Cultures Forum.

The department also hosted critically acclaimed artist Linda Francis and curator Jessamyn Fiore who discussed their experiences in New York’s art world.

Francis said: “It was a great pleasure to give the talk and meet so many engaged fellows.” n

14

on the potter’s wheel and then invited audience members to have a go under his guidance.

AUD also teamed with Swedish Wood to create a link between Scandinavian wood culture and Arabic design.

Students designed and developed a piece of softwood furniture or decoration using Arab traditions and culture. The work was then exhibited on campus.

In a third event, students took part in a workshop with LA-based street artist Paige Smith, in association with clothes boutique S*uce. For two hours, they transformed ordinary objects into extraordinary sculptures. n

SPOTLIGHT ON EMERGENCY ARCHITECTURE An emergency building-design expert spoke at AUD’s Architecture Department on temporary housing.

With a special focus on the 2011 Japanese earthquake, Ms. Andrea Gonzaléz gave a speech entitled ‘The contemporary Japanese house: the refuge and the garden’.

The theme was especially relevant given the recent displacement of millions of Arabs.

Prof. Tiago Costa, Assistant Professor of Architecture at AUD, said: “Students always benefit from professional experience and industry connections, as working closely with peers and with the industry means that they remain up-to-date with the latest knowledge.” n

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE FOR STUDENTS Students from the School of Architecture, Art and Design exhibited their work at one of the region’s most important professional conferences.

The projects were displayed on a dedicated AUD stand at the Dubai Hotel Show, and viewed by up to 500 visitors and 70 leading international speakers.

According to Annamaria Lambri, AUD Associate Professor of Interior Design, the event, held at Dubai World Trade Centre in September, was an excellent experience for students.

She said: “This was a beautiful opportunity in an international showcase, putting our talented students in direct contact with the industry. We received very positive feedback from the public and the professionals.”

Dr. Georges Kachaamy, Chair of Architecture, added: “The exhibition demonstrated the caliber of our students and the strength pulled by interdepartmental collaboration.” n

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

LITERARY LINK FOR AUD AUD’s Department of Visual Communication has been featured in an award-winning book.

‘The Art of the Emirates’, which was awarded the 2015 Sharjah International Book Fair Award for the Best Emirati Foreign Translated Book, provides an overview of the national visual arts sector. It also features the people who helped shape it.

Filled with in-depth interviews, portraits and artworks, the publication offers an insight into a wide range of artists, galleries, foundations and universities, including AUD. Dr. Woodman Taylor, Chair of the Department of Visual Communication, said: “Our contribution to the book underscores the importance of having continuously involved students in the UAE arts community.”

The chapter of the book which touches on AUD’s work is titled ‘Educators’, and includes pictures of the

different projects undertaken by students majoring in Visual Communication.

It also includes an interview with Prof. Julia Townsend, who discusses what makes AUD’s educational approach to visual art unique and what is needed for the future of art education in the UAE. The book is available in the AUD Library. n

INSPIRING CREATIVITY

The Department of Visual Communication hosted three key presenters, all respected leaders in their field.

Practicing art since the age of three, acclaimed calligrapher

Tankei Maruyama led a workshop on Shodo Japanese calligraphic tools, while renowned illustrator, filmmaker and graphic designer Volker Schlecht gave an insightful talk.

As part of the Brandvertising Series, Terry Savage, Chairman of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, spoke on the significance of celebrating creativity. He actively endorsed the VCAD 455 Cannes Lions Study Tour course, due to start this summer.

“It was an honor to welcome Terry Savage,” said AUD’s Associate Professor of Advertising Dina Faour.

“I am certain this will remain an inspirational opportunity for us all.

The talk added great value to the course and for this, I thank Mr. Savage and our friends at Dubai Lynx for helping to make it possible.” n

REMEMBERING HANI ANABTAWI The AUD community paid tribute to Hani Anabtawi, who passed away last summer.

Much loved by teachers and fellow students, Hani was remembered at a moving exhibition organized by the Department of Visual Communication. The display, which ran throughout December and was entitled ‘Remembering Hani Anabtawi’, included his paintings and poetry, as well as poetry and paintings from other students who were inspired by him.

More than 100 family and friends attended, as did those who learned of Hani’s extraordinary character and accomplishments after he passed away. These included Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder and Director of the Barjeel Art Foundation, who was moved by what he read on social media.

The exhibition included video footage of Hani, composed by his sister Hind, who is currently studying at the AUD’s Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication. n

15

FEATURE

DEDICATED TO DIVERSITY

Traditionally the domain of men, the School of Engineering is attracting more female students than ever before 16

FEATURE

U

nder represented in the fields of science and engineering globally, more and more women are signing up to AUD’s Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) program.

Combining theory and practice, the program enables engineers, architects, and other construction professionals to gain an in-depth understanding of engineering and management – just one of the factors attracting an increasing number of women.

Alexa Semaan, a 2015 MSCM graduate, said that her studies have changed the way she thinks.

“Engineering education has made me more analytical and has enhanced my problem solving skills,” she explained.

“I chose to pursue the MSCM degree at AUD because I wanted to take my undergraduate studies a step further in the field I enjoy the most. The program has enhanced my critical thinking and research skills, which will push me forward in my career, ” she added.

Alexa hopes to reach a strategic level at work and to one day teach her skills at a corporate university.

CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER

Fellow student Fatemah Saadi has similar aspirations. She, too, would like to become a university professor and believes that anyone wanting to become a manager must first attain a Master’s degree.

“As a civil engineer or architect, if you have the ambition to reach a managerial position, a Master’s degree is not an option anymore; it is a must. The MSCM opens the path to becoming a manager in a well-known construction company,” she said.

And it’s this confidence in the quality of AUD’s construction management program that attracts so many students, both men and women. Supported by the School of Engineering’s world-class facilities and resources, the MSCM program enables students to complement

A DOUBLE TAKE While AUD’s Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) program has attracted a large number of women, it has also captured the imagination of a hard-working married couple.

Amany Shehata and Ashraf Sakr from Egypt cleverly juggle their studies with work and two children.

The couple attends AUD two days a week and then spends between three and five hours completing course assignments, usually as their children also finish their homework.

“It’s very difficult to switch off,” said Ashraf, “but you have to.You have to say, for example, this weekend, we’re doing nothing, because it’s not healthy to keep thinking about courses and work all the time.

“That said, it’s not a headache or impossible. It’s challenging but it’s achievable,” he added.

According to Ashraf, the course gives both him and his wife an edge in the professional sphere.

“It’s all about management,” he said.

“The program teaches practical topics such as planning, estimation, construction law,

their research-based graduate studies with first-hand practical experience in one of the most dynamic construction environments. And this is opening doors of opportunity.

“I chose to pursue the MSCM degree because I worked on site after graduation and realized that I actually want to excel in the field,” said student Farrah Al Kahwaja. “My goal now is to get my degree, work in a field where I can apply what I learned, and be appreciated.”

Farrah also hopes that the course will enable her to one day pursue a PhD. MAKING CHANGES

While more and more women are embracing diversity and entering male-dominated industries, are there

organizational management, and leading people. This is what we want.”

Amany agreed, explaining that in Egypt, their studies were purely technical.

“With the MSCM program, however, we can see the whole process, the whole construction industry, which is nice.

We also enjoy the teaching style of Dr. Edgar Small [MSCM Coordinator and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at AUD]. He is the one who attracted us to the program,” she said.

“The program offers exactly what we want, construction management to the point,” she added.

any challenges, over and above those of men, which females must overcome?

Yes, according to Emirati student Marwa Baqer. She believes that sexism in the workplace is very real but nevertheless dreams of one day becoming a leading figure in her field.

“It is quite hard to get past sexism in engineering,” she said. “As it is male dominant, you have to overcome the preconceived idea that “a woman can’t work in the field”.

“Once you prove you’re capable then it is very rewarding as you get the respect of your colleagues,” she added.

Offering a few words of wisdom, Marwa advises women entering the industry to be strong, believe in themselves and to never bow down to anyone.

17

FEATURE This AUD initiative highlights the importance of the presence of women alongside men, especially in the engineering field, which helps to balance and support the cultural revitalization taking place in the UAE” “It is not an easy road but when you get to the other side, it is worth it,” she explained. “To feel that you are unique and one-of-a-kind in this field is such an amazing feeling.”

Student Esraa Daoud Abu al Falayeh agrees. She believes that women should stop worrying about what other people think and follow their hearts.

“Focus on what you like and do what you love most,” she said.

“If it’s engineering then do it and don’t dwell on what other people

18

say. If anyone tells you that you can’t do it, tell them to get lost!

“Being a woman, especially in my field, where I have to work on site and stand up in front of workers is a challenge but it helps to shape my personality and make me stronger,” she added.

BUILDING A STRONG DEFENSE

Another female MSCM graduate is Zena Mattar, the first student on the program to defend her thesis, which

focused on construction delays and their effects on the oil and gas industry.

Zena evaluated the oil and gas industry in Oman and performed a full literature review of related research.

She identified 31 causes of delays from previous research and collated them in a survey, which was distributed to 24 participants working in the UAE’s oil and gas industry. The survey was designed with results ranked on a Likert Scale based on importance.

With a response rate of 46%, Zena collected 11 surveys. She then ranked the causes of delay and evaluated whether each individual stage’s delays contributed to overall project delays.

The ranking revealed that most delays occur during the Design & Tendering, and Pre-Construction stages. Zena performed a statistical analysis investigating the hypothesis, which questions whether individual construction stage delays contribute to overall project delays.

