Does your university as a body deliver programs to recruit students/staff/faculty from under-represented groups?
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries [1]
https://uaesdgs.ae/en/goals/reduced-inequalities
Overview
Reducing social inequality and ensuring social integration is key to achieving stability and harmony in society and is part of UAE’s pledge on ‘leaving no one behind’. Inclusion of vulnerable categories like People of Determination, Senior Citizens, Widows, Divorcees and Families in Distress are at the heart of UAE’s Social Policies and Strategies. The UAE gives an importance to people with special needs, known as ‘the people of determination’. The Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) provides them with special services to ensure they receive equal education opportunities, and vocational training.
Policies and Initiatives
- Launch of the National Family Policy (2018) which aims to empower the Emirati family to achieve sustainable social development. The policy focuses on providing health care, education, housing, financial and family stability, human rights, security and safety, and expanding access to social services
- Launch of the National Policy for Senior Citizens (2018) which aims to improve the quality of social services and the well-being of the individual aged 60 and above, covering health care, community outreach and active life, investment of energies and civic participation, infrastructure and transport, financial stability, security and safety and quality of future life
- Launch of the National Policy to Empower People of Determination (2017) which aims to create a different understanding of empowering people with disabilities and enables them to play a proactive role in the UAE’s development
- Launch of the Wadeema Law (2016) on children’s rights, which lays out the legal rights of minors such as access to health services, education, essential services without discrimination. The law also protects minors against physical and emotional abuse.
- Provision of education opportunities to support and accelerate social inclusion and support families of people of determination
- The accurate diagnosis of cases as well as protection from abuse
- Developing welfare & rehabilitation centers to support the social inclusion of people of determination.
Challenges
Scholarships [2]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/deanships/sci-research&graduate-studies/scholarships
The University offers grants to the General Secondary School students according to the following criteria:
- The top five students in the country are offered a full grant.
- Students who achieve a grade average of 95% or above in the General Secondary School, in either the literary or scientific streams, are offered a grant that is equivalent to a 40% discount of the fees for the credit hours they register for at AAU.
- Students who achieve a grade average of between 90% and 94.9% in the General Secondary School, in either the literary or scientific streams, are offered a grant equivalent to a 30% discount of the credit hour fees.
- For the continuation of a grant, the student’s Accumulative Grade Average in each academic semester should not be less than 3.6, and the student must register for at least 15 credit hours.
The university offers ‘excellence grants’ that are equivalent to 30% of the credit hour fees to any student whose general grade point average in a semester is not less than 3.6, with the condition that he/she has completed 15 credit hours in that semester.
The University offers grants for one academic semester to students with excellence in sports as follows:
- 30% to those who receive Gold Medals.
- 20% to those who receive Silver Medals.
- 10% to those who receive Bronze Medals.
The university offers grants for one semester for students who distinguish themselves in cultural and social activities. The Fund Committee shall assess the amount of such a reward on a case-by-case basis.
Financial Aid and Scholarships [3]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/admission/undergraduate/financial-aid-and-scholarship
Academic Scholarships
The purpose of the Scholarships and Financial Aid fund is to offer financial grants to students who excel academically or in extracurricular activities.
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Academic Grants for the General Secondary School students |
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Full grant |
first five students in the country. |
** This discount applies to the first semester (only) of the student's enrolment in the university, and then the terms and conditions of scholarships for the college honour list and the university's honour list apply. |
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40% |
Students getting 98% and above |
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30% |
Students getting 94% up to 97.9% |
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20% |
Students getting 90% up to 93.9% |
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Scholarships for the University’s Students |
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Academic excellence |
40% discount for University’s honour list of the credit hours. |
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30% of the College’s honour list from the fees of the credit hours.
