Dubai,UAE - AL-Kindi programme was launched to welcome18 postgraduate students from Sri DharmasthalaManjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), Mysore, India who visited The British University in Dubai (BUiD) from 29th March to 7th April. The purpose of the visit was two-fold 1-to give the students an opportunity to meet and interact with, and learn from subject experts and 2-to experiencethe UAE's multicultural environment.
This programme was named after the Philosopher Abu Yusuf Al-Kindi who was known as "the Philosopher of the Arabs". Al Kindi stands for "The (Al) Knowledge Interaction: Dubai & India" and this programme initiates such knowledge interaction.
The academic programme included interactive sessions with experts and, topics were carefully picked from areas of Finance, HR, Project Management and Marketing. A workshop on academic and report writing, and plagiarism was also conducted. BUiD alumnus Mr Tariq AlSuwaidi, Sharjah Branch Manager of National Bank of Abu Dhabi spoke to the students about banking, Islamic banking products, job opportunities etc.
The students also had the opportunity to meet UAE's Indian Business and Professional Council members and Indian Consulate senior members in charge of Economy and Education. In addition, they attended an ICAT Toastmasters meeting, where two of them won prizes in the Table Top category.
Dr Elango Rengasamy, Head of Finance &Banking programme at the BUiD and coordinator for the programme said: 'I am delighted to be a part of this event. Students indeed get greater exposure to learn from top experts in global business and the markets. They also get the opportunity to interact with academicians, company executives, bankers, government officials and students from different parts of the world which gives them a great learning experience altogether'.
As multicultural experience was a vital part of the programme, the students visited Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding for a 'Cultural Breakfast', where they learnt about Islam, Arab attire and food, among other things. They participated in an interactive session in BUiD on multiculturalism led by the Registrar. In the inaugural session, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a talk on little known facts about UAE.
To experience the sounds and sights of the UAE, visits were arranged to Abu Dhabi and Al-Fujairah. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was top of the Abu Dhabi visit agenda, while Masafi Market, Khorfakkan beach and a speedboat ride featured in the Fujairah trip. The students also spent a day in Dubai and got to spend time at landmarks like At the top - BurjKhalifa and Dubai International Financial Centre. They enjoyed the thrill of dune bashing while out on the desert safari.
MR SibyJose, student (at SDMIMD) described his experience: "The whole program was designed solely keeping the students as the focal point. This outlook ensured that all the lectures, cultural programs and overall hospitality were thoroughly enjoyed by each one of us. Lectures on finance require special commendation as they exposed us to the various complexities of International Finance, BASEL III and Islamic Finance in the most lucid manner. The visit to SMCCU was an eye opener to the Arabic culture and forced us to re-think about many of the common perceptions regarding the Middle East. Meeting with IBPC officials was another highlight and the interaction with Mr. ParasShahdadpuriand other office bearers ensure that we are well sensitized towards various avenues where young graduates can make positive contributions.
Al-Kindi was indeed a one of its kind programme and I hope that this initiative would be taken forward so that more students can benefit."
BUiD's endeavor to provide a wholesome, multicultural and academic perspective to the visiting students turned out to be a stupendous success as seen from their overwhelmingly positive feedback.
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About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) was established in 2003 to be the Middle East's leading research-based postgraduate university,facilitating world-class education, training and research. It provides an important and growing community and resource for young professionals, leading academics, corporate managers and aspiring leaders of all description.
BUiD located in Dubai International Academic City, a truly local university, is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally (NARIC) recognised for its top quality education, which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University, and the University of Reading.
BUiD offers full and part-time research based Masters Degree programmes, PG Diplomas and Certificates; the regions first accredited Doctorate in Education and the PhD in Project Management, Ph D in Architecture & Sustainable Built Environment, and PhD in Computer Science. Masters programmes and Post Graduate Diplomas in: Education, Finance and Banking, Human Resource Management, Informatics (Knowledge and Data Management), IT Management, Project Management, Construction Management, Systems Engineering, Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, Sustainable Design of the Built Environment , Intelligent Building Design and Automation, Business administration(MBA) and Recently Structural Engineering.
The non-profit university has attracted academic experts to develop regionally tailored programmes, in which they extend and challenge the boundaries of knowledge, understanding and research.
BUiD works in collaboration with leading organization and institutions including Atkins, Emirates Green Building Council, , the federal Ministry of Education, government and associated bodies Human Resource Forums agencies for Academic and professional development across the UAE's public and private sectors.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chancellorship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
© Press Release 2014