At the 99th percentile the hypothesis was rejected, but at the 95th percentile the hypothesis was accepted. The Design & Tendering stage was then identified as the stage most contributing to overall project delays.

This research may be useful to professionals in the UAE, or in

FEATURE

the GCC, interested in learning about the major causes and effects hindering the efficiency and profitability of the region’s projects.

Zena said: “I chose the MSCM degree because I realized I could reach the position of project manager faster, and I did. I also wanted to get a commercial perspective to balance out the technical education I had received in my undergraduate degree.”

The MSCM program is unique in that it offers a well-defined and comprehensive approach in addressing construction management issues, in contrast to a broader and more general coverage of project management or engineering systems management.

It empowers students to excel and, by embracing gender diversity, helps to fill a regional gap in graduatelevel construction-management education and research.

ENTICING FEMALE SCIENTISTS

Another program that’s helping women succeed in male-dominated disciplines

As a civil engineer or architect, if you have the ambition to reach a managerial position, a Master’s degree is not an option anymore; it is a must. The MSCM opens the path to becoming a manager in a well-known construction company” is the newly launched Women in STEM Mentorship Program, which focuses on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A joint collaboration between the Office of External Relations, the Women in Engineering Club and the School of Engineering, the program matches AUD students with grade

11 and 12 high school students in a series of one-to-one sessions.

Through these interactions, as well as recreational and group activities, the mentors share support and motivation for one academic year. The program has already made 15 matches.

According to Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering, the average number of female students enrolled in science-related programs in universities globally does not exceed 25 per cent, a number that needs to increase to embrace more diversity.

Ms. Maryam Ali Al-Thani, former Director of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Emirates Branch, added: “We need to push young girls to study engineering and other scientific disciplines, by sharing the experiences of current female engineers.

“This AUD initiative highlights the importance of the presence of women alongside men, especially in the engineering field, which helps to balance and support the cultural revitalization taking place in the UAE,” she added. n

TALKING HEAD

Dr. Edgar Small, Coordinator of Construction Management and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, gave two insightful lectures at a leading industry event recently.

In his first presentation at the Lifting and Rigging Conference Middle East, Dr. Small threw a spotlight on how to apply best practices to the activities and subcontracts associated with heavy-lift project management. Entitled ‘Project Management and Value Engineering: Fundamental Considerations for Heavy Lifts’, the speech also explored how value engineering applies to heavy-lift situations.

The second lecture – ‘Lean Construction Fundamentals: How Lean Principles Can Impact Heavy Lifting Operations’ – looked at ways to minimize waste, increase productivity, and maximize profitability in construction.

19

FEATURE

ON THE SAME PAGE

The Metamorphosis

by Franz Kafka has been the topic of hot debate at this year’s Reading Across Campus program

E

veryone loves a good book and never more so than when it’s well written, intellectually stimulating, and at the center of lively debate.

Cue Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, a quirky story about Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect.

Initially published in 1915, the novella is the first text in AUD’s now highly popular Reading Across Campus program, which aims to promote reading as a central component of the university experience.

As part of the book’s review, the School of Arts and Sciences held a talk, with an introduction by Assistant Professor of English Dr. Omar

20

FEATURE

Sabbagh, who suggested several approaches to understanding the author’s most famous work.

The lecture focused on four themes: Kafka’s metaphysical poetics, his symbolic storytelling, his use of surrealism and/or magical realism, and the ways in which Kafka’s work is romantic and/or un-romantic.

Dr. Micah Robbins, Assistant Professor of English, convened the lecture and said: “Dr. Sabbagh’s remarks were both accessible and intellectually stimulating. He managed to offer something of interest to those who are reading Kafka for the first time, as well as to those who have been reading Kafka’s work for many years.”

Following the event’s introduction, Dr. Robbins moderated a discussion, reading the novella’s concluding paragraph aloud, before asking how the passage affects the understanding of the work as a whole.

The concluding passage focuses on Gregor Samsa’s family, who happily go for a picnic at the park. They are able to do so because Gregor has finally died, and the passage portrays them as being relieved – even enthusiastic – that they no longer have to worry about living with Gregor’s metamorphosis into a bug.

Dr. Robbins asked if this was a “happy” ending, which generated an engaging discussion about the book from start to finish.

“We ended up discussing issues as diverse as philosophy, economics, gender, familial duty, interpersonal communication, and the surreal nature of the story itself,” explained Dr. Robbins.

Franz Kafka’s

METAMORPHOSIS

READING AC

ROSS CAMPU S

We ended up discussing issues as diverse as philosophy, economics, gender, familial duty, interpersonal communication, and the surreal nature of the story itself” The objective of the Reading Across Campus program is to bring the AUD community together around the book and to use this classic work of literature to promote intellectual curiosity and community engagement among students, faculty, and staff.

“I was pleased to see such a great turn out, and I was excited to hear such a diverse range of reactions to Kafka’s novella. Students, faculty, and staff participated in what proved to be a fun, engaging, literary discussion, and I left with a fresh perspective on The Metamorphosis”, said Dr. Robbins.

In a separate event, a featurelength film, based on the book, was screened on campus. Directed by British filmmaker Chris Swanton, the on-screen story adheres closely to the original plot and stars actors Maureen Lipman, Robert Pugh, and Laura Rees.

Dr. Robbins gave a brief introduction to the film adaptation, which was followed by an engaging debate.

He said: “This is the only featurelength adaptation of The Metamorphosis, and so it offers a unique chance to witness Gregor’s transformation on film.

“I look forward to continuing our discussion at future events. I also look forward to selecting next year’s Reading Across Campus text. We will solicit nominations early in the Spring semester, and will announce the selection late in the term,” he concluded.

The AUD community can access a free copy of the e-book through the library’s website. Members can also download, print, and share the free PDF version currently available in the Content Area of the Reading Across Campus Blackboard site. n

21

ARTS & SCIENCE NEWS

EXPLORING RELIGIOUS ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The achievements of major Islamic empires were the focus of a fascinating series of workshops recently.

Students studying Islamic Art and Architecture gathered, analyzed and presented information on art and architects, focusing on specific religious

and secular buildings.

These included the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Great mosque of Djenne in Mali.

Contemporary mosques in Denmark and Sweden, and futuristic designs in Turkey, France and Iran were also examined.

AUD Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Pamela Chrabieh conducted the workshops. She said: “In a world where team playing is often a key part of both business success and enhanced human relations, this type of workshop is very useful.

“It is also a relevant tool when it comes to teaching arts, cultures and religions

KICKING OFF THE MEST FORUMS The Middle Eastern Studies (MEST) division at the School of Arts and Sciences held two fascinating forums in fall 2015.

The first forum, held in September, celebrated the spirit of Eid Al Adha in different cultures. Students and professors shared songs, food, and visual and written expressions. Several student clubs were involved, as well as volunteers from different MEST courses.

Eid Al Adha, known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Greater Eid, is the second of two religious holidays celebrated

by Muslims each year. It marks the end of the Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca and honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of submission to God. The occasion is, therefore, about showcasing one’s belief and trust in God. Dr. Nadia Wardeh, Coordinator of Middle Eastern Studies at AUD,

22

commented: “As Eid Al Adha was being celebrated during September, and a number of our courses are related to questions on religion and culture, we found it a great opportunity to allow not only students but the rest of the AUD community to experience such a lively event.“ The event was followed in October with MEST’s second forum, Women in the UAE: Past and Present.

Dr. Saeeda Al Marzooqi and Dr. Alia Al Bawardi explained how the Women’s Museum in Dubai began as the vision of Emirati Professor Rafia Obaid Ghubash and eventually became a phenomenon, bringing a younger generation closer to understanding their heritage.

The MEST Forum is a series of intellectual and scholarly activities held every last Tuesday of the month during the fall and spring semesters. n

as it allows the celebration of diversity.

The exchange inevitably helps students better understand other cultural, religious and artistic points of view, and it contributes to the acknowledgement of individual differences while searching for a common ground.”

Dr. Chrabieh also led her students on a visit to the Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah. Divided into groups, each student had to target one of the museum’s many galleries and collect multifaceted content that made sense to their everyday life.

“This allowed them to have ownership and responsibility for their learning beyond a simple gathering of information,” explained Dr. Chrabieh.

The inquiry-based learning was followed by a briefing session and storytelling. n

ARTS & SCIENCE NEWS

A JOURNEY TO THE PAST

Students explored Dubai’s oldest quarter recently on a field trip with Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, AUD’s Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies.

Visiting Al Fahidi Historical District, with its narrow lanes and old wind towers, the group stopped at Dubai Museum where they were divided into groups and assigned specific galleries.

These included the fort courtyard, the collection of old weapons, creek-side souk, and scenes of daily Bedouin life.

They then walked around the neighborhood focusing on Dubai’s early urban development. Home to art galleries, heritage houses and museums, the area offers a fascinating glimpse into years gone by.

The last stop was the Arabian Tea House Café for a cultural lunch, where students discussed the experience, listened to Arabic music and enjoyed Emirati and South-West Asian food.

Dr. Chrabieh explained: “Young generations usually feel that traditions and old habits, customs and artifacts are no longer relevant. Cultural heritage, however, provides a sense of unity and belonging. It allows us to better understand previous generations and the history from where we come. It also allows us to learn lessons from the past in order to tackle the present day in a better way.”

The field trip came as Dr. Chrabieh launched the third edition of the Peace Art in Dubai online blog. Designed to provide a forum for AUD students and local artists to express their perceptions of social-political issues affecting their communities, the blog enables young individuals from different backgrounds to work on nonviolent conflict resolutions by engaging with each other.

