"I am excited on finally having a degree under my belt so I have something else to fall back on besides my music. I have already started working this week at Emarat Petrolium and their Shamil sector. My music as well will have more time now so do expect an album and some more noise from me really soon. To finally graduate is an amazing feeling. I’m counting the days!"

Hassan Al Shams, BBA

“I am very excited to be graduating next month in the MBA Program with the highest honors; being only 21 years old, I feel quite proud of this accomplishment. It was just last year that I had walked the stage for completing my undergraduate degree. I believe the Master’s program at the Canadian University of Dubai has helped me hone my business prowess and educational skill set, and given me a great platform to contribute positively to the corporate world. Once again, I am looking forward to sharing this accomplishment with my family, friends and colleagues”

Priyanka Keswani, MBA Program (hons)

"Looking back at the past 4 years, I think I have accomplished a lot. My degree has helped me develop the necessary skills and acquire the knowledge I need to succeed as an Architect. I am eager to venture out in to the real world and take on new challenges that await me."

"After working on various projects with my professors I have acquired a unique perspective on Environmental Architecture and Design, something I am extremely passionate about. I am excited to participate in NGO and UN Architectural programs after graduating and I am certain the education I have received here at the Canadian University of Dubai will help me give back to the community."

Khaula Mahmood, Architecture

"After 5 years of study, I've finally completed my degree in Architecture. Being at the university for so long you start to feel like a piece of the furniture so it will be strange not seeing the same faces every day. I appreciate all the love and support from my friends and fellow classmates and wish them all the best in the coming years. Next up: entering the daunting world of employment or continuing my education?"

Hana Younes, Architecture

"I have mixed feelings about graduating from University. This place has been like my home for so long. I look forward to moving on to the next stage in life and the new adventures and surprises waiting for me, but I will really miss all the relationships I’ve made here over the past years"

Mohammad Akaoui, BBA Marketing

"After another outstanding year for the CUD Sports Department accumulating rave reviews from our peers and adding five more trophies to our collection. Sadly though, we reach the point where we have to say goodbye to some of our finest student athletes. In football, we say goodbye to two of our most influential players of the past four years - captain Amjad Smadi who has been the heartbeat of the team since he joined our team in 2009, as well as Fahad Yashe; These two wonderful players have helped our football team claim seven trophies and become one of the most successful teams in Dubai.

We also say goodbye to the effervescent Mohamed Akkaoui and Omar Demeschkieh two key members of the basketball team. Since their first appearance in 2009 they have contributed to five trophies for the university. Other athletes worthy of mention include CUD cricket captain Mohamed Salmaan who inspired the team with his commitment and dedication and Yassine Cherbani who during his four year stint with us has positively contributed to the sports department featuring in the football team, table tennis team and, more prominently, the volleyball team.

Good luck to all students who have contributed to sports at CUD; you have our gratitude for your contribution towards making CUD sports respected within the UAE!"

John Sherratt, Sports Coordinator, Canadian University of Dubai

"It is a very special moment in the lives of our graduates. As individuals our graduates are taking a huge step in their lives, from students to professionals. This is a time where they are going to join the work world, and a couple of years from now they are going to turn around and say, gosh I wish I were a student again! There are a lot of students who have touched my life, and year after year I am filled with, excitement, sadness and pride as I watch them walk across the stage. To all of the 2013 graduates, good luck and be sure to stay in touch, you will be missed."

Mary Alison, Student Services Office, Canadian University of Dubai

"The best thing in life is love. Love for your family, your friends, your job. Most of us will spend more time at work than at home. So it is important that you love what you do, that you make a difference and that you do all things from the heart-I have no doubt you will be a success."

Dr. Franziska Apprich Chair of Communication Program

"I would like to congratulate all my former students on finishing the marathon! I hope that your path takes you where you want to go. It will be a pleasure to congratulate you in person at the graduation ceremony."

Dr. John Ireland, School of Business Professor

"My bachelor’s degree in Marketing from CUD has helped me understand the marketing industry and be able to apply everything I learned in theory to the practical work life. I have the basic knowledge of all the business terms used in the workplace which helps me excel faster. With my degree, I had the opportunity to enter different fields other than marketing such as media or events. My degree was the perfect base to the start of my career in business."

