Signs agreement with SAP University Alliances

Dubai, February 20th, 2012. The American University in Dubai (AUD) signed a new agreement with one of the world's leading software companies SAP University Alliances, granting AUD Students and Faculty members the right to use SAP Software for research and teaching purposes.

One of AUD's most important missions is providing its Students and Faculty members with the latest technology tools. Indeed, as a new member of the SAP University Alliances AUD gains access to the SAP Business Suite family of solutions, including SAP ERP. This comprehensive business software suite supports business, engineering, and information technology programs, enabling students to put classroom theory into practice through demonstrations, exercises and problem solving, case studies, and research programs[1].

Upon signing the agreement, Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of Engineering at AUD said: "The education initiative from SAP allows us to expose our students to yet another leading software system, and prepares them to enter the workforce with a unique skill set. We look forward to further collaboration with SAP on other academic and professional education initiatives."

The signing ceremony took place at the University in the presence of following AUD and SAP senior administrative representatives: Mr. Qais Gharaibeh, Managing Director of SAP UAE; Mr. Haitham Farouk, University Alliances Program Manager of SAP MENA; Dr. Jihad Nader, AUD's Provost/Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of Engineering; Dr. David Van Over, Dean of Business Administration; Dr. Wathiq Mansour, Professor of Computer Engineering; Dr. Hassan Zeineddine Assistant Professor of Information Systems; and Mrs. Peggy Awad, External Relations Manager at AUD.

Dr. Zeineddine commented: "AUD made a strategic decision to join the SAP University Alliances program. Interested faculties can stay current with the latest technological development in their corresponding fields, and share knowledge with peers around the globe. The net result is exceptional education for our students' population."

The SAP ERP System comes loaded with business cases and information emulating a real business environment allowing AUD students exposure to various business functions and transactions such as Customer Relationship, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Human Resource, Operation Management, Process Control and Manufacturing. Being part of SAP University Alliances also entitles interested professors and staff to professional training and development.

"Game-changing ICT solutions are absolutely integral to fuelling ambitious transformation agendas across the UAE and ushering in a new era of inspired, knowledge-based economies," said Mr. Qais Gharaibeh, UAE Managing Director, SAP MENA. He added: "As a member of SAP's University Alliances Program, American University in Dubai students will gain invaluable and empowering expertise in the tools, resources and strategic thinking needed to add immediate value to the marketplace and help forge an innovative new future for this proud nation."

With an office located a short walk from the AUD campus, SAP is one of the dominant players in the Enterprise Resource Planning field. It emulates a real-world business environment that offers students the chances to apply the skills they acquire at AUD and helps kick start their careers.

[1] Source: http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/sustainability/csr/education/universityalliances.epx

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About AUD
The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. It serves UAE nationals and international students who seek world-class career-oriented education. AUD, as an international institution of higher education, encourages global understanding by providing an atmosphere of cultural diversity and opportunities for an international education.

  • AUD is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees.   

  • AUD is officially licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The Ministry has accredited the university's programs in International Studies, Business Administration (both undergraduate and graduate), Communication and Information Studies, Engineering, Computer and Information Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, Visual Communication and Interior Design, Education (graduate), and Construction Management (graduate), in addition to a Certificate program in Middle Eastern Studies.

  • AUD is approved to operate by the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC).

  • AUD has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor's of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and Master's of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The university's undergraduate concentrations in Marketing Communications and Advertising (Creative) have been accredited by the International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York.

  • The Civil, Computer, and Electrical Engineering Programs of AUD's School of Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology (B.S.C.I.T.) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

For more information, please visit www.aud.edu.

For more information, please contact
Marketing Communications Department
American University in Dubai
T. +971 4 3183 109
E. marcom@aud.edu

© Press Release 2012