This week, His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University welcomed 130 new faculty at a reception hosted by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

He said, “The UAEU places new emphasis on building our research capacity and our international reputation for leadership in advanced technological, applied, and pure research. Therefore we look to you, our faculty, to drive forward our research mission, to publish, to gain international grants and partnerships, and to create innovative practices. We look to you to advance knowledge, understanding, and capability in fields of national importance”.

He added, “It is important that you are aware of the role of the UAEU in the context of the UAE’s future directions. The UAEU’s strategy and goals are linked to the ten principles that the nation’s leadership has set to guide the UAE’s development in the next fifty years. These principles are exciting because they speak to the purposes of a university. They remind us that the university generates intellect and knowledge, innovation, and research. They remind us that studying and working in a university cultivates the ability to discuss, interpret, and respond to contemporary affairs in an open-minded, intelligent, and creative manner”.

The Chancellor underlined that “as ‘The University of the Future’, UAEU is dedicated to global openness. We build international relationships and partnerships, and we grow the competences and integrity that are necessary for strong, humane, and tolerant societies to develop, both at home and abroad”. He told the new faculty, “Your arrival at UAEU is important.  You will help us deliver an essential service to the nation by educating its youth, by building our cultural fabric and knowledge economy, and thereby working to achieve the UAE’s vision.

Professor Matthew Evans, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs gave a presentation on the UAEU’s fifty-year vision as the ‘University of the Future’ and spoke of the importance of student-centered learning and supporting and motivating students to work hard and seize opportunities.

Professor Mohsen Sharif, Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects spoke of the UAEU’s research strategy and goals, and the funding opportunities that are open to faculty. He introduced the UAEU’s research centers, Colleges, and areas of strategic importance in research. Professor Wissam Ibrahim, Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, told the new faculty about the mechanisms the UAEU has in place to assure and enhance the quality of its programs and student learning outcomes. In conclusion, Professor Ali Hassan Al Marzouqi, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, spoke of the opportunities and expectations the UAEU has for its new faculty members.