Dubai, UAE, 13 July 2014: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American University in Dubai (AUD) have signed an agreement which will offer students the opportunity to gain CIMA's global professional certification while studying towards their graduation degree.

CIMA is the world's largest professional body of management accountants, and offers a global qualification to support the development of future business and finance leaders. The MOU signed, offers AUD students an opportunity to becoming dual qualified, of having an academic degree and a globally accredited certification with an award and title, making them stand out in the job market with their proficient business and management skills. Additionally, the AUD students will be able to fast track through the model set and benefit with an accelerated route made available to them.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Ali, Dean of the School of Business Administration at the American University in Dubai said:

"One of the goals of the School of Business Administration is to ensure that the educational programs offered are continually aligned with the employment needs of the market for business professionals. Our partnership with CIMA will equip our students with solid business and financial skill sets that can be easily applied in the workplace and this is in keeping with our mission to provide forward-looking and career-oriented business education."

The globally recognised CIMA qualification allows graduates to become part of a global network, improving their employability and earning potential across the world.

Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC, CIMA said:

"Our partnership with the American University in Dubai will allow students to fast track their careers as soon as they graduate, as the qualification sets a foundation for a solid career in business and finance. Our updated syllabus is built around addressing the 'employability' needs of today's businesses and helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful career path."

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About CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, is the world's leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with over 218,000 members and students operating in 177 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers' choice when recruiting financially-trained business leaders.

Professionalism and ethics are at the core of CIMA's activities with every member and student bound by robust standards so that integrity, expertise and vision are brought together.

CIMA has formed a joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting. The designation recognises the most talented and committed management accountants with the discipline and skill to drive strong business performance.

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 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, Architecture, Visual Communication and Interior Design, Education (graduate), and Construction Management (graduate), in addition to a Certificate program in Middle Eastern Studies.

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

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 majors in Marketing Communications and Advertising 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.

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

© Press Release 2014