Forming a unique and dynamic community

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 1st July 2015

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA), the UAE's pioneering integrated academic, training and research centre dedicated to strengthening UAE national's foreign policy knowledge and diplomatic capacities, has recently completed its learning facility and campus, ahead of the commencement of the first academic year 2015-2016 in the first week of September. With the new facility completed, the Academy is all set to welcome a diverse group of students who will join EDA's community from a number of government entities engaged in various fields of diplomacy and international relations.

Conveniently located in Al Hosn Palace District near Abu Dhabi's Corniche, EDA's facility in includes a number of modern offerings that have been specifically designed to create a dynamic and inspiring educational environment for EDA's students. Key facilities include a fully-fledged library and information resource, which supports the research and analysis component of the Academy, as it strives to become a key center for thought leadership and offer in-depth analysis to the country's decision makers on a range of regional and international topics that concern the UAE. EDA's library also contains an open area for students, professors and researchers to study, exchange ideas and network.

EDA's campus also features a world-class auditorium with a capacity of 120 people designed for hosting large numbers of students during lectures and special seminars by local and foreign diplomats, government officials and international speakers. In addition, the EDA facility has a spacious state-of-the-art seminar room equipped with modern amenities and special video conferencing tools, as well as over six class rooms to meet the needs of students during short courses under EDA's Executive Education academic offering, or for long term classes throughout the year during the Post-graduate Diploma Programme in 'UAE Diplomacy and International Relations', which runs for a duration of nine consecutive months. Other key facilities at EDA include a garden and a dedicated café.

EDA is a prestigious learning community that brings together the best of academia, research and practice through region-specific programmes, cutting edge thought leadership and access to the UAE's finest diplomatic minds.

EDA equips the UAE's current and future diplomats with the knowledge, multi-disciplinary skills and network required for a rewarding career in Foreign Service.

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About Emirates Diplomatic Academy:
The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) was established by Cabinet Decree No. 29 of the year 2014, as a pioneering integrated academic and research centre dedicated to strengthening the UAE national's foreign policy knowledge.

EDA's Board of Trustees includes distinguished leaders from government, academia and industry. The Board of Trustees ensures that the Academy adheres to the purposes for which it was created and that the Academy's integrity and financial resources are preserved for its current and future objectives.

EDA aims to build a broad knowledge base in the field of international and diplomatic relations, while providing technical and advisory support to UAE government entities, and while strengthening cooperation with major training centres and universities to exchange experiences and best practices.

EDA's core areas are interlinked, with activities in one area contributing to the others to create balance and synergies.

1. Academics and Research

• Students study a customised course that incorporates UAE and regional context alongside EDA research

• EDA faculty participate in research projects supported by visiting Middle East scholars and institutional partnerships

2. Academics and Executive Education

• Students benefit from executive courses delivered by EDA

• Students of diplomacy collaborate and build professional networks (e.g. capstone)

3. Research and Executive Education

• Researchers design and improve training courses with relevant UAE-related content

• Researchers have access to students for study purposes (focus groups, surveys, etc.)

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy seeks to attract students who are interested in joining is a prestigious learning community that brings together the best of academia, research and practice through region-specific programs and access to the UAE's finest diplomatic minds. It also seeks to attract candidates who are interested in joining the UAE's diplomatic corps or organisations that are engaged in various international activities.

To apply for EDA's post-graduate diploma programme, students must have:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university or college that
    is recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

  • GPA above 3.0 on a 4-point scale

  • TOEFL above 550 or equivalent (computer-based TOEFL score of 213,
    Internet-based TOEFL score of 79-80), or IELTS (Academic) above 6.0

To apply for an EDA executive education course, students must: 

  • Currently be employed in a UAE Government organisation

  • Have the support and relevant authorisation from your employer

For more information about Emirates Diplomatic Academy, please visit www.eda.ac.ae

For media inquiries, contact:
Omar Badran
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Omar.Badran@bm.com
044507626

Medhat Juma
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Medhat.juma@bm.com
044507626

© Press Release 2015