For more information visit http://peaceartdubai.blogspot.ae n

EXTENDED LEARNING IN SHARJAH Students from the School of Arts and Sciences have been reaping the benefits of two fascinating field trips.

In December, Arabic Proficiency learners visited the International Sharjah Book Fair where they were hosted by renowned Arab writer and journalist Ghalia Goja. They met other important writers, too, and attended speeches on reading and culture.

Meanwhile, students studying Islam Societal and Historical Aspects, and Quran: Text, History and Meaning visited the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

The trip was designed to help students identify Islam’s basic beliefs, practices, and historical developments, and to identify figures in Islamic history who have had the greatest impact on the Muslim faith and on world civilization. It also aimed to demonstrate the centrality of the Quran in various Muslim intellectual traditions.

According to Dr. Nadia Wardeh, Coordinator of Middle Eastern studies at AUD, the trip allowed students to relate their theoretical knowledge to Islamic tradition, items, manuscripts, tools, art crafts, scriptures and other treasures that enrich their learning journey. n

23

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS NEWS

AUD AND CORNELL TO LAUNCH PROGRAM

AUD, on behalf of the School of Business Administration, has partnered with Cornell University in the design, development and delivery of an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program set for a September 2017 launch.

AUD’s President, Dr. Lance de Masi, who signed the agreement with Dr. Elizabeth Mannix, Associate Dean for Executive MBA at Cornell University, said: “Our joint efforts to design and launch an EMBA will provide the market with a unique offering whose caliber and significance will enhance the Dubai/UAE landscape in business education.

“This is transformative for our School of Business Administration, and potentially the entire institution,” he added.

The collaboration will include consulting in the curriculum design, definition of the program mission, and goals and learning outcomes.

It will also include an assessment plan, admission requirements and proposals to all of AUD’s local and international accrediting bodies. n

24

FEMALE SCIENTISTS GET MENTORS In a bid to encourage more women to enroll in scientific disciplines, AUD has launched a highly specialized mentoring initiative.

The Women in STEM Mentorship Program aims to attract more females in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and is a joint collaboration between the Office of External Relations, the Women in Engineering Club and the School of Engineering.

The program matches AUD students with grade 11 and 12 high school students in a series of one-to-one sessions. Through these interactions, as well as recreational and group activities, the mentors share support and motivation for one academic year. The program has already made 15 matches.

According to Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering, the average number of female students enrolled in science-related programs in universities globally does not exceed 25 per cent, a number that needs to increase to embrace more diversity.

Ms. Maryam Ali Al-Thani, former Director of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Emirates Branch, added: “We need to push young girls to study engineering and other scientific disciplines, by sharing the experiences of current female engineers.

“This AUD initiative highlights the importance of the presence of women alongside men, especially in the engineering field, which helps to balance and support the cultural revitalization taking place in the UAE,” she added. n

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS NEWS

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHED UAE female executives can advance their leadership skills in a new development program, launched

by AUD in partnership with the University of Toronto.

The Leadership Excellence Program for UAE Women Executives is a week-long course that will take place at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto.

Aiming to empower senior level women to further their careers, the course covers strategic decision-making and

leadership skills. It also teaches how to influence and inspire teams.

AUD Provost Dr. Jihad Nader said: “The learning objectives of this program and the activities it includes are designed to meet the specific needs of UAE women executives by helping them discover their leadership qualities and enabling them to grow these qualities and achieve their full leadership potential.”

To participate, women in executive roles in the UAE can fill out the application on AUD’s website www.aud.edu. n

CAMPUS TO ATTRACT US STUDENTS AUD participated in the IIE Generation Study Abroad summit last October, the only UAE university to do so.

Held in Washington, USA, the inaugural event, organized by the Institute of International Education, aimed to help double the number of US students studying abroad.

AUD’s External Relations Office marketed the Semester in Dubai Program and the Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies.

IIE is among the world’s largest exchange organizations. Established in 1919, it is dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to think and work on a global basis. n

WORDS OF WISDOM The educated person is one who can think, learn unfamiliar methods, synthesize, and ‘connect the dots’.

That’s according to AUD President Dr. Lance de Masi who shared two decades’ worth of wisdom at the Education Investment MENA 2015 forum.

Part of a panel entitled ‘21st Century Learning in the Global and Arab Context’, Dr. de Masi made four key points. First, he asserted that the primary purpose of learning is the enhancement of the quality of the mind, explaining that the educated person is able to “occasionally surprise us with something new and useful”.

Second, he said that the time had come for educational models to seriously consider their remit to fulfill human dreams, stating that schools at all levels must do their part in enabling students to be all that they can

and want to be.

He then asserted that education is not just about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A quality mind “is self-aware, knows and appreciates the artifacts of human history and culture, and interprets current events in terms of the insight they provide for figuring out where the world is headed,” he said.

Finally, he spoke about how the gap between the world as it is and the world as it ought to be is accounted for by

fading boundaries between truth and deceit, propriety and negligence.

“A truly educated mind is a principled mind that is able to do what is perceived to be right, from Buenos Aires to Bangkok. So we need not be deterred by moral relativism in the drive to teach ethics,” he added. n

25

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS NEWS

AUD PARTNERS WITH DEWA

AUD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

The agreement involves exchanging experience and skills, enhancing cooperation in research and practical studies, supporting the strategic goals of both parties, and offering the best services to the public.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s Managing Director & CEO, and Dr. Lance de Masi, AUD President, signed the agreement at a ceremony at DEWA’s head office. n

STUDENTS SET TO STUDY IN SCOTLAND

A senior representative from the Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum visited AUD to introduce the Summer School Program offered by Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education in Scotland.

During the official visit, organized by the External Relations Office, His Excellency Mr. Mirza Al-Sayegh met female Emirati students and gave a detailed account of the program at the Dundee-based college, of which

he is Chairman. AUD Provost Dr. Jihad Nader encouraged the women to participate, stating that it would help to widen their scope, to immerse them in a different culture, and to offer them a unique opportunity to interact with other students from different backgrounds.

The one-month, fully funded program is open to female university students from Islamic countries, including the UAE. n

DIPLOMATS VISIT COMPATRIOTS The External Relations Office hosted several international diplomats recently in a bid to reconnect students and staff with representatives from their home countries.

Ms. Daniella Araujo, Head of the Political Section at the Brazilian Embassy; Ms. Ayna Chernova,Vice-Consul of the Russian Federation in Dubai; and His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Kamarianakis, Consul General of Canada in Dubai, all gathered for separate roundtable discussions with compatriot students.

Representatives from Kazakhstan also visited. His Excellency Rapil Zhoshybayev, First Deputy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, spoke about Astana Expo 2017, an international exhibition with a focus on sustainable energy, which will be held in the Kazakhstan capital next year. n

26

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

STUDENT AWARDED MARINA DESIGN STAR An AUD Interior Design student has won Marina Home’s Project REMAKE, a thrilling competition in which participants were required to reinvent Marina Home’s Morritios Plate Chair.

Zeina Khoury was named the ‘2015 Marina Design Star’ and awarded an all-expenses paid, three-month internship in Germany, with design leader the Schwitzke Group. In Düsseldorf, Zeina will work on projects for the world’s best-known brands.

A select group of senior students from AUD and Canadian University Dubai took part in the week-long competition. Zeina was one of

10 students whose designs were shortlisted by the judges and exhibited at the Commercial Interior Design Awards held at the JW Marriott Marquis.

Zeina said: “It is an amazing recognition and I am really looking forward to my internship.”

The competition, which attracted more than 40 students, is part of Marina Home’s efforts to encourage and showcase local talent, and provide students with opportunities to gain both new skills and international exposure, whilst they are still in training.

For more information on Project REMAKE, visit marinaprojectremake.com n

VISUAL COMMUNICATION STUDENTS HONORED Students majoring in Visual Communication have won silver at the Third International Advertising Association (IAA) Apprentice Conference.

Held in Dubai recently, the event included ‘The 24-Hour Pitch’ in which students presented to a real-life client in agency-style teams, with just over 24 hours to prepare and create their campaign.

Managing Director of Beyond Sports Management Ross Millar, who briefed and judged the students, said: “I am so impressed with all the presentations today. It has given us some very real ideas for our business, while giving students a taste of the issues real-life clients are facing in today’s competitive marketplace.

“The future of the marketing communications industry is in very good hands!” he added.

Attracting more than 160 students and educators from Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the conference was themed ‘Graduating? What’s Coming Next?’. It saw a variety of industry experts give insightful presentations. n

27

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENT REIGNS SUPREME

Mohammad Shabanpoor, also known as Momet Shabani, fought off stiff competition from fellow students to produce the winning logo for the Emirates Energy Efficiency Summit 2016 (EEES).

The EEES guiding executive council chose Momet’s design due to its bold appearance and ease of use across a variety of media.

Coached by Associate Professor of Graphic Design Kressen Krestev, Momet said: “As a Graphic Design student, this achievement is my first professional accomplishment and is very motivating for my future career.

“I took inspiration from energy and partnership. The circle is an infinite and timeless shape that represents this. My intention was

that every component contributes meaning and I am glad that my work is part of this inspiring initiative.”

The competition was designed to engage students in EEES, which was held in February at AUD and brought together the brightest minds to help solve global issues.

EEES is part of a new partnership between GE and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, named Partners for Progress on Energy Efficiency. The collaboration is designed to drive action for both public and private sector organizations on energy efficiency through the promotion of discussion and knowledge sharing in Europe and the Middle East.