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Brothers and Relatives |
20% discount of the credit hours fees for the brothers registered in each semester (Exception of the first one). |
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Parents, sons and daughters, and spouses registered in each semester are treated as brothers. |
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Students who lose their breadwinner |
50% of the tuition fees for students who lose their breadwinner (During their studies), and continues until the student is awarded a Bachelor Degree by AAU. |
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The following rules govern this type of grant:
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Children of Employees |
50% of the credit hour fees for the sons and daughters of the university’s academic and administrative staff. |
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Exception of graduate students. |
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Outstanding Students in extracurricular activities |
Scholarship for one semester with a specific percentage |
Humanitarian Assistance and “Contribution” Fund
The University also provides humanitarian assistance to students who have harsh financial conditions preventing them from completing their undergraduate studies.
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Humanitarian Aid |
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The University offers grants for one semester for students who cannot afford to pursue their studies. |
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“Contribution” Fund |
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The funds come from the donations and grants from bodies that wish to help students facing financial difficulties. |
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Scholarships for students from abroad [4]
Many universities in the UAE offer scholarships and grants to recognise leadership potential and outstanding academic achievements. In 1999, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced the creation of scholarships for studying in the American University in Dubai for eligible students. This step reflects the government's commitment to education as the driving force in the accomplishment of Dubai's and the UAE's public agenda.
Many universities in the UAE offer scholarships for students from abroad based on mutual agreements between the UAE government and other countries. For other scholarships, students can check with the respective university for the available academic and sports scholarship programmes, which are based on certain criteria and requirements.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CULTURAL DAY 2023 [5]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/events/2023/international-students-cultural-day-2023
- 15, Mar 2023
- Start 10:00 AM
- Al Ain Campus - New Building First Floor - Students Rest Area
The College of Business in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs invites you to attend the
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CULTURAL DAY 2023
Wednesday, 15 Mar 2023 - 10:00 A.M to 02:00 P.M.
Al Ain Campus - New Building
First Floor - Students Rest Area
AAU offers new academic programs at "NAJAH" [6]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2018/aau-offers-new-academic-programs-at-najah
Al Ain University participated in the 12th edition of NAJAH Abu Dhabi Exhibition 2018, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and, organized by Informa Exhibitions company in partnership with Abu Dhabi Education Council, It lasted for three days with the wide participation of 165 universities representing 20 countries.
Visitors of the AAU’s pavilion were briefed on the latest academic programs offered: A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Master of Business Administration in Health Management, a Master of Business Administration in Project Management, in addition to diverse programs in Pharmacy, Engineering, Law, Education, and Media. The staff of the student’s Recruitment Unit also reviewed the most important scholarships offered by the university to students, including grants to high school students, grants to outstanding students, grants to the brothers and relatives, and grants to needy dependents, in addition to the humanitarian assistance provided by the university to needy students.
Mr. Rami Kayed, Manager of Student’s Recruitment Unit, said that Al Ain University is keen to participate annually in NAJAH exhibition to enhance direct communication with students and reflects a bright image of the university on all levels.
MOU between Al Ain University and Scholarships Office [7]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2021/mou-between-al-ain-university-and-scholarships-office
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Al Ain University and the Scholarships Office – Ministry of Presidential Affairs, in order to develop the quality of educational performance, and the optimal investment in the field of scholarships; in support of government policies and procedures in this field.
The MOU has been signed by Mr. Jumaa Al Rumaithi Director of the Scholarships Office and Dr. Noor El Deen Atatreh, AAU Chancellor.
This MOU comes within the framework of the wise leadership's directives to raise the level of students and graduates and develop their skills and knowledge, in order to achieve the country's aspirations to reach the best competitive standards in this regard.
Atatreh pointed out that the signing of this MOU constitutes a qualitative step in Al Ain University's path to promote and build more effective strategic partnerships with various institutions in order to support efforts and provide the necessary needs to advance the academic sector in the country and meet the needs of the labor market from various disciplines. He stressed that Al Ain University is keen on supporting the education process and willing to cooperate with institutions to exchange experiences for the benefit of all.
