Canadian University Dubai — Outreach and Capacity-Building for Policy and Law-Makers
Our Commitment
Canadian University Dubai actively supports capacity-building for policy-makers, law-makers, and government officials through executive training, specialized degree programs, and high-level policy dialogues. By sharing academic expertise and hosting forums that convene government leaders, the University contributes to evidence-based policy making and the professional development of the public sector.
Executive Training and Professional Development
CUD delivers targeted capacity-building programs designed to upskill government officials and legal professionals.
| Program | Target Audience | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Drafting Contracts in English" | UAE Government & Business Delegates | A two-day course (hosted in 2015 with EMG Associates) to develop legal drafting skills in a common-law context. | Enhances the legal and contractual capabilities of government and business professionals. |
| Chancellor's Scholarship (MBA) | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Staff | A 2016 partnership granting a DHA administrative staff member a full place in CUD’s MBA program. | Supports capacity-building and leadership development within the local government healthcare sector. |
Policy-Aligned Academic Programs
CUD has designed specific degree programs to build the workforce needed to execute national policies and strategies.
| Academic Program | Aligned Government Policy | Capacity-Building Impact |
|---|---|---|
| BSc in Artificial Intelligence (2025) | UAE National AI Strategy 2031 | Trains professionals to implement and manage AI technologies in alignment with national digital transformation goals. |
| MSc in Design Innovation for Circular Economy (2025) | UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 | Builds expertise in regenerative design and circular policies to support the UAE's sustainability and economic diversification goals. |
High-Level Policy Dialogues and Conferences
CUD convenes policy-makers and government officials to discuss and shape public policy on critical issues.
| Event | Date | Government Participants | Policy Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Climate Change Conference | 2018 | UAE Minister of Climate Change (H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi) | Environmental policy and climate action. |
| AI & Occupational Safety Conference | April 2025 | Dubai Municipality (Acting Director General), Dubai Future Foundation (CEO) | How AI can improve workplace health and safety, aligning with Dubai's digital transformation vision. |
| Climate Change and Tourism Conference | Dec 2024 / Jan 2025 | Policymakers, UN Environment/UNWTO consultants | Aligning tourism policy with climate policy for sustainable development. |
| World Tourism Day Symposium | 2023 | Dubai Municipality (Architectural Heritage Dept.) | Sustainable tourism projects and heritage preservation. |
Research with Policy Impact
CUD conducts government-funded research and produces actionable insights for policy-makers.
- Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) Grants (2025): CUD researchers won three grants for AI/healthcare projects to advance UAE health technology solutions, demonstrating how government R&D funding supports CUD initiatives aligned with national innovation strategies.
- Entrepreneurship Policy Recommendations (2016): A CUD-led study on entrepreneurial intentions provided explicit "important messages for... policy makers" regarding how university support can boost startups, directly informing government education and economic policy.
Global Policy Engagement
CUD faculty and leadership contribute to international policy dialogues:
- UNFCCC Universities Climate Network: Partnered to collaborate on COP28 climate dialogues.
- World Education Summit (India, 2016): CUD faculty presented on higher-education policy alongside government officials.
- Board of Trustees: Includes former Canadian federal ministers and policymakers, reflecting governance ties to high-level policy expertise.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
These initiatives align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), particularly UN Target 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels). By providing capacity-building for policy-makers and law-makers, CUD ensures that public institutions have access to cutting-edge knowledge and skilled professionals to implement effective policies.