The invitation-only event brought together prominent keynote speakers and high-level B2B stakeholders, including business professionals, government legislators and the media.

Centering on best practice case studies in relation to both commercial buildings and city environments, the two-day program included roundtable discussions and keynote presentations. n

MBRSC STUDENTS MEET H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMMED

Sometimes dreams come true and that’s exactly what happened at the AUD Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) when a group of Arab students met His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

As part of a film project, the students expressed their dream of meeting the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

“We dream of meeting the person who taught us how to dream,” one of the students said in the video.

28

Their film, entitled ‘Six Degrees of Dubai’, talks about how the city is a great example of the six degrees of separation theory, which asserts that everyone is linked by six connections.The video tests this theory by trying to reach H.H. Sheikh Mohammed.

The students were thrilled when he expressed an interest in meeting them.

Speaking to the students, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said: “I admire your passion and appreciation for everything we have achieved in the UAE. I’m happy you’re here in Dubai and I’m happy to be with you today.”

His Highness urged students to keep pace with the latest developments in the media and communications industry. He said new technologies are critical to reach wider audiences at a time when the use of social media networks and smart mobile devices are becoming more widespread.

He also encouraged students to persevere in pursuing their dreams.

“Whatever your objectives are, you should adopt creative ways to achieve them,” he said.

“Though most inventions have come about in response to a need, creativity is all about developing solutions and innovations that go beyond immediate needs,” he added.

In response, the students said they were inspired both by Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed. They added that Dubai offered a high quality of education, which they previously believed was only available in Western countries. n

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

ARCHITECTURE STUDENT PUBLISHED ONLINE

Architecture senior student Sally Michael was recently published online in the prestigious, unbiased and international peer reviewed site, Super-Architects.

Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, Dean of the School of Architecture, Art and Design said: “Sally’s work has been published along with thesis projects from MIT, Harvard, Pratt Institute, Columbia, Berkeley, Melbourne and Oxford.

“This is a true testament to the quality of architecture education we are offering at AUD,” he added.

Assistant Professor of Architecture Tiago Costa supervised Sally’s senior thesis project, entitled “Dubai Central Space Plaza”.

In an interview with SuperArchitects, Sally explained that the most important thing she had learned in her studies was to believe in your work.

“Architecture is an incredibly subjective field and it does not wait for reassurance from anybody,” she said.

Super-Architects aims to create an international dialogue within a diverse network of students, scholars, professors, advocates, and critical thinkers of spatial design, that is absent from the professional world. Its goal is to critically challenge what architecture is, what it can be, and how it may be represented and realized.

To read Sally’s work, visit super-architects.com. n

AUD WINS STREET ART COMPETITION The Department of Visual Communication is celebrating after winning the #DEWA2021 Street Art Competition.

Five teams from four UAE universities competed to visualize DEWA’s five strategic themes, which include sustainable growth, stakeholder engagement, and strategic innovation.

The winning team was selected based on the number of likes on Instagram as well as DEWA employees’ internal voting.

Representing AUD were five talented students: Rashid Bin Haidar, Alireza Sabagh Renani, Fatima Magsi, Radhi Raut, and Basma Abdou. They were supervised and mentored by Associate Professor of Advertising Dina Faour and Associate Professor of Studio Art Michael Rice.

Professor Dina Faour said: “We worked hard on this project and won first place. We stood tall with a well-supported concept, a creative interpretation, an impeccable execution and a professional team.”

DEWA launched the competition in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who declared 2015 as the year of innovation. n

29

SPORTS NEWS

A FIRST FOR BASKETBALL

The first Dubai International Basketball Junior Championship took place at the AUD Knights Arena in September.

Organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the Championship involved eight teams, including Spain’s Barcelona, Serbia’s Bertzan, the Sports Club of Jordan and four clubs from Dubai. The Sharjah Club also competed.

The tournament is part of DSC’s wider plan to organize international competitions for young people in a variety of sports. The aim is that they may lead clubs and national teams in the future. n

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION NEWS

UNITING STUDENTS THROUGH SPORT

In celebration of the UAE’s first National Sports Day, AUD’s Athletics Division held a series of fun and competitive games recently.

Headed by Athletics Director Mr. Miso Pancetovic, November 25 saw students compete in thrilling basketball, volleyball and soccer matches, both

DISABILITY-FRIENDLY DUBAI The rights of students with disabilities were the topic of hot debate at a conference held in Dubai recently.

Dr. Nadera Alborno, AUD Assistant Professor of Education, attended The Best Practices and Innovations in the Protection of People with Disabilities Forum. She addressed issues around early intervention strategies for children with disabilities, and highlighted the case of Meera, an 11-year-old Emirati girl with Down syndrome.

Meera has a proactive mother who has fought for her right to be educated with her peers. She now

30

attends an inclusive government middle school.

“The success of her story can also be attributed to early interventions she received, especially by the Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre,” Dr. Nadera explained.

The forum was inaugurated

by Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Head of the Higher Committee for Protecting the Rights of People with Disability. It was organized by Dubai Police’s Human Rights Department, in cooperation with Rashid Centre for the Disabled, in commemoration of the UN’s Human Rights Day. n

on the green field and in the AUD Knights Arena. They also took part in fitness and yoga sessions.

Themed ‘UAE Unites Us’, National Sports Day featured a wide variety of sporting, leisurely, recreational, communal and educational activities across the country. n

FACULTY NEWS

CHAMPIONING PEACE AROUND THE WORLD With a passion for peace, Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, AUD’s Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, is travelling the world with her latest paper entitled “Peace Education in Lebanon”.

The findings are based on research into her pedagogical applications in three Lebanese Universities from 2007 to 2014, with 3,000 students of different religious, cultural, socialeconomic, and political backgrounds.

Visiting Italy, she participated in the International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference Series, held at the American University in Rome. There, she spoke about the positive changes the various class activities yielded in students’ perceptions and relations. She also spoke about transformative learning in post-conflict South Africa.

“Obstacles to Peace Education are numerous, but I strongly believe that, as Lyndon B. Johnson said, ‘Peace

is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time’,” commented Dr. Chrabieh.

In Japan, the Assistant Professor took part in the 7th Asian Conference on Education. Entitled ‘Education, Power and Empowerment: Transcending Boundaries’, the event was held at the Art Center of Kobe.

Dr. Chrabieh once again presented her final results, including her students’ visions of war and peace.

“Traumatic experiences of war may never disappear from the minds of many generations of Lebanese, and new wounded memories will be added to the old ones,” she said.

She went on to explain how her research reveals the importance of creating alternative models of education through unconventional ideas and teaching techniques, particularly in the promotion of empathy, mutual respect, and dialogue as peace-building pillars. n

MEDICAL MERIT An AUD professor has successfully completed medical research training at Harvard Medical School in the USA. Dr. Meis Moukayed, Coordinator and Associate Professor of Natural Sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences, finished the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard University last summer.

A graduate of the class of 2015, Dr. Moukayed is now Associate Member of Harvard Medical School and Harvard University Alumni Association.

“I feel a great sense of accomplishment to have successfully completed the program,” she said.

“It was very rigorous and brought together clinical and scientific

leaders from across the world for specialized training. The learning and intellectual experience was incredibly rewarding,” she added.

The program attracted more than 176 top medical, clinical, and scientific leaders who learned about clinical research methodology and the skills needed to develop and engage in top clinical research.

Specialist areas included public health, epidemiology and clinical trials.

The program also included modules in leadership, negotiation, teamwork, ethics, and management. The professors were world-class educators from both Harvard Medical School and Harvard Business School. n

31

FACULTY NEWS

AN INSIGHT INTO EMIRATIZATION

Due to the current economic climate and living standards, Emiratis may find themselves obliged to enter the open labor market and compete on equal terms with foreign employees.

That’s according to AUD Professor of Management, Dr. Evangelos Dedousis, who has co-authored a book on Emiratization, a major focus point for the UAE government.

‘Workforce Localisation and Change Management: The View from

the Gulf’, also written by Richard Nathan Rutter from the Australian College of Kuwait and the University of East Anglia, targets academics.

Published by IGI, a USA-based publisher of scholarly books and journals, the publication discusses what happens at both micro and macro levels in times of change.

“I do not think that, beyond superficial compliance with government guidelines, most private companies are willing and prepared to participate in Emiratization programs,” Dr. Dedousis explained.

“Workforce localization in industries employing cheap foreigners could undermine the foundations of the very system that has helped sectors of the economy to grow and create prosperity in the region,” he continued.

The project started in 2014 and includes more than 20 authors from the USA, Europe, Australia, Thailand, South Africa, and Turkey with each contributor presenting research on organizational change management strategies. n

AT THE FOREFRONT OF RESEARCH One of AUD’s newest professors is at the forefront of research in international law.

Assistant Professor of Business Administration Thomas P. Corbin Jr. recently presented at the Third International Conference on Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Science, organized by Middlesex University Dubai.

His paper, entitled ‘A Comparative Look at Legal Practice Rules in the U.S. Jurisdiction of Michigan, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea’ was presented in the International Law/ International Relations arena.

Mr. Corbin Jr. joined AUD as Assistant Professor in Fall 2015. He

32

is a licensed attorney and a member of the Michigan Bar Association.

He has also taught in the USA, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, and now the UAE. n

SOFT SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE

Mr. Raj Kapoor, Associate Dean Operations and Administration at the School of Business Administration, was a guest speaker at the third International Advertising Association Apprentice Conference recently.