AAU students won advanced places in the Universities Students Research Competition [8]
The AAU students won advanced places during their participation in the 9th Universities Research Competition organized by the Abu Dhabi University, which is considered the largest student research competition in the Arab world and aims to enhance the capabilities and initiatives of scientific research among university students.
Students; Lumara Salem, Soha Ahmad, Al Reem Abdulrahman, and Areba Abed, from the College of Engineering –Software Engineering Program, won a financial grant of 10,000 AED for their creation of a smart application that searches for prescribing medicines, under the supervision of Dr. Essam Al-Azouni.
In the Pharmaceutical Sciences Category, the College of Pharmacy students won two prizes. The First place went to students; Lama Abuamer, Sedra Kremesh, and Yusra Maher, on their research entitled: Identification of potential hENT1 inhibitors using a combined approach of ligand-based and receptor-based virtual screening, under the supervision of Prof. Mohammad Ghattas –Deputy Dean of the College of Pharmacy and, Dr. Azza Ramadan. While the second place was for students; Nour Dabbagh, Danah Albek, and Zainab Abdulnasser, on their research entitled: Targeting the RNA Binding Protein NONO to inhibit Breast Cancer, under the supervision of Dr. Rose Al Ghamrawy.
As for the Public Health Category, students; Nasrin Akther Rima, Dalia Sharaf, and Najwa Al Ramadan won Third place in their research entitled: Phobia and perceptions concerning Covid-19 in Healthcare Professional Students, under the supervision of Dr. Nadia Hussain, and Dr. Amira Ahmed.
Also, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, student Mohammad Al Blushi obtained the First place for research entitled: Factors Affecting Low Fertility Rates for Emirati Women -A study on a sample of married women in Al Ain city, under the supervision of Dr. Mastour Rahim.
Dr. Noor El Deen Atatreh- AAU Chancellor, commented; "We are pleased that Al Ain University students have obtained advanced positions in this competition, which proves the skills and knowledge acquired by our students that enabled them to work on scientific research to achieve advanced positions among other researches under the supervision of a group of professional professors".
For his part, Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, said that; The university is keen to encourage students to participate in competitions that support scientific research, with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and thinking ability, which enhances their contributions to society to advance knowledge-based development.
Women Empowerment and Decision Making Seminar at AAU [9]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2014/women-empowerment-and-decision-making-seminar-at-aau
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University campus in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the UAE General Women’s Union, held a seminar entitled “Women Empowerment and Their Role in Decision Making”. The seminar was organized in coordination with Dr. Najwa Abu Heiba, associate professor at the AAU College of law.
Ms. Ahlam Al Lamki, Director of Research and Development at the General Women's Union (GWU), explained the role of the GWU and reiterated that it works in accordance with a national strategy aimed at activating the role of women through its various programs, in cooperation with relevant institutions in order to overcome the obstacles that hinder women's active participation in all fields of public life.
She added that the percentage of females currently enrolled in higher education programs is 71.6% of the total students in public universities and 50.1% percent of students in private universities and institutes. In addition, the percentage of women has reached 60 percent in technical jobs, which include medicine, teaching, pharmacy, and nursing as well as women’s involvement in the armed forces, police, and customs.
College of Media enhances it student’s skills in cooperation with “Symphony” [10]
In cooperation with Symphony company, the College of Communication and Media at Al Ain University, Al Ain campus, organized a workshop over three days for the public relation and advertising students about the mechanisms of marketing, where they interacted positively with the workshop.
Mrs. Hana Shabaneh, Director of Marketing, addressed several aspects on; the rehabilitation of students to compete in the labor market with great skills, how to organize conferences, exhibitions and events, and the appropriate mechanisms to work in this area. She also talked about the appropriate marketing methods for a certain product and convince the buyer.
