University of Dubai (UD) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US-based University of Louisville (UofL) towards expanding learning opportunities for students and collaborative research options for faculty.

The MoU signed between UD’s college of business administration and UofL recognises the importance of research and quality education, involves student exchange programmes, joint research, and closer and more substantive collaboration.

Initially, UofL students will participate in UD’s Middle East Familiarization program offered by the UD’s center for management and professional development, with internships and student exchange opportunities planned for the future.

UofL faculty will be invited to teach at UD and pursue research projects in conjunction with its scholars.

“We are extremely happy with this partnership as the University of Louisville is also an AACSB accredited school and so both institutions share similar vision,” said Dr M Omar Hefni, president of UD.

“At the same time, as Dubai is a city of opportunities, our entrepreneurial focus is a perfect fit for student needs. Thus, we believe the partnership will offer both universities immediate and long-term benefits.”

“The MoU is part of our efforts to diversify the education portfolio for UD students in keeping with the university’s development goals. It is another milestone in UD’s strategy to provide quality education to residents in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern region,” he added.

Dr Robert Taylor, director of international affairs, UofL said: “As part of their MBA learning experience, we let students pick the places they’d most like to go anywhere in the world. Dubai was at the top of their list.”

“The partnership with UD will give an opportunity to our students to get real-time experience in one of the expanding business and economic centres of the world,” Dr Taylor concluded.

UofL students are expected to begin participating in the new UD programme in the summer of 2011, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service