Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education is leading the first-ever joint educational and business delegation from the city to Dubai this week.
The College along with the University of Dundee, Abertay University and Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce will be in the United Arab Emirates from November 10 to promote the city of Dundee and its ever-growing education and business sectors.
The three-day visit will also be used to officially launch the new Masters degree programmes in Islamic Economics and Finance to be taught jointly by Al-Maktoum College and the University of Dundee.
This academic initiative comes at a time when Dubai is promoting its vision for becoming the world’s leading centre for Islamic Finance, which is based on Shariah law that prohibits charging or receiving interest, excessive speculation, including any financing of activities banned by Islam.
Islamic Finance has been adopted in Muslim majority countries as well as non-Muslim countries and the London Stock Exchange recently claimed that the UK is leading western countries in Islamic Finance.
Dr Abi Abubaker, College Secretary and Acting Head of College, said the delegation strongly represented the vibrant education and business sectors in Dundee.
“The College plays a leading role as a centre of learning in Islamic finance and Islamic studies generally, and we have excellent partnerships in place with the University of Dundee and Abertay University.
“In addition, our links and involvement with Dundee and Angus Chamber have proved beneficial overall so we have a wide range of expertise in education and business represented on this first delegation of its kind.
“We feel there is no better time for a visit of this nature, promoting fully what we all have to offer.”
Professor William Russell, School of Business at the University of Dundee, said: “Anything that offers us the chance to share our story on a global scale, and showcase the developments happening across Dundee, is very exciting and we are pleased to be able to do this as part of this delegation.
“The trip is shaping up to be a great opportunity for us to meet with universities and businesses in the region, as well as some of our Alumni and prospective students.”
Professor Liz Bacon, Vice-Principal (Academic) at Abertay University, said: “We are delighted to be working together with city partners on this delegation, which represents an excellent opportunity to showcase Abertay’s world class teaching and research to a new audience.
“We see the Gulf Territories as a key region in terms of growing the University’s reputation and will use this trip to share information on our world-leading work, particularly in the videogames and cyber security sectors.”
And Alison Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re very pleased to be joining this senior delegation to strengthen the links between the business communities of Dundee and Dubai.
“We’re also representing the Scottish Chambers Network, which, on behalf of the Scottish Government, is working to help SMEs and businesses export for the first time,
“We look forward to meeting with many business leaders in the region and to returning in 2020 to the Dubai EXPO. We will be making global connections whilst celebrating innovation, opportunity, mobility and sustainability. We’re delighted to be working closely with the Al-Maktoum College to realise mutual benefits.”
Delegates to Dubai, which is a sister city of Dundee, will attend a reception hosted by Andrew Jackson, Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the British Embassy, Members of the College alumni community, along with Dundee and Abertay University alumni, UAE partnering universities, financial institutions, and other such dignitaries are expected to join the celebratory event along with Scottish Government Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee.
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