British Council holds first UAE event for UK alumni

The evening was designed to present an opportunity for alumni to network with each other, to learn more about future UK alumni events and to meet VIP guests from the UAE and the UK, who spoke about the establishment of The British University in Dubai, opening in October 2003.

Mr. Simon Collis, Consul General, British Embassy Dubai, introduced the event: "I am delighted to be hosting the first alumni event in the UAE and the announcement of the new university project. Education is an essential bridge between cultures and communities. I am delighted to see the British community involved as partners in the further development of the education infrastructure of the UAE."

Addressing the audience of UK alumni and other guests at the event, Mr Mirza Al Sayegh of the Al Maktoum Charitable Foundation outlined the concept of the new university.

"The British University in Dubai will bring the best of UK education to the UAE, for the benefit of local students and professionals, initially with courses from the lead university - the University of Edinburgh - and then from other top institutions, as the university develops. It will be unique in that it will be the only research-based university in the region, initially offering courses in the field of informatics at Master's and PhD level, from the largest, highest rated IT research school in the UK," he said.

The university campus will be located at Dubai Knowledge Village and its Director, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, who was attending the alumni event, also spoke about the impact of the new university: "The British University in Dubai will help reinforce Dubai Knowledge Village's position as a regional centre of educational excellence, and help us fulfil our role in facilitating access to world class education and training opportunities."

Professor Geoffrey Boulton, from the University of Edinburgh, emphasised the university's credentials: "The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's leading research universities and attracts students from all over the world. It has built major associations with other leading academic institutions, such as Stanford University and the National University of Singapore, and enjoys strong research links with international companies. We are delighted to be involved in The British University in Dubai and look forward to bringing the best that the UK has to offer to the UAE."

Jo Maher, Director of the British Council Dubai, added: "This first UK alumni event was a great opportunity for graduates and their partners to meet and make contact. We are very pleased with the response and look forward to organising future events. It was also an opportunity for our guest speakers to explain to the alumni more about the establishment of The British University in Dubai, with which the British Council is delighted to be associated."