Emaar Education has unveiled the University of the Arts to promote arts education in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and the Subcontinent.

Emeritus Professor Robert Ely has been appointed to lead the initiative by the wholly owned subsidiary of real estate major Emaar Properties.

The University of the Arts will respond to the demand for creative professionals for the knowledge economy, based on entrepreneurship, ideas and intellectual property.  Headquartered in Dubai, the University of the Arts will create a network of campuses, each distinct and with its own identity but linked as an international networked university.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar’s venture into the education sector is well-aligned with the company’s Vision 2010 of becoming one of the world’s most valuable companies. The establishment of the University of the Arts is another step by Emaar towards becoming a provider of world-class education. The decision to enter into the arts education industry is strategic as there is growing demand for local arts education of international standards in the Mena region and Indian Subcontinent. The University of the Arts initiative will help to nurture creativity and cultivate global talent in these regions.”

The University of the Arts is a key part of Emaar Education’s plans to open over 100 educational institutions including nurseries, international schools, business schools and universities in locations close to and within its master-planned communities in the Mena region, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia.

Boon Yew Ng, chief executive officer, Emaar Education, added: “Emaar Education is focused on an integrated curricula that assure the overall development of students, and we are pleased that Professor Ely has agreed to spearhead our arts education initiative. Professor Ely has an established and illustrious track record and had contributed significantly to the development of the world-class arts education system in Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We are confident that Professor Ely would be able to bring to Emaar Education the same high standards of arts education that those countries offer.”

Professor Ely, president of Art Schools, Colleges and Universities for Emaar Education, said: “The University of the Arts is a unique initiative by Emaar and a great opportunity to realize one of the largest and most exciting education opportunities in the world. Higher education is a global business with the capacity to change the world we live in and the world we offer to our children and their children. We are privileged to be part of the vision of Emaar’s chairman and by the bold success of the company in building futures and look forward to contributing to that success.”

Professor Ely’s memorable academic career saw him being awarded a full professorship in 1996 by a committee of vice chancellors for his contributions to arts and to arts education with over 20 years experience in top positions.  In 1997, he was awarded the Freedom of the State by then Texas governor George W Bush for his contributions to education and a Distinguished Honorary Professorship by Stephen F Austin State University. He was accorded the title of Emeritus Professor when he left the United Kingdom in 2000 after more than seven years at the helm of a University College in London. He holds a PhD in Education and is a prolific writer and researcher as well as a practising artist.

Professor Ely added: “My experience in Singapore fuels my confidence in cultivating a new generation of qualified art practitioners and enthusiasts, and gives me great insights into how to turn ideas and visions of education for the arts into a global reality. I hope to play a part in replicating my success in Singapore in the Mena region and Indian Subcontinent.” -TradeArabia News Service