17.4.3 Canadian University Dubai — Education for the Sustainable Development Goals in the Wider Community
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is committed to extending educational opportunities beyond its enrolled students to support lifelong learning, community development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The University recognises that education for sustainable development should reach individuals of different ages, backgrounds and professional circumstances, including alumni, school students, local residents, aspiring entrepreneurs, working professionals and people experiencing educational disadvantage.
CUD provides outreach educational activities through workshops, professional development programmes, sustainability learning events, entrepreneurship training and community partnerships.
These activities connect university knowledge and resources with the wider community, contributing to skills development, environmental awareness, responsible innovation and educational access.
During 2025, CUD organised educational workshops involving external learners and maintained continuing-education opportunities for alumni and other members of the community.
The University also announced a partnership-supported initiative to improve higher education access for refugees and displaced individuals.
1. Overview of Educational Outreach
CUD's educational outreach addresses three principal audiences.
| Outreach Audience | Initiative or Programme | Nature of Education | Reporting Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Community | Sustainability Quest — February 2025 | Sustainable architecture, environmental awareness and hands-on learning | Documented 2025 educational event |
| Local Community | AI Robbo Car Workshop — May 2025 | Robotics, artificial intelligence and technology education | Documented 2025 external workshop |
| Local Community | Venture Creation Workshop — May 2025 | Entrepreneurship, innovation and practical business development | Documented 2025 educational workshop |
| Alumni | CUD Venture Creation Program | Entrepreneurship workshops, coaching and mentorship | Alumni explicitly eligible |
| Alumni | Continuing Education and Professional Development | Short courses and career-focused learning | Established institutional provision |
| Community / Youth | Summer Camp — July 2023 | Multi-disciplinary practical workshops | Historical educational outreach |
| Refugees and Displaced People | UNHCR / Brand Me Summit 2025 refugee education initiative | Announced access to fully funded higher education | Partnership commitment; completed educational delivery not verified |
The initiatives vary in type and implementation status. Completed workshops and established continuing-education provision are distinguished from scholarship commitments and historical activities.
2. Outreach to the Local Community — Sustainability Quest
How to Become a Hero in Saving the Earth!
Date: 19 February 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: CUD HUB Building, City Walk, Dubai
Organising Unit: School of Architecture and Interior Design
Target Audience: High-school students in Grades 11 and 12
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 — Climate Action.
Workshop Overview
Canadian University Dubai organised Sustainability Quest: How to Become a Hero in Saving the Earth! as a hands-on educational workshop designed specifically for high-school students.
The event invited young learners from outside the University's enrolled student body to explore sustainability and understand the practical role of architecture and interior design in creating environmentally responsible spaces.
The activity combined sustainability awareness, interactive learning and design-focused exercises.
Educational Content
The published workshop programme included:
- An introduction to why sustainability is important for a safer and healthier world.
- Learning about sustainable architecture and interior design.
- Practical activities exploring environmental responsibility in the built environment.
- A sustainability-focused treasure hunt.
- A trivia-style educational competition.
- A guided university campus tour.
Workshop Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Registration |
| 9:30–10:00 AM | CUD HUB tour |
| 10:00 AM–12:30 PM | Workshop and sustainability activities |
| 12:30–1:30 PM | Lunch and conclusion |
The programme also provided for certificates of participation.
Contribution to Community SDG Education
The workshop directly addresses sustainability learning outside CUD's degree programmes.
It demonstrates an institutional effort to introduce external learners to environmentally responsible design and sustainable development concepts.
Its target audience, date, teaching content and programme schedule provide direct evidence of a dedicated community educational activity during 2025.
Official Event Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/sustainability-quest-how-become-hero-saving-earth
3. Outreach to the Local Community — AI and Robotics Education
AI Robbo Car Using Raspberry Pi
Published Activity Report: 26 May 2025
External Educational Partner: Besomi Academy
Participating CUD Unit: Mechatronics Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Activity: Hands-on robotics and artificial intelligence workshop
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Workshop Overview
CUD's Mechatronics Engineering Department partnered with Besomi Academy to deliver the practical educational workshop AI Robbo Car Using Raspberry Pi.
The activity was designed to introduce participants to the integration of hardware, software and artificial intelligence through an applied robotics project.
It extended CUD's engineering education beyond conventional university classroom teaching through collaboration with an external educational academy.
Practical Educational Content
Participants developed and programmed intelligent model cars using hardware and software technologies.
| Learning Area | Practical Content |
|---|---|
| Electronics and Hardware | Raspberry Pi, DC motors, ultrasonic sensors and camera modules |
| Programming | Python |
| Computer Vision | OpenCV |
| Artificial Intelligence | Algorithms supporting object detection and automated behaviour |
| Robotics | Line following and autonomous navigation |
| Engineering Practice | Systems integration, testing and problem-solving |
The programme encouraged participants to connect theoretical knowledge with practical engineering challenges.
Educational Outcomes
The workshop supported learning in:
- Robotics fundamentals.
- Programming and artificial intelligence.
- Hardware and software integration.
- Creative technical problem-solving.
- Collaborative project development.
- Applied engineering design.
CUD's official report states that participants received KHDA-accredited certificates.
Contribution to the SDGs
The initiative supports access to technology education and practical skills relevant to innovation, employment and technological development.
Its delivery with an external educational partner demonstrates CUD's community-oriented educational engagement during 2025.
The published article establishes the activity and curriculum; a participant register would be useful for independently confirming the number and categories of non-CUD learners.
Official Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/empowering-future-engineers-through-ai-and-robotics-hands-robbo-car-workshop-besomi-academy
4. Outreach to Local Residents and Aspiring Entrepreneurs — Venture Creation Workshop
Venture Creation: From Idea to Impact
Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Canadian University Dubai, City Walk
Organising Unit: CUD Incubator Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Target Audience: Students, aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, innovators and individuals interested in learning how to develop a business.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Workshop Overview
On 29 May 2025, CUD organised a practical workshop focused on the process of creating and developing entrepreneurial ventures.
The workshop, titled Venture Creation: From Idea to Impact, was designed for individuals interested in understanding the foundations of starting and building a business.
The published audience included aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders, making the activity relevant to learning opportunities beyond a conventional enrolled-student audience.
Instructors
The workshop was delivered by:
- Mr. Gustavo A. Montero, Director of CUD's Incubator of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
- Dr. Khulood Shebib Khansaheb, Assistant Professor, School of Management, and Incubator Manager.
Educational Objectives
The workshop aimed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of venture creation and practical tools for developing business ideas.
The programme addressed the entrepreneurial mindset and approaches to innovation, value creation and problem-solving.
Community Learning Value
The workshop enabled participants to explore practical entrepreneurship concepts through an event delivered by university experts.
These skills are relevant to employment, innovation, enterprise development and sustainable economic participation.
The workshop illustrates CUD's approach to extending applied business education to an audience that includes external aspiring entrepreneurs.
Official Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/venture-creation-workshop
5. Educational Outreach for Alumni — Lifelong