Abu Dhabi University said its sixth batch of female students is attending a month-long academic training programme at the Al Maktoum Institute in Scotland.

A global research-led college of higher education in Dundee, Al Maktoum Institute said every year it hosts a selected group of UAE national students and those from Qatar University for its preparatory program. This year the programme runs till February 23.

The training program, in Multiculturalism and Leadership discusses a number of contemporary global issues such as leadership in a multicultural environment, cultural engagement and global awareness.

In an effort to raise awareness among the Arab youth, students are encouraged to voice their opinions about the merits and demerits of these issues, and find solutions to tackle them.

"ADU students participating in the Cultural Exchange Program were selected based on the following criteria: female UAE nationals; final year of undergraduate study; a Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above; strong communication skills; and presentable ambassadors to ADU and the UAE," said the institute.

Hind Al Ameri, College of Engineering and Computer Science, specializing in Landscape Architecture said, “This trip will really boost my self-confidence, and I look forward to interacting with all the different cultural groups. I’m also keen on developing the skills like quick decision-making and social participation."

"Being amidst the many diverse ethnic backgrounds will also help broaden my knowledge about how others see the world. What I hope to gain from this trip is the experience of multiple cultures and their fascinating viewpoints," she added.

"I aim to improve my public speaking and socializing skills and, most importantly, become self-dependant. I thank Abu Dhabi University for making this dream a reality," she added. 

Fatima Mubarak Al Junaibi, who specializes in Interior Design added: “I hope that this trip will increase my skills of conducting researches, present new experiences and help with improving my spoken English. I am determined to represent my country, as well as learn about the civilization and culture of Scotch people."

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the UAE, is a patron and sponsor of the Al-Maktoum Institute, an independent, not for profit educational charity and one of a small number of private colleges of higher education in the UK.

His vision for multiculturalism is at the heart of Al-Maktoum Institute’s variety of training programs.

The institute’s aim is the promotion of intelligent debate and understanding of Islam and the role of Muslims in the contemporary world. It offers postgraduate masters and PhD programmes which are accredited by the University of Aberdeen.-TradeArabia News Service