Held at Dubai’s Emirates Aviation College, the two-day event was themed ‘Graduating? What’s Coming Next?’ and offered a behind-the-scenes look into the advertising industry that cannot be learned or experienced in the classroom.

Entitled ‘Seeing the Forest Through the Trees’, Kapoor’s presentation illustrated the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. These include the social graces, personal habits, and interpersonal skills that characterize relationships with other people, and refer to a person’s Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ).

Speakers and panelists attended from a range of leading companies including Emirates Airlines, LinkedIn, Gulf News, Google, Leo Burnett, Facebook MENA, MediaVest, and the International Advertising Association. n

FACULTY NEWS

RESEARCH AT ITS BEST

Dr. Bradley Freeman, Associate Professor of Communication and Information Studies at AUD’s Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication, took home the Best Research Award at the Journalism and Mass Communication conference 2015.

The fourth edition of the event, which took place in Singapore, was held under the theme ‘Journalism, Media and Mass Communication in The Age of Information’.

“Being presented with the Best Research Award came as a surprise as there were many worthy presenters at the event. Attending has been a rewarding academic and professional experience,” Dr. Freeman said. n

DIRECTING DESIGN EDUCATION Ms. Dina Faour, Associate Professor of Advertising at AUD, has been voted Vice President of the Middle East Design Educators Association (MEDEA).

Associate Professor of Visual Communication, Ms. Julia Townsend has also been voted a member of the board of directors.

“The move speaks volumes about the historic role and continuing excellence of AUD as a leader of design education throughout the MENA region,” said Dr. Woodman Taylor, Chair of the Department of Visual Communication at AUD. Members of the board volunteer their time and expertise to promote design education in the MENA region, with board meetings held twice a year. n

GRAND DESIGNS AT HOTEL SHOW

Associate Professor of Interior Design Annamaria Lambri chaired a panel discussion at the 2015 Hotel Show, recently held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The debate, themed ‘Designer’s Point of View’, was part of the Vision Conference, which offered an extensive program of industry insight, trends, and market intelligence.

“For the second year, I had the honor of organizing the panel discussion with prestigious guests. It was a great experience,” commented Professor Lambri.

Topics included hospitality design trends, hotel refurbishment, and the future of hospitality design. n

DR. LEE APPOINTED DEPARTMENT CHAIR Dr. Dennis Lee, Associate Professor of Marketing at AUD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Marketing and Marketing Communication at the School of Business Administration.

Dr. Lee joined AUD as Assistant Professor of Marketing in January 2007, having earned his Ph.D. from the University of Queensland in Australia. Prior to entering academia, he worked for more than ten years as a consultant and manager

for various companies throughout the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.

His primary research interest is mobile phone marketing.

“Dr. Lee’s collegial and positive attitude has been a source of commendation by all colleagues at the school. I am sure he will add great value to the department with the aim of sustainable and continuous improvement,” said Dr. Mohammed Abu Ali, Dean of the School of Business Administration.

33

FACULTY NEWS

DESIGN PROFESSOR RECOGNIZED BY INDUSTRY The School of Architecture, Arts and Design is celebrating Prof. Albert Fakhoury’s election onto the executive board of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI).

Prof. Fakhoury, Chair of the Interior Design Department, is now one of nine board members.

“This is, without a doubt, recognition of Prof. Fakhoury’s efforts in bringing the worlds of

academia and practice closer than ever for the benefits of students.

With this, AUD has moved another step towards excellence,” said Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, Dean - School of Architecture, Art and Design.

Often considered the ‘United Nations’ of the interior architecture and design field, the IFI represents 270,000 designers, educators, and industry stakeholders in the international design community. n

DRIVING ART FORWARD

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Sustainable design was debated at the Leaders in Design MENA 2015 summit recently.

Held in Dubai, the two-day conference comprised a series of moderated panels, one of which was chaired by AUD’s Assistant Professor of Interior Design, Kristin Lee. In her session, entitled ‘Future of Sustainable Design’, Prof. Lee led panelists on topics such as the challenges of working with clients and the need for client buy-in, while questioning whether the region is shifting towards sustainable thinking.

Panelists also shared their thoughts on the role of regulation. n

34

A limousine might seem an unlikely place in which to host an art exhibition but that’s exactly where ‘Liquid Cities – International Video Art Limousine Festival’ took place last fall.

Curated by Luca Curci, the event showcased a series of videos from artists including Flounder Lee, Assistant Professor of Studio Art at AUD. The only artist selected from the UAE to exhibit, Prof. Lee submitted ‘Circa-Navigation’, a 10-minute video, which was broadcast inside the vehicle for five hours as it drove around New York City picking up passengers.

“It’s been 15 years in the making.

The video consists of views from boats, helicopters, bikes, motorcycles, cars, and many other vehicles. It was shot in dozens of countries,” said Prof. Lee. n

WISE WORDS

Assistant Professor of English Dr. Omar Sabbagh has written a novella called ‘Via Negativa - A Parable of Exile’.

Set in Beirut, the story tells the tale of Yusuf, a teacher who receives several unfinished stories from one of his most promising students only to find that his life’s drift is about to hit rough water.

Available through Cinnamon’s Liquorice Fish Books, the novella is one of many published works by Dr. Sabbagh, who has a Ph.D. in English Literature from King’s College London. n

ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS

TOP AWARD FOR AUD ALUMNA

An AUD graduate has picked up a top award for her outstanding work in hospitality design. Maliha Nishat, from the class of 2000, was

UAE NATIONAL DAY UNITES ALUMNI Emirati graduates gathered in December to help celebrate UAE National Day and reconnect with staff and former students.

Organized by the Student Retention and Success Office (SRS), the reunion was held for Emirati graduates of all classes. It took place in Al Halab Restaurant in The Dubai Mall and was attended by Mrs. Tala Makhlouf, SRS Director; Mrs. Farah Wakeel, Alumni Coordinator as well as other members of SRS, including the Career Services team.

“We wanted to bring together the UAE National alumni to mark and celebrate the 44th Spirit of the Union National Day. We were delighted to reconnect with our alumni,” said Mrs. Makhlouf. n

named Interior Designer of the Year at the prestigious Commercial Interior Design Awards, recently held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.

According to the judges, Nishat’s “incredible designs and interior spaces represent the best of what the hospitality design industry has to offer”.

Nishat said: “It feels like a dream.

It is an amazing honor to be shortlisted and I am very happy.”

Nishat began her career in Dubai after graduating from AUD in Interior Design. She has since worked in Australia and Hong Kong on projects all over the world.

Alisha Nasir, an AUD 2013 graduate, was nominated and shortlisted for the second year for the Young Interior Designer of the Year Award. n

ALUMNA TAKES HOME PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AUD alumna Farah Sabobeh won an American Institute of Architecture (AIA) Middle East award for design.

Farah, who graduated in 2015, received a merit for her thesis project entitled, ‘DT | Dubai Time, Zaabeel – Dubai, UAE’.

“The jury was impressed with Farah’s exhaustive studies and how she identified suitable left-over public spaces in Dubai, culminating with the selection of the optimum site,” an AIA Middle East spokesperson said.

He added that her process was highly deductive and refreshing to see from a young designer.

According to Prof. Tiago Costa, one of Farah’s lecturers, Farah was the only student to submit and be awarded for a solo project. All other awardees submitted group projects in teams of 15 to 16. n

ALUMNI EXHIBIT AT DOWNTOWN DESIGN Two AUD Interior Design alumni, now owners of an innovative online furniture brand IBDAA, recently exhibited at Downtown Design 2015.

The interiors event presented a carefully edited roster of established and emerging brands including the platform founded by AUD’s Marwa Al Shamry and Christelle Bitar.

After graduating, the duo started exploring the UAE’s heritage and realized there is much more to the country than meets the eye, with a fascinating culture and rich traditions.

From there, they founded IBDAA and launched the first item, Emiraty Shelf, on December 2 in the spirit of National Day. Shortly after, they followed with Moresque Sofa, inspired

by Moroccan art and motifs.

Chadi El Tabbah, Assistant Professor of Interior Design at AUD, commented: “We are so proud of Marwa and Christelle. They share their passion for creating concept design furniture that is inspired by the different cultures around the world.” n

35

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEWS

LEADING LAWYER OFFERS INVALUABLE INSIGHT Students at the School of Business Administration recently heard a prominent lawyer speak on topical issues affecting companies in the UAE. Taimur Malik, a partner at international law firm Curtis, MalletPrevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, gave an informative lecture and Q&A on the legal aspects of running a business, offering students an invaluable insight into some of the challenges of being an entrepreneur.

Based in his firm’s Middle East practice, Mr. Malik said he was “delighted to be at AUD and very impressed with the diversity of the student body, quality of the questions asked by students and the on-campus facilities”.

Mr. Malik has advised governments, sovereign wealth funds, financial

institutions, and Fortune 500 companies on a wide range of legal issues, both contentious and noncontentious. These include corporate governance, anti-corruption policies, and issues related to business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Prof. Mahvish Gul, Adjunct faculty, Economics and Business, said: “It has always been our endeavor to create an alliance between academia and industry, and to keep students informed of the applied fields pertaining to their coursework. This talk, by an expert in the field of business law, strengthens our commitment towards achieving that goal.

“It was a very well-attended lecture and students had an interactive and knowledgeable Q&A session,” he added. n

SCHOOL WELCOMES TOP GLOBAL BRANDS The School of Business Administration recently hosted key representatives from two major global brands.

