Dubai International Academic City launches International Student Identity Card

JAWAZ reflects the strategic partnership between Dubai International Academic City and the International Student Identity Card Association and brings a lifestyle card to students that for the first time provides immense regional and international benefits.

The International Student Identity Card Association is a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation, a not-for-profit organisation, which brings together world-leading specialists in student and youth travel services.

The ISIC card is endorsed by organisations such as UNESCO, the European Council on Culture and the Andean Community of Nations. It is also recognised by universities, academic institutions, student organisations, national governments and ministries of education around the world.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director for Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "DIAC is committed to developing the campus and making it a student-friendly environment. As part of this objective, we are quickly working towards streamlining our processes on par with international standards. The JAWAZ card will strengthen all stakeholders of the DIAC and DKV academic community, from students and universities to retail outlets.
"The identity card will also provide critical data that will support universities when making strategic decisions relating to study programmes. It will also offer an increased understanding of student growth for community facilities."

The on-campus benefits of the JAWAZ/ISIC card include access to the recreation room, student accommodation and other shared facilities. The card will also serve as a tool for retail outlets in differentiating the pricing for working professionals and students.

The JAWAZ card is tailor-made for connecting the 12,000 DIAC and DKV higher education students to an international student body for tapping into ISIC international and worldwide benefits including travel, food and lodging discounts in over 120 countries.

Representing the ISIC Association, Jim Kane, Managing Director, Strategic Partner Solutions, said:

"There are over 4.5m ISIC cardholders globally who benefit from a wide portfolio of benefits and services. The ISIC card is the only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. Since its launch in 1968, the ISIC has helped over 40m students to get the most out of their travel experience. Through this co-branded card, TECOM Investments and the ISIC Association have created great synergy and opened a world of opportunities for DIAC and DKV students."

DIAC currently hosts 32 academic institutions from 13 different countries from diverse regions, including the US, the UK, Iran, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, France, Pakistan and India. Some of the important names include Michigan State University, Heriot-Watt University, Hult International Business School, and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
DIAC recently announced the launch of the student accommodation project to provide on-campus accommodation. Set in a secure environment, the Rixima Student Accommodation will offer a range of housing options in assorted dimensions and price range.

In addition to academic facilities, DIAC also offers key amenities for the student community. The cluster boasts over 10 food outlets, and a recreation center.