Dubai, April 28, 2019: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has been awarded the ‘International Collaboration of the Year’ accolade at the inaugural Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards held in Dubai recently. 

Professor David Santandreu Calonge, Chief Advancement Officer and Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Arts and Sciences, who received the award on behalf of the University, commented, “As the portal to Canadian education, our strong commitment to internationalization sets us apart from other institutions in the UAE. The International Collaboration of the Year award recognizes exceptional projects carried out jointly between CUD and our international partners. 

“One such example is the recent international accreditation of our advertising program by the International Advertising Association (IAA). This Forbes award demonstrates the global significance of the work of our academic staff, students, alumni and supporters. We are deeply honoured to be recognized in this way.”

CUD now has more than 25 international educational partnerships, allowing students to complete their degrees overseas or experience a period of international study on another continent. These partnerships extend worldwide, from Canada and the USA in North America, France and Ireland in Europe, to Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia in Asia and Oceania. The University’s campus in Dubai also plays host to transnational collaborations, with the forthcoming International Summer School set to welcome students from as far afield as China.

The Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards were established to celebrate outstanding examples of best practice across a range of higher education activities. Awards were conferred in 22 categories based on votes from key stakeholders, including students, teachers and business people working alongside higher education organizations. The final judging criteria considered the institutions’ application of innovative approaches and support services, as well as their academic curriculum and credentials.

Commenting on the award, Professor Karim Chelli, CUD President and Vice Chancellor, remarked, “Being recognized by Forbes for our international collaborations is a fantastic achievement for all concerned at CUD. It confirms our strong commitment to a global education portfolio that is unique, and relevant to the needs of our community and wider society. 

“Building bridges across continents and cultures through excellence in education is the essence of our institution and in this, the UAE Year of Tolerance, we are delighted to be recognized for our efforts in uniting territories worldwide through the power of learning.”