Maxime Ferte, International Sales Director at Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier, presented an overview of the global luxury market. He spoke about the challenges the industry faces, watch brand rankings, watch trends and the Baume & Mercier brand. He also outlined his career path and gave tips to students.

The Department of Management, meanwhile, welcomed Alexandros Papaspyridis, the region’s Head of Lumia Commercial Sales at Microsoft.

Mr. Papaspyridis gave a lecture entitled ‘Business Trends emanating from the shift to Mobile and Cloud’ and highlighted the importance of innovation in today’s world.

Dr. Hassan Zeineddine, Chair of the Department of Management at AUD, commented: “The talks were in-line with the school’s dedication to boosting student’s engagement in the learning process, linking theories to practice, and promoting critical thinking.” n

UNDERSTANDING THE UAE ASIAN CONSUMER AUD Marketing Communications alumnus Zeeshan Ali Merchant, Associate Director of Planning at Dubai’s Omnicom Media Group, gave an informative lecture on ‘Understanding the UAE Asian Consumer: Media Strategy’ to the Media Buying & Planning class.

36

He covered diverse topics such as how to set media objectives, how to develop a media plan to meet those objectives, and how to develop a media flow chart.

Invited by Dr. Ode Amaize, Professor of Marketing Communications at the School of Business

Administration, Mr. Merchant was an inspiration to students.

“It was very interesting to hear what real agencies go through in creating campaigns. This helped me understand what to expect and what to prepare for in my career,” said student Ola Zaidan.n

SPEAKERS & CONFERENCES

AUD HOSTS COMMON CORE CONFERENCE

American curriculum teachers and school leadership teams convened at AUD in October for the third annual Common Core Conference.

Organized by Know.Do.Serve.

Learn., a UAE-based education company, the event aimed to advance teaching and learning in the MENA region via 25 interactive sessions.

In each class, expert educators talked participants through English language,

AUD HOSTS SOCIAL MEDIA FORUM AUD was the proud host and strategic partner of the Social Media for Good Forum, in which best practices for utilizing social media for the good of humanity were discussed.

Goodwill ambassadors Hussain Al Jasmi, Dr. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, Lujain Omran and Mona Hareb spoke at the event.

A number of active institutions in the humanitarian service such as MBC Group and Facebook were also present. n

UN WEEK AT AUD

arts, mathematics, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

They also discussed issues related to school culture, teacher support and leadership.

A first for the region, the conference threw a spotlight on the new national arts standards that shape student learning in dance, media, music, theatre, and visual arts. Attendees participated in action-planning sessions to help practically implement lessons learned during the event.

The conference also provided access to top education publishers and education organizations.

The conference was keynoted by mathematics teaching and learning expert Dr. Norman Webb, who is Senior Research Scientist, Emeritus, for the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin. n

The School of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with AUD’s External Relations Office, proudly hosted one of the region’s top United Nations representatives in November.

Elise Bijon, from the UN’s World Food Programme, gave a lecture on the organization’s country team, giving students the chance to learn about the structure of the UN, the different agencies in the UAE and the roles they play in humanitarian relief.

As the Regional Private Sector Partnership Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Bijon also discussed the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. n

MODEL BEHAVIOR In a bid to understand the workings of the United Nations, more than 265 students, representing 15 schools and seven universities, took part in AUD’s Model United Nations (AUDMUN) Conference recently.

Hosted by the university’s Model United Nations student club, the three-day inaugural event saw each participant assigned as a ‘delegate’ to a country within a UN committee.

They then had to represent their committee and debate a given topic with the goal of passing resolutions.

Committees included the General Assembly, Security Council, World Health Organization, and World Trade Organization, as well as the World Bank, Press Corps and UN Women.

UN Counter Terrorism, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Arab League.

Within these committees, students discussed important issues such

as drug and child trafficking, HIV/AIDS, Cyber Security, and security of women in times of strife.

Communal tensions in Myanmar and promoting education and literacy in Arab states were also discussed.

“Overall, it was an enjoyable conference that brought about the leadership skills, social skills and problem-solving capacity within me.

I found the conference extremely rewarding,” said Zahra Ahmed, who represented Syria in the Arab League.

Keynote speakers also talked to students about how attending such conferences could benefit their overall development. Speakers included Mr. Raymond Ratti, Managing Director at HONEMA and former Adjunct Professor at AUD, and Mr. Ziad Ayad, Acting Head of Office at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. n

37

AUD FORUM

A CLASS ACT

Dr. Nora El Belawi highlights issues preventing Western classroom management principles from being implemented in the UAE

C

lassroom management principles are based on several Western theories, approaches and strategies. There are many principles that can be globalized among the West and the Middle East, especially in the 21st century where knowledge is rapidly transformative.

There are other behavioral management principles, however, that cannot be globalized in the Middle East due to cultural matters and expectations. To promote social justice for all, when implementing classroom management principles and plans, we need to learn more about these cultural issues and address them accordingly.

Recently I spoke at The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) International Conference on Education – Dubai 2015.

The inaugural conference was held under the theme ‘Education, Power and Empowerment: Developing Transnational Spaces’.

38

It acted as a center for academics, practitioners and professionals to discuss new research in education.

IICE2015 created opportunities for the internationalization of higher education and sharing of expertise.

In my paper entitled ‘Globalization of classroom management principles: A cross-cultural analysis of teachers’ perspectives in the UAE’, I examine teachers from various cultural backgrounds, and their perspectives on the reality of introducing these classroom management theories and approaches in UAE schools. For example, what do they think needs to be implemented and what is currently happening?

The study was conducted through a survey with open-ended questions. The results show that teachers appreciate many classroom management theories and approaches, but that in the UAE they face cultural barriers that hinder implementation of some core classroom management principles.

The results were almost inclusive to child rearing culture, lack of parental presence at home “the nanny syndrome”, gender segregation in classrooms, sustainability of parallel behavioral plans at home, schoolteacher relationship “VIP treatments”, and the culture of “boys’ characteristics – superior and tough”. n

CV

Dr. Nora El Bilawi joined AUD in August 2015 as a full-time Assistant Professor, having taught part-time in 2014 to 2015.

From spring 2008 to spring 2014, she was an Adjunct Professor with the Education Department at George Mason University, where she taught in-class and online.

Dr. El Bilawi also has experience as an ESOL/TESOL teacher from the Prince William County Schools, USA, where she taught for six years. Her courses focused on second language acquisition, curriculum and instruction, methods of teaching and instruction, and human and cognitive development.

Her research interests include teaching English for speakers of other languages, education reform, and the role of policies and communities in educational and social change.

AUD FORUM

SACRED SUMMER

Rana Abd El Moti Mohamed remembers her fascinating, interreligious study-abroad course in Rome

I

n 2013, I went to the Vatican City on a short course visit. Mesmerized by its sheer size and beauty, I dreamed of returning and, two years later, I finally had the opportunity.

In summer 2015, with the approval of AUD President Dr. Lance de Masi, and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Haitham Solh, I made my way back to the American University of Rome (AUR) to begin a course dedicated to the evolution of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

Lectured by Dr. Cristina Carlo-Stella, head of the Vatican office in charge of the basilica, the course took us on an incredible journey into the past, exploring what lay beneath the surface of the eternal city of Rome. As we descended deeper underground into remarkable sites including the Vatican necropsies and the catacombs, we witnessed at least 1,000 years of historic transformation in arts and architecture, adapted to

the rise of a new religious belief.

The course did not focus solely on Christian or Roman history, however.

It embraced diverse perspectives and interlinked major events from Western Asia and North Africa, and even discussed historic relations between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In fact, it spanned many centuries, from the age of the Roman antiquity to the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the East, and presented powerful examples of interreligious dialogue that occurred between the two regions. It also bridged

CV

Rana Abd El Moti Mohamed, is a senior student of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication.

She has chosen to undertake a study abroad course in Rome to fulfill her Arts and Sciences requirements.

complex historic events from all over the world, which changed the course of Christian history, and the evolution of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.

The subject of interreligious dialogue was of great interest to me as Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, AUD’s Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, had opened my eyes to understanding world religions and the significance of engaging in interreligious dialogue.

One of my most memorable experiences was witnessing Pope Francis addressing the masses in St Peter’s square. We sat in a very special place right across from the Pope and when he paused something took me by surprise: I heard a live Arabic translation of his speech, which was was a special moment for me.

I was privileged to have attended classes in the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica in locations that were strictly off limits to the public, and other locations that offered only limited public access like the Jewish Synagogue and Museum, the Vatican Apostolic Library, the Vatican Treasury, the Vatican Grottoes, the Vatican Necropolis, the Pauline Chapel, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs of St Sebastian, the Pieta Chapel, the Vatican Mosaic workshop, the Dome of St Peter’s; and these are but a few of the remarkable sites we visited.

It was an incredible and enriching experience, which I will forever hold dear to my heart. I owe it all to our professor, Dr. Cristina Carlo Stella, who dedicated her efforts to making our experience worthwhile.

All my respect and regards go to the professors who have continued to inspire me, and fuel my passion for the arts, religion and history. n

39

AUD FORUM

ONE COFFEE BEAN AT A TIME

Dr. Pamela Chrabieh explains how great change is possible, but only effective if we first change ourselves

I

was born and raised in Lebanon, a war zone in which sectarianism, state paralysis, militias’ laws, negative media propaganda, hatred, and conflicting identities were, and still are, all too prevalent.

I spent time in shelters or in displacement. I avoided snipers and landmines. I faced the destruction of our homes and the death of family members and friends. One of my favorite games was harb (war).