She explained the characteristics that a public relations and marketing officer must have including, the charisma, the attractive personality, the way of talking, choosing appropriate words and appropriate physical movements, control the voice tone, successful persuasion methods, and how to make a professional presentation about the service provided.
The workshop reviewed the pros and cons of public relations and marketing staff, stressing on the strengths and weaknesses that they have to promote or change for the better.
On the other hand, Mrs. Hana talked about the digital marketing and artificial intelligence and their relationship to public relations, stressing on the importance to strengthen skills in this aspect, as it is the future in the labour market.
About this workshop, Dr. Abdulrahman Theyab, Dean of the College of Communication and Media said that, the college is keen to develop the student’s skills and strengthen their knowledge in order to qualify them to compete in the labor market with high efficiency. He also thanked Mrs. Shabaneh for her efforts in presenting the workshop, stressing that cooperation will continue with Symphony company to hold more workshops in the future that benefit students at various levels.
AAU Participates in the Second Regional Conference of Women Police [11]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2013/aau-participates-in-the-second-regional-conference-of-women-police
AAU participated in the Second Regional Conference of Women Police organized under the patronage of H.H Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior under the slogan “Women Police: Challenges and Aspirations”.
The conference is considered a great addition to the Women Police in the UAE and enhances the opportunities of women joining the police force in the UAE in way that reflects the progress women have reached in contributing to public service in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Zuhrieh Zoe Shana’a, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, reiterated that the conference is pivotal to drawing attention to issues relating to women’s responsibilities. Women, in the UAE, have reached prominent positions in different walks of life due to the unconditional support by the UAE leadership. Undoubtedly, women compose half the society and have every right to be in the eminent status they are given in the Emirati society.
Women Empowerment and Decision Making Seminar at AAU
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2014/women-empowerment-and-decision-making-seminar-at-aau
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University campus in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the UAE General Women’s Union, held a seminar entitled “Women Empowerment and Their Role in Decision Making”. The seminar was organized in coordination with Dr. Najwa Abu Heiba, associate professor at the AAU College of law.
Ms. Ahlam Al Lamki, Director of Research and Development at the General Women's Union (GWU), explained the role of the GWU and reiterated that it works in accordance with a national strategy aimed at activating the role of women through its various programs, in cooperation with relevant institutions in order to overcome the obstacles that hinder women's active participation in all fields of public life.
She added that the percentage of females currently enrolled in higher education programs is 71.6% of the total students in public universities and 50.1% percent of students in private universities and institutes. In addition, the percentage of women has reached 60 percent in technical jobs, which include medicine, teaching, pharmacy, and nursing as well as women’s involvement in the armed forces, police, and customs.
“Aman System” a transportation network for people of determination [12]
Students of Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, participated in Future Innovations Exhibition, organized by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. They showed their innovative projects that serve the people of determination and their engagement with the community, such as the “Helby” application, the “Smart Stick” that alert the blind from any barrier they face, and a swimming pool with a floating floor with special specifications that helps people with disabilities enjoy swimming without fear.
Dr. Nuha Hamada from the College of Engineering, participated in the discussion sessions by presenting her innovation “Aman System” is a safe transportation network that provides people of determination with the opportunity to request a car with specifications that suit the disability case with the possibility of adding a service to complete transactions through the smart application (AMAN). On the other hand, this network provides job opportunities for people of determination as drivers to suit disability. This innovation aims to integrate those of determination in society without restrictions.
The exhibition and discussion sessions had an active role in the exchange and development of creative ideas that aim to serve the people of determination. The innovations also received the approval and admiration of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the participating audience.
Distance learning for people of determination at Al Ain University [13]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/videos/view/288
https://youtu.be/9tnzDmlxyOM
College of Education supports the blind people on the White Cane Day [14]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2020/college-of-education-supports-the-blind-people-on-the-white-cane-day
On the occasion of the International White Cane Day, Ghayathi Center for care and rehabilitation affiliated to Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, hosted, Dr. Salwa Al Majali, Director of Special Education and Applied Psychology Programs at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, to present a virtual lecture entitled Psychosocial support for the families of the blind people.
