29 October 2013, Dubai, UAE: The National Research Foundation (NRF) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) advances the UAE national research agenda by awarding grants for research that improve the quality of life of the citizens of the UAE and contribute to the advancement of the UAE as a knowledge-based society.  For 2013, NRF awarded du and BUiD a grant to undertake collaborative research work in the field of project management. The topic of the award is 'Understanding the influence of dynamic capabilities, knowledge management and learning processes on the contribution of project management to organisational performance.'

Speaking on the news of the award, du's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Ananda Bose, said: "We are delighted by NRA's announcement, and look forward to working with our academic partner BUiD to improve the performance of organisations via project management. This is an ideal opportunity for us to further enhance our contribution to improving the lives of UAE citizens."

Vice Chancellor of BUiD, Professor Abdullah AlShamsi, said: "This is an important milestone for BUiD. We aim to deliver exceptional research work with our industry partners, such as du, to advance knowledge sharing and management in the UAE via innovative project management practices that set a new industry benchmark."

The NRF collaborative award builds on the MoU signed between du and BUiD earlier this year. Both du and BUiD are founding members of the Project Management Executive Forum (PMEF) that aims to help executives execute projects better and add value to UAE society.

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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 Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University, King's College London and most recently ,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. 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 and Intelligent Building Design and Automation.

BUiD received approvals from UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for its new programme PhD in Architecture and Sustainable Environment and Masters in Business Administration this year.

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 2013