When you physically survive this kind of environment, it doesn’t mean you’re not damaged psychologically. When the bloodshed stops, it doesn’t mean the

40

war ends. Like countless others from my generation, I carry many traumas.

According to my psychologist and psychiatrist colleagues, more than 60 per cent of the Lebanese population developed serious mental illnesses due to post-traumatic stress disorder. Their wounded memories and illnesses are now transmitted to the new generation, along with what they have already inherited from the distant past.

In this chaotic and sick environment, my first oasis was my family. My parents were peace agents when people around us were drowning in the sectarian sea. My father was

probably the only person in his village who refused to enroll in the militias or political parties that controlled the area. He continued to teach as a school and university professor, and became a well-known model of dialogue in the academic world.

My mother is a lawyer and a feminist who comes from a feudal background.

She is a Sheikha, but decided not to use her title in the public sphere. She worked tirelessly to defend women in religious courts and she still opens her doors to abused women from different backgrounds and religious identities.

In the years spent in Lebanon, Canada, Lebanon again and now the UAE, as well as short stays in a variety of other countries, I found myself exposed to different forms of diversity and learned to live by the rules of different systems. I had many experiences, both positive and negative,

AUD FORUM

that contributed to my journey from war to peace, and to the expansion of my oasis beyond the family cell.

I chose the most difficult path, to go against the flow (aaks al sayr) and move away from common defense mechanisms such as the ostrich attitude, the blank page and denial (what I call mafichism). I chose the path of continuous self-transformation in order to contribute to the change of my environment. This is the path of dealing with one’s traumas, healing one’s wounds and enlarging one’s horizons in the quest for both internal peace and peace with others.

I found a parable to illustrate my path: A girl was so discouraged by her experiences in school [just like many are discouraged by the situation in Lebanon today], she told her grandmother she wanted to quit.

Her grandmother filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second eggs and in the third ground coffee beans.

Then she fished the carrots, pulled out the eggs and served the coffee in a cup and asked, “Tell me what do you see?”

“Carrots, eggs and coffee,” the girl replied.

Then she asked the girl to feel the carrots – she noted they were soft and mushy. She told her to break an egg, but she couldn’t. It was hard-boiled.

She asked her to sip the coffee, which she did and tasted it with its rich aroma. The grandmother then explained that each object had faced the same adversity – boiling water – but each had reacted differently.

“Which are you?” the grandmother asked. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot that seems strong but with pain becomes soft and loses strength? Are you the egg that appears not to change but whose heart is hardened? Or the coffee bean that changes the hot water, the very circumstances that bring the pain, by releasing the fragrance and flavor?

The moral of the parable?

I confess, I am a coffee lover, a

The environment in which we live or with which we have to deal helps shape one’s beliefs and genetics, but it isn’t the only thing that matters. What matters more is how we react to it and how we interpret our experiences and encounters” coffee addict. I chose and choose every day, as much as possible, to become a coffee bean.

The environment in which we live or with which we have to deal helps shape one’s beliefs and genetics, but it isn’t the only thing that matters.

CV Joining AUD in Fall 2014, Dr Chrabieh is AUD’s Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies. She completed her doctoral dissertation in 2005 at the University of Montreal on sectarianism, interfaith dialogue and religions-politics relations in Lebanon. This was followed by two post-doctoral papers on war memory, youth and peace building.

Dr. Chrabieh has also been an international academic researcher, both individually and as part of a team. Named one of the 100 most influential women in Lebanon by the Women Leaders Directory 2013, Smart Center and Women in Front Beirut, in 2008 she was also deemed Most Exceptional Teaching Fellow by the University of Montreal.

What matters more is how we react to it and how we interpret our experiences and encounters. And when it seems that we can’t change our circumstances, we start by changing ourselves. I truly believe humans are not conditioned; they can alter their situation as well as their genes. Ever heard of brain plasticity? Or gene mutation?

My parents were my first proof that self-transformation and its positive impact are possible. Many individuals I encounter in and outside of Lebanon prove the possibility of change.

Since 2001, my research has revealed the existence of hundreds of peace agents, including here at the American University in Dubai. My answer to the often-asked question, “Why don’t we have peace in Lebanon?” is this: without those individuals, Lebanon would have disappeared a long time ago.

Old and new war traumas need time to heal and hard work at all non-official and official levels.

The war’s causes are multiple, both internal and external. As individuals in our own worlds, maybe we can’t change the external factors, but we can try to change the internal ones, especially when it comes to the psychological aspect of the war, the culture of war.

Truly, Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” is not an ideal, it is a reality.

One just has to believe in it, and believe that, as former American President Lyndon B. Johnson said, “Peace is a journey of a thousand miles; it must be taken one step at a time”.

And I will add: one coffee bean at a time. n

41

PROUD PROFESSORS

Edgar Small

Thomas Corbin

What are you reading?

Take the Stairs, a book

by Rory Vaden, and What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

by Randall Munroe

Who are your favorite authors?

Frank Miller, Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Stephen King and Cormac McCarthy

The Associate Professor of Civil Engineering opens up about his greatest role model and why he loves teaching at AUD

Favorite recent book?

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Your favorite movie?

Unbroken Favorite place to go on vacation?

Italy Who is your role model?

My most important role model is my dad, whose entrepreneurial spirit and positive outlook is hard to beat If you had three wishes what would they be?

Happiness for my family; to be the best husband, father, employee and friend that I can; and to

42

make a positive difference in the lives of others Your favorite quote?

I have several but I particularly like: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,”

by Abraham Lincoln When did you join AUD? August 2007 Why are you a proud AUD professor?

I have really enjoyed being part of the School of Engineering, building an exceptional engineering program, which is among the best in the MENA region. Our students have not only succeeded but thrived in the marketplace, and at some of the finest graduate schools in the world. There is incredible satisfaction in seeing our students succeed and it is a pleasure and privilege to contribute to their development. n

New to Dubai, the Assistant Professor of Business Administration explains why he is passionate about living and working in the UAE

Your favorite movies?

Star Trek II, Dark Knight, Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, The Wolf of Wall Street, Scent of a Woman, Saving Private Ryan, and The Usual Suspects Your favorite TV show?

Family Guy Favorite place to go on vacation?

South America Your favorite Dubai restaurant?

Hard Rock Café Who is your role model?

My grandfather, Millard Corbin. He was a hardworking, blue-collar man, who did his best for his family and his nation.

If you had three wishes what would they be?

To have wisdom, peace of mind, and prosperity Something we don’t know about you?

I once had a small part as an actor in an Ecuadorian comedy show called Super Espias When did you join AUD? Fall 2015 Why are you a proud AUD professor?

Because the School of Business Administration has set its sights on receiving AACSB accreditation, the industry gold standard; to be part of a team whose leadership understands the significance of that is fantastic. I am also proud to be a part of AUD and Dubai – a place where my career can grow, my family can be safe and happy and where everything is possible. n

ALUMNI PROFILE

STAR OF THE FUTURE MBRSC graduate, Leen Al Faisal is thriving in the fast-paced, digital world of CNN International

W

ith a passion for communication, Leen Al Fasial knew journalism was the only path for her.

It was therefore no surprise when she joined AUD and chose to pursue her dream at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC), renowned throughout the region for its prestigious, media-focused programs and outstanding caliber of students.

Just one year after graduation, Leen is putting her newly learned skills into practice, as an intern at English-speaking news channel CNN International, where she is assistant producer on flagship program Connect the World with Becky Anderson. She also produces and edits short web shows, and creates content for an online magazine.

“I have always been interested in communicating unknown issues in the world, and speaking up for the unfortunate ones,” she says. “So, I knew that I wanted to study journalism.

She adds: “Each day, I drive to Abu Dhabi, where CNN International Middle East is based, and do eight hours of writing and assisting on the production of the daily show. Then I drive back

and exercise, read a book, and before I know it, I’m in a deep sleep. Having a hectic schedule is so much fun!”

The many vocational skills Leen acquired at AUD, coupled with her drive and determination, look set to take her far. She plans to study for a Masters in women and gender studies in the UK in 2016/17, in addition to setting up a YouTube channel that publishes short documentaries about women issues in the Middle East.

Excited about the future, Leen hopes her continued studies and career experiences will be as rewarding and enjoyable as her time at AUD, where she was inspired by many people.

PROUD TO BE AUD MBRSC is appreciative of every student and looks out for those with great potential. For that reason, it contributed to the person that I am today and I feel very proud to be an AUD alumna. With the help of the MBRSC and the MEST [Middle Eastern Studies] staff, I learned about the subjects which I want to develop.

“I will never forget Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, Prof. Fadi Haddad, Prof. Jayson Hetrick and my partner in every AUD memory, Sarah Hassan, who is now a journalist with CNN Arabic,” she says.

“My best memories of MBRSC were formed in the editing suites where we used to spend days without going home. These remind me of my amazing AUD family,” she adds.

Leen recalls one experience in particular when the senior students stayed overnight in the editing suites. She took a short nap only to wake up and find her friends taking a selfie – with her in shot!

“They did not want to leave me out of the picture so they decided to take a picture with me, while I was sleeping. I woke up angry but the memory is hilarious,” she laughs.

When it comes to the next batch of MBRSC students, what advice does Leen have to offer them? “Your university experience is what you make it,” she says. “If you wait for good things to come to you, you will have a very dull experience, but if you attract good things, every memory that you look back on will be wonderful.” n

43

ALUMNI PROFILE

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

Since graduating from AUD in 2011, Mitra Gholami has launched an internationally renowned interior design firm, 8,000 miles away in the heart of California

L

iving in Dubai, the region’s most cosmopolitan destination, it was almost inevitable that Mitra Gholami would carve a niche in interior design. With an eye for detail and a passion for style, she was inspired not only by Dubai’s groundbreaking structures but by the lavish interiors that surrounded her, intrigued by how the right furnishing could bring life to an otherwise soulless room.

