UAE, April 4, 2018 - Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Maktoum College of Higher Education in Scotland to strengthen the values of mutual understanding and multiculturalism in their learners, faculty members, and academicians. The MoU is in line with the UAE Government’s approach to build an ambitious generation with higher sense of responsibility and self-confidence and who are capable of shaping the country’s future. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, and H.E. Mirza Al Sayegh, Director General, Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Al Maktoum College Board of Directors, in HBMSU campus in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The new strategic partnership aims to stimulate open debates and discussions on issues of common interest such as knowledge improvement, scientific research, and educational advancement to meet the requirements of the 21st century. The two sides agreed to increase investment in training in vital areas such as multiculturalism, globalization and contemporary issues, ethics and law, Islamic economy and finance, gender and development, among others that serve the objectives of UAE Vision 2021.

Dr. Al Awar said HBMSU values its latest partnership with Al Maktoum College of Higher Education, a prestigious scientific and knowledge institution which teaches tolerance and peaceful coexistence through its academic and training programs in multiculturalism. He stressed that HBMSU is fully committed to providing its scholars with the necessary knowledge to enable them to be an exemplary model in terms of respecting other people’s beliefs and practices in line with the UAE’s efforts to enhance cultural tolerance and humanitarian communication among peoples in the world.

Dr. Al Awar added: 'We are honored to sign this strategic partnership that will open new horizons for us to develop national competencies armed with knowledge and noble ethical values that the UAE Federation has consolidated as part of our wise leadership’s efforts to shape and build a bright future. We look into this strategic MoU with confidence and optimism as it focuses on vital areas to establish a strong and diversified economy and ensure a secure and just society based on multiculturalism, globalization, ethics, law, Islamic economy, and development. We renew our commitment to collaborate with the College and other international institutions under the wise guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to develop the potentials of our citizens by investing in their talents and fostering innovation and leadership.'

The MoU is the cornerstone for building a solid foundation for stronger cooperation and coordination among stakeholders, including HBMSU learners. Select HBMSU learners who meet the selection criteria specified by the College will participate in the Academic Training and Summer School programs at Al-Maktoum College. The two parties will be focusing on ways to promote a culture of excellence and scientific research among learners, faculty members, experts and academicians, as well as encourage cooperation and working closely together in an environment conducive to innovation to address the most pressing issues facing the world today.