New academic year starts at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi

The first day started with a welcoming ceremony at the university campus attended by H.E. Mr. Alan Azouaou, the new French ambassador in the UAE, Pr. Jean-Pierre Machelon, Dean of the Law Dept, Paris Descartes University and a French member of PSUAD management council.

Two UAE members of the management council were present; Major General Omar Al Bitar, Vice president of Paris-Sorbonne, and H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Deputy Secretary General, Executive Council. Mrs. Fairouz Villain representing Les Amis de la Sorbonne attended this pleasant occasion.

Pr. Jean-Yves de Cara; PSUAD Administrative Director, and Pr. Xavier Galmiche; PSUAD Academic Director launched the ceremony with a speech welcoming H.E. Mr. Azouaou, and emphasizing the immense determination of both directors to a give the university the spirit of creativity, dynamism, and lucidity. They also expressed that this should create a balanced academic environment of ingenuity, distinction and liveliness.

Major General Al Bitar concluded with heartfelt gratitude to the wise leadership in the UAE, headed by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, President; Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Deputy Command Supreme; and the French authorities, for their continuous support and encouragement for this historical project, which has accomplished outstanding success at bridging the French and UAE civilizations. He also encouraged the students to take advantage of belonging to this prestigious university; which launched philosophers, artists and renowned persons into the world; and thus work hard.

Students enjoyed the orientation and welcoming ceremony, and discussed with the faculty their aspirations and concerns. PSUAD has welcomed 325 new students for the academic year 2008-2009, representing more than 55 nationalities.