Student Ali Al Meri, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, shared his experience of studying in Al Ain University, the facilities and services provided by the university to him and other blind students and people of determination in order to facilitate education and harness all their needs.
This lecture aimed to give psychological and moral support to the blind people and their families, as Dr. Al Majali confirmed that Al Ain University is keen to support and empower people of determination to help them with social integration, and ensure they obtain all their rights in an easy way.
Two students from AAU won the Future Entrepreneurs Award for Best investment idea [15]
Students, Ghanima Al Hammadi and Abida Hafez, from the College of Business at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi campus, won the Future Entrepreneurs Award for Best Investment-Product idea for their innovative Smart Safety Alarm. Where the prize was lunched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
The idea of âÂÂâÂÂinnovation was to create a smart alarm system that would serve the People of Determination (Who can’t hear), used in emergencies and consists of two parts. The first part is placed on the door outside the room or toilet or any closed place, and the second part is placed inside. In the emergency cases, the people of determination can press on the button from inside and immediately a loud voice comes out with red flashing light. The other party responds by pressing the button outside the door, giving a signal to the person inside which means that assistance is on the way, in order to prevent panic and reassurance.
Ghanima said that the goal of the innovation is to solve problems of the people who can’t hear. Thus, innovation enhances the communication between them and the surrounding society and reduces the feeling of fear or panic in emergency cases. She also expressed her happiness with winning, and praised the Al Ain University's efforts to support all the students and encourage them to be innovative and creative.
It is worth mentioning that 25 students from the Al Ain University participated in the Future Entrepreneurs Award, where they presented 6 innovations in various categories under the supervision of a number of academics from the College of Business. Four out of 1,400 participating projects have been nominated for the finals.
Special treatment for "People of Determination" at AAU [16]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2018/special-treatment-for-people-of-determination-at-aau
The College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University (Al Ain Campus) organized a lecture entitled “How to deal with the People of Determination” presented by Mrs. Arwa Al Maqtari, General Coordinator of External Customer Service in Al Ain Center for Care and Rehabilitation, and Mrs. Nayla Al Khatri, Head of Hearing disability division in the center. In the presence of academic staff and students of the college.
The lecture focused on the definition of “People of Determination” locally and internationally, the law of their rights within the UAE, ways of dealing with them as active members of society, and the main categories of disability (mobility, sensory and mental).
This lecture aims to contribute in creating a positive environment, enabling them to exercise their educational, functional, cultural and social rights in line with their abilities and aspirations towards a more active role in society.
It is worth to mention that, Al Ain University pays special attention to the students with special needs and provides them with all the services that meet their needs.
HR Unit celebrates Women’s Day with female staff [17]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2019/hr-unit-celebrates-women%E2%80%99s-day-with-female-staff
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Human Resources Unit at Al Ain University, organized an open day for the AAU female staff at Al Ain campus, including discussion sessions, various competitions and recreational games.
Mrs. Sidra Shaheen, HR Manager, emphasized that Al Ain University represented by the Human Resources Unit is keen to celebrate this day symbolically with the AAU female employees to honour them, appreciate their efforts and their positive and progressive role in AAU and the society. “This day is just to rethink and reenergize our self with what value as an individual we can add to our society, -The sky is the limit”, She added.
In her speech, Dr. Shorouq Al Eter, from the College of Business, said that women have played a prominent role in society since ancient times. She also cited the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who had the greatest role in empowering and encouraging women.
Through an interesting discussion session between the female employees from the academic and administrative staffs about the challenges they faced in their lives and how they overcame them, they called on all women to challenge their selves to overcome difficulties and to strive to achieve their own aspirations and build a conscious generation for the future
At the end of the open day, the HR Manager thanked all employees and wished them success.