Dubai, UAE, 25th  Feb 2010:  The first Master of Diplomatic Studies degree in the gulf had been launched during a lavish orientation dinner for American University in the Emirates (AUE) students, parents, and VIPs, at the Shangri-La Hotel on Monday, 22nd February, 2010. 

His Excellency, Mohammad Saleh Al-Darmaki, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AUE stated that "Due to the increase of globalization, there is a large demand for organizations in the region to have qualified experts on their staff in areas such as international etiquette, protocol, negotiation skills, and crisis management."

Courses for the new program will begin 27th February. Fifty students have already applied for the program, with 23 of those who met the high qualification of admission accepted.  Sarah Omolewu, Marketing and Communications Manager of the university stated, "Being the first in the region to obtain accreditation of such an important program, it is essential that we set the bar by ensuring its high standards are maintained across the board.  The response has been phenomenal as the university has been receiving applications from potential candidates from a variety of interesting backgrounds as well as inquiries from organizations for the training and workshops throughout the region."

Mr Khalaf Al Qubasi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized that this new program is designed to meet the increasing demand for international business relations and diplomacy experts in the region. Short training programs, certificates, and workshops will also be offered for organizations to receive intense training on diplomacy for their management. 

AUE's vision is to be one of the leading liberal higher educational institutions, providing an integrated pathway for students to become creative, effective, and productive members of the community states Dr Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President and CEO of the AUE. In accordance to this vision, AUE encourages active student involvement to give them practical experience and enhance their leadership skills. Students from the university will showcase their talents and leadership by playing an active role in the reception. 

During the event, students running for President and Vice President of the student council delivered their platform speeches and be elected into office.  Gift items designed by students from the College of Fine Arts and Design had been provided to attendees. Students from the College of Media and Mass Communications had a video graph, edit, and provide still photography for the reception, to show its support for education in the UAE, Shangri-La hotel donated several luxury gift items for the students. In addition, the highly anticipated AUE newsletter had been announced, which will be a monthly newsletter featuring quality editorial from the students.

-Ends-

About American University in the Emirates (AUE):
AUE is a licensed university by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The university offers various accredited academic programs with flexible course offerings. The conceptual framework of the liberal instruction resembles the American based system of education. The programs offered aim to equip students with knowledge and sharpen their professional skills to meet the requirements of the job market at a local, regional, and global level.

For additional information please contact:
Sarah Omolewu
Marketing and Communications Officer
American University in the Emirates
Sarah.omolew@aue.ae
+971 50 353 0593

Lina Husri
Public Relation Manager
lina.husri@gmail.com
050 280 35 80

© Press Release 2010