“I’m currently working as a Junior Account Executive in MEC Access - the events & activations division of a global media agency, MEC. I've been involved in campaigns for both local and international clients such as Colgate, DANONE, Nestlé Kit Kat, Chevron, Dubai Islamic Bank, etc. Together with my team, we conceptualize events/ activations/ promotions based on our client's long-term strategies and then we plan and execute them. We then provide them with a detailed report showing the results of the campaign and relate this to their objectives such as a sales uplift or increased brand awareness"

Yasmin Mebar-Junior Account Executive, Middle East & North Africa

"I earned my BBA degree with a specialization in HRM from the Canadian University of Dubai and then began my career as an HR Consultant. I believe my work at the HR consultancy I currently work at is a true representation of the courses I was taught at CUD and the on-campus work placements I experienced. After my graduation I went on to become a Qualified HR Professional through the CIPD and am now an expert in Learning and Development Practice.

While gathering experience in HR and proving my expertise in designing, implementing and restructuring training programs, I have gotten the opportunity to work with several multinational companies to execute my learning. My experience at CUD created greater insight into how the business world works and laid the initial foundation for my business career.  I continue to believe that my time at CUD both as a student and as an employee shaped my life in immeasurably positive ways!"

Bahisht Asif, Partner and Consultant, Global Management Consultants

"Studying at CUD was fruitful, l along with the friendly atmosphere and great professors, it was a great experience. Through that I have landed myself at a Fortune 500 firm – P&G working as a Supply Chain Executive for one of their portfolios. It was definitely a great challenge, but without a challenge it gets boring. Lastly, I would recommend CUD to anyone who would want to study in Dubai."

Mohsin Haji, Supply Chain Executive, P&G

Lavina Phulwani is a Recruitment Consultant at Michael Page International, Dubai and specializes in the recruitment of Banking & Financial Services professionals in the Middle East. A graduate from American University in Dubai (Hons) – Finance and Economics, she has lived in Dubai since Trade Centre, Dubai was the tallest tower.

“You've made it! With perseverance, patience, determination, time management, dedication and perspiration, just a few traits you no doubt have developed along the way, keep in mind that your degree is not an end, but one more step in a journey of life-long learning. I would like to give a special thanks to Abdelrahman for his assistance and his perseverance in helping students over the past 2 years. His patience and contribution has benefited many students throughout this period. Best wishes in all your future endeavors!”

Sid Attou, Senior Student Success Officer, Canadian University of Dubai

We are proud to announce that Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer has been awarded his second research grant of $1 Million by the Qatar National Research Fund of Qatar Foundation. The Canadian University of Dubai will receive a considerable amount of this grant to facilitate Dr. Abdel’s research activities.

In 2012, Dr. Adel who is a cherished member of our School of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology Faculty was awarded his first grant for his research project revolving around developing new techniques that can be applied to “Wireless Biotelemetry for Ubiquitous Healthcare Application”.

This time around, Dr. Adel has been awarded the grant for his project ‘Environmentally-Powered Battery-Less Smart Sensor Nodes for High Efficiency Indoor/Outdoor Air Quality Diagnostics’, developed alongside Dr. Farid Touati from Qatar University, College of Engineering and Dr. Damiano Crescini, from University of Brescia, Italy.

His research resolves around using new generation of smart sensors that are drawing power not from conventional electrically powered batteries, but from the environment. This would mean we can now use vibration thermal differences or ambient light as power sources.

Needless to say, Dr. Abdel’s Research project is a massive contribution to the Office of Research Services and a significant leap forward in terms of branding the University’s research agenda locally and regionally. We would like to wish Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer hearty congratulations for this achievement and we all wish him success in his research endeavors!

We are very proud of our fourth year Architecture student Ayesha Gheewale, who’s concept “GENESIS” was shortlisted among the top four finalist in the International Design Exhibition 2013 (INDEX); Mena’s largest exhibit for residential interior design.

We asked the future Architect what it was like to be the only student whose design was selected at the INDEX 2013.

“It was great just being there and competing against professionals! I got to meet veterans from the field and even had people asking me to design their spaces and offering to buy my design!”

“Lots of other students approached me to ask about the concept and materialization of my design. Although I did not win, my work received massive exposure since it was the first time a student has ever been short-listed among the top four finalists at INDEX . It was also great having families come up to me and ask about the Canadian University of Dubai!”

Ayesha’s participation at the Design Trade Fair and her concept- ‘GENESIS’ received extensive media coverage from radio networks, news publications and production companies from all over the U.A.E. You can listen to Ayesha’s Radio Eye 103.8 live interview on the following link

Gulf News, City 7 and Sterling Consulting Word press also covered Ayesha’s project: link 1 link 2 link 3

The Entrepreneurship course had over 70 English and Arabic students, making it one of our most popular. It brought together students of different ages and backgrounds, from teenage undergraduates to experienced business owners looking for an additional entrepreneurial edge.

LEFT: Our Post-it note Chevy covered in ideas for IDEA 2013!