H.E. Sheikh Nahayan inaugurates the 7th Annual Academic Symposium at Zayed University

"This annual academic symposium is an opportunity to express our gratitude for the support Zayed University has received, and continues to receive, from all members of our community," said H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. "Most importantly, we are fortunate to have the strong support of the president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan. We are also grateful to His Highness the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces. Under their guidance and leadership, Zayed University is committed to maintaining excellence and world standards, as it continues to serve its students and respond to the needs of the United Arab Emirates."

H.E. added: "These capstone projects show how students engage in effective learning at Zayed University. With these projects, students not only gain skills and knowledge. They also learn how to show their work in a public forum - a talent critical for professional success. Students also experience the true excitement that comes with research and discovery."

"The theme of this academic festival, "Showcasing Students' Excellence," reflects a philosophy of student-centered education at Zayed University. We are not only interested in developing academic competence. We are also interested in developing critical thinking, independence, global awareness, and the ability to deal with a world without borders. In all of Zayed University's work, the goal is top quality, and meeting or exceeding world-class standards for all programs and activities. I anticipate that the capstone projects on display today will demonstrate clearly our success in fulfilling these obligations. I expect these projects to reveal that our students are active participants in their own education, and that they have benefited from academic programs driven by clear learning outcomes," H.E. concluded.

On his part Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim Vice President of Zayed University said: "The 2008 Academic Symposium is a celebration of our students' achievements and a showcase of their excellence. During their time at Zayed University our students have not only learnt the specific skills of their majors, but they have worked effectively as a team to solve problems, to develop leadership skills and to manage complex projects. They have shown us their imagination, innovation and creativity."

Following His Excellency's speech, 5 students from each college showcased and presented their featured capstone projects.

The Zayed University Council also held its sixth meeting under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in Zayed University Dubai campus. The meeting discussed several topics including the establishment of ZU Endowment Fund, ratification of EMBA graduates of the 6th cohort, ratification of EMHCA graduates of the 2nd cohort, in addition to overview of a summary of Middle States visit to Zayed University in March 2008, and two new master programs: Master of Science in Information technology Specialization in Cyber Security and Master of Science in Teaching and Learning.