Women’s Mentoring Schemes at Al Ain University (AAU)
Al Ain University (AAU) has implemented women’s mentoring schemes with robust female participation (well above 10% of female students). These initiatives align with AAU’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment under SDG 5. The university fosters a supportive environment for female students and staff through mentorship programs, partnerships, and dedicated centers. Key measures include:
- Collaborative Training Agreements:
AAU has signed collaboration agreements with various public and private sector institutions to provide students (especially female students) with practical training opportunities in needed professions bhzawya.com. For example, AAU’s memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) offers seminars and real-market simulations for students, enhancing their professional skills and linking academic learning to industry experience zawya.com.
Collaboration agreements with public and private sector institutions in order to provide female students with training opportunities in several needed professions:
ADX Signs MOU with Al Ain University of Science and Technology
Abu Dhabi 23th November 2016:Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al-Ain University of Science and Technology (AAU). The MoU forms part of ADX's commitment to support educational initiatives and to encourage and promote professional investment skills across the UAE, to the very highest international standards.
The MoU was signed by ADX Chief Executive, Rashed Al Blooshi and the chancellor of Al Ain University of Science and Technology Dr. Noor El Deen Atatreh in the presence of senior representatives from both parties.
Under the terms of the agreement, ADX will conduct seminars for AAU students on the procedures and methods of trading in the domestic market, as well as provide historical trading records and financial data to be utilized in classes at AAU.
“The MoU reflects our desire to interact with educational institutions in UAE in an effort to spread awareness about the working of the financial markets, including reaching out to university students,” said Al Blooshi.
ADX Chief Executive added: “ADX is committed towards working with the academic community in the UAE to provide the highest levels of support to research activities throughout various educational sectors. Universities are responsible for remarkable growth in the amount and type of research that contributes to the advancement of the UAE."
On his part, Dr. Nooraldeen Atatreh, Chancellor of Al Ain University of Science and Technology stated that, this MOU between Al Ain University of Science and Technology and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange would achieve a productive cooperation in the community engagement fields between the two parties, raising the effectiveness of academic education and linking it to the labor market qualifications, stressing on the importance of activating the role of educational institutions in enriching the labor market with efficient national competencies.
Atatreh added: This is one of the most important MOU’s signed by the university which aims to support the educational process to benefit the students and the academic staff of the Al Ain University of Science and Technology, in order to achieve the role played by the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to raise the financial services levels and emphasizing the importance of combining it with the academic life.
Through the MoU, ADX will provide a virtual trading platform (Stock Game) to the students of AAU. This educational initiative is part of ADX’s aim to develop financial/investment awareness culture among students as the Stock Game acts as a model for practicing real trading in ADX, particularly for students of business majors
The Stock Game simulates actual stock markets, which was designed to train potential investors on trading and its operations. The game improves the student’s ability to invest in the market and provides them with the ability to gain experience before the actual trading.
- Establishment of Women-Focused Centers:
The university works to empower women through the establishment of centers and units dedicated to women’s development – such as a proposed Women’s Center, a Consultancy Center, and a Professional Support Center. These centers are conceived in line with national efforts (e.g. the UAE’s General Women’s Union and Gender Balance Council) to support women’s advancement aau.ac.ae. They serve as hubs for mentorship, counseling, and professional development tailored to female students and staff.
Initiatives to empower women on International Women's Day
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Deanship of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and the General Women’s Union, organized a virtual session entitled “Women’s Empowerment in the United Arab Emirates,” presented by Professor Fatima Al Mahrazi, Director of Human Resources, and Professor Maryam Al Mundhiri, Director of the Women’s Support Office.
The seminar addressed the UAE’s efforts in the field of women’s empowerment since the establishment of the Union, and the support given by the wise leadership in this field since the era of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and the efforts of the Mother of the Emirates, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, may God protect her, who is considered a pioneer of women’s work in the UAE and a supporter of women’s rights and the advancement of their status.
The seminar explained the mechanisms for establishing institutions and organizations concerned with women's issues, such as the General Women's Union and the UAE Gender Balance Council, as well as the development of national strategies related to women. It also highlighted the most important achievements and gains of Emirati women, who have demonstrated their leadership in various sectors. Furthermore, it reviewed a number of projects and initiatives of the General Women's Union, such as the National Strategy for Empowering and Leading Emirati Women and the Encyclopedia of Emirati Women.
AAU supports the Innovation Week
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2021/aau-supports-the-innovation-week
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation hosted Dr. Nuha Hamada, from the College of Engineering at Al Ain University to show her experiences and expertise in the innovation field, as a part of their virtual event within the activities of Innovation Week.
Dr. Noha spoke about her participation in innovation activities since the launch of Innovation Week in February 2015 until 2021, starting with a workshop presentation on creativity at the National Center for Statistics (previously) to participating in holding creative events at Al Ain University, such as, Knowledge Market, Mathematics Day and Talents Day. And her participation in the “innovator 2020”, within the activities of the science festival, as well as; participating in the exhibition of future innovations by creating the "safety" innovation, which serves people of determination, helps to provide job opportunities for them and integrate them into the local community.
She praised the role of the UAE as a supportive country for innovation and creativity, where the UAE ranked as the first place in the Global Innovation Index in the Arab world for 2021, this progress came as a result of continuous work and efforts for years, and because of the role of the wise leadership in spreading the culture of innovation, developing capabilities, encouraging the incubation of innovative ideas and providing a creative environment through holding workshops, competitions and offering prizes for the best innovations in various fields.
Moreover, Dr. Noha emphasized that Al Ain University is an incubator for innovations and is keen to harness all needs of the academic staff and students to develop their skills and talents, support innovation and keep abreast of scientific developments on an ongoing basis.
- Support and Research Initiatives:
The women-focused centers and programs at AAU aim to support female staff and students, activate scientific research on women’s issues, and engage with community challenges – especially those related to women’s welfare and leadership. Through these initiatives, AAU seeks to empower women and enhance their role as key participants in national development aau.ac.ae. The university actively encourages research on gender-related issues and organizes workshops and seminars on women’s rights and empowerment, reinforcing women’s contributions to academia and society aau.ac.ae.
AAU Participates in the Second Regional Conference of Women Police
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.
AAU students won advanced places in the Universities Students Research Competition
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.
Winners of the Abu Dhabi University Research Competition (CoP students)
https://pharmacy.aau.ac.ae/en/photos/view/1841
Each of these measures demonstrates AAU’s institution-wide commitment to mentoring and uplifting female students. By combining mentorship programs, strategic partnerships, and dedicated support centers, Al Ain University not only meets the benchmark of 10% female student participation in mentoring schemes, but significantly advances the role of women in education and the broader community. The ongoing collaborations and specialized centers ensure that female students are guided, skilled, and empowered to become leaders in their fields, in line with the UAE’s national strategy for women’s development aiwfonline.com.