This fascination, coupled with drive and untapped talent, led her to study Architecture and Interior Design at AUD, and it was here that Mitra – originally from Iran – received her first commission.

“While still in school, I was asked to redesign the Temple Nightclub, an 11,000 sq ft property in San Francisco,” she says.

“I worked on a freelance basis and fitted out the main floor, dance floor, DJ booth, balcony, bathrooms and basement.”

When the club was completed, Mitra and her business partner were deluged with offers of work and together they established Deleap LLC, a San Franciscobased interior design company.

“Today, we do everything from marketing and meeting clients to designing interiors and purchasing materials,” she says.

“I usually get up early, go to the gym, have my breakfast and then start working. After the creative portion is done, I check my emails and reply to clients. If I look at my emails before I’ve completed the creative element, I can’t focus and I don’t get the result I want,” she adds.

While Mitra plans to expand the business and take on more projects in both Dubai and the USA, she

44

PROUD TO BE AUD “All I know today, I learned from AUD. I love my university because it has a great culture and a strong connection with students. Whenever I am in Dubai, I always come back and say ‘hi’ to the teachers. I am so grateful to them because they pushed their students to work harder to find their potential and, as a result, I discovered I was able to run my own firm and be an entrepreneur. I am thankful to AUD for its excellent advice and for helping me to find my true path.”

understands the importance of a healthy work/life balance, believing that everyone should spend as much time having fun as they do at work.

“I always try to do something for myself, either hanging out with friends or just walking for a few hours to clear my mind and enjoy my personal time. I also enjoy hiking, cycling and spending time with family,” she says.

Displaying maturity and wisdom beyond her years, Mitra has achieved more than many graduates do in a lifetime. But to what does she attribute her success?

“I learned everything I know at AUD,” she explains. “During my studies, I learned a lot about design, software and how to communicate with people. Everything I was taught during my four-year bachelor degree, I use on a daily basis.

“I was inspired by Dr. Nabil Chenaf, Mr. Albert Fakhoury and Mr. Alex Albani, who were such great instructors.

All their life lessons motivated me to reach the level of success I enjoy today.”

For Mitra, the best times at AUD were spent with friends working through the night on theses and perspective renderings. With such fond memories, what advice can Mitra offer today’s students?

“Never give up on your dreams and trust your instinct,” she says. “If you can’t swim, that’s fine. As long as you have the courage to jump into the ocean, the rest will follow, but if you don’t try, you will always wonder ‘what if?’

“Never let any ‘what ifs’ cloud your mind. Go for it and you will find success,” she adds. n

ALUMNI PROFILE

PERFECT COMBINATION After graduating from AUD in marketing, Omar Al Busaidy now combines his two great loves, communication and soccer, at the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

F

ew are fortunate enough to turn their passion into a career but Omar Al Busaidy has done just that. Twice.

With a genuine love of communication and sports – specifically soccer – the 29 year old is Tourism Investment Manager & Sponsorship Manager of Manchester City Football Club. Employed by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, he combines his strongest skill, people interaction, with the beautiful game, and is extremely grateful.

“I work with a great team of hard-working professionals,” he says. “Our mantra is ‘get the job done’. The main function is to enhance the Abu Dhabi visitor experience, particularly in the leisure sector, so we identify the right location to put the right product for the right experience, by attracting both public and private sector investments.”

Describing his role as a “significant opportunity”, Omar is no stranger to the world of business and has even authored a hit entrepreneurial guide to self- development called ‘Just Read It’.

But where did all this knowledge come from? Much of it originated at AUD, from where he graduated in 2009.

After several consultations with advisors and family members, he decided to study marketing, believing that a degree in this field would greatly enhance his already strong communication skills.

“Marketing was the perfect fit,” he says. “It was only going to improve my abilities and take them to a new level.”

And he was absolutely right. At AUD, he met some of the region’s best professors and students who helped him grow in his career. He is still in contact with many of these people today.

It was the valedictorians, however, who inspired Omar the most, especially

JUST READ IT Omar Al Busaidy’s book ‘Just Read It’ is a day-to-day guide on self-development and touches upon the topics of emotional and social intelligence.

The book is addressed to the youth as well as professionals who wish to pursue greater achievements in both their personal and professional lives. The book offers inspiration for entrepreneurs who seek guidance on setting up businesses, both profit and non-profit. It also offers insights into how we behave with each other and how we could look at similarities rather than differences in order to live peacefully and support each other in achieving our goals.

at graduation when he would listen to their speeches and feel overwhelmed by their spirit and ambition. While he remembers these moments fondly, his favorite memory of AUD is mingling with staff, including Peggy Awad, Director of External Relations, and Matilda Jabbour, AUD’s Registrar.

“They were my best advisors,” he smiles. “Matilda, who was the Registrar at the time, was like my mom. She always reminded me of my deadlines for registering courses, as I was so late and disorganized. She used to have a hard time with me, but I think my charm worked on her. I’d just smile and tell her I was building my empire,” he says, jokingly.

With so many cherished memories, is there any advice Omar would like to share with current students and alumni?

“Yes. I would tell all students and graduates to take advantage of the library, as it’s extremely useful for feeding the mind and soul. Also, spend time with the professors - they can share advice or pass on knowledge that you don’t necessarily learn in textbooks. And finally, be a good ambassador for your family and country. It will take you a long way.”

Speaking of the future, Omar aspires to run a successful holding company with businesses in oil and gas, management consultancy, education, hospitality and real estate - fields in which he has a strong interest.

Perhaps in a nod to his time at AUD, he would like to spend the majority of his time “dedicated to education” by lecturing at either universities or secondary schools and sharing some of the many lessons he has learned throughout his impressive career. n

45

ALUMNI PROFILE

DESTINATION DUBAI With two AUD Business Administration degrees, Abdulla Yousuf is helping Dubai fulfill its potential, flying the flag internationally and meeting people from all over the world

T

here’s nothing more rewarding than promoting your city on an international level. That’s according to Abdulla Yousuf, a former AUD student, who completed his Business Administration bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Abdulla currently works at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in the Dubai Business Events (DBE) department.

He recruits both individuals and organizations to help bid for international conferences, an area that DBE aims to grow significantly over the next four years.

With Dubai’s strategic roadmap – Tourism Vision 2020 – firmly in place, Abdulla is passionate about his role and contribution towards the future of the emirate.

“DTCM offers great opportunities for Emiratis who want to invest their skills and knowledge in an interesting industry.

There is nothing more fun than promoting Dubai in the international market,” he says.

“Tourism Vision 2020 aims to attract more than 20 million visitors per year to the city by 2020. It is a very interesting time as we work on different initiatives to help fulfill that goal.”

Results-driven and a team player, Abdulla typically spends his day meeting key decision makers from government

46

and non-government organizations, helping to transform Dubai into a regional knowledge hub – one of the department’s key objectives.

Frequently traveling and meeting people from all over the world, Abdulla has the privilege of talking at length about his country’s success and its great future. As influential a life as he may lead, he accredits his professional success to his world-class university education.

Recognizing the strong reputation of AUD’s School of Business Administration, he studied for his bachelor’s and subsequently for his master’s degree while working full time at DTCM.

PROUD TO BE AUD The university offers a high level of education that is well respected in the community and a plus on any résumé. I totally agree with AUD’s slogan “where potential is turned into success”. Talented teachers, who possess valuable industry experience, deliver an extremely high standard of education, enabling students to receive the best academic knowledge that’s relevant in the real world. Working and studying at the same time helped me to unlock my potential and this was reflected in my career development at DTCM.

“The level of attendance at AUD’s graduation ceremonies and Dubai government’s attention to the event indicate how prestigious the university is,” he says. “If AUD were to start offering Ph.D. programs, I would choose to study there again.”

While Abdulla recognizes the talents of all AUD teachers, there is one person in particular he considers key to his success: Dean of the Business School Administration, Dr. Mohammed Abu Ali. “He encouraged me to take more economics courses and I will never regret that,” explains Abdulla. “It was crucial to concentrate on economics especially at that time as the global economic crisis had just hit. We were lucky because we had live case studies to analyze and so things started to make sense.”

According to Abdulla, all the extra hours spent in AUD’s library were worthwhile, especially after graduation and upon entering the business world.

“To graduates, my advice is to choose a job that you like, not a job that offers the highest salary,” he says. “And if you like tourism… join us at DTCM! “Also, for alumni, don’t disconnect yourself from AUD faculty; take advantage of your former teachers’ extensive experience and talk to them.

They might have useful advice to help solve a business problem.” n

© 2015 Citibank, N.A. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. The World’s Citi is a service mark of Citigroup Inc.

Opportunities available at Citi Are you bright and ambitious? If you want to work in a global company that encourages innovation and diversity, then consider Citi. We’re recognised as providing one of the best graduate training programmes in the industry. Apply now at oncampus.citi.com

PROGRESS STARTS HERE

/citigradsEMEA 3

UNILEVER AT THE AUD CAREER FAIR 2016 We offer internships to talented students across all of our functions.

Hands-on experience for 8 to 12 weeks in one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

Come and be part of a team that’s working to create better futures every day.

Internships are offered in Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, Customer development, Human resources and IT. Please log on to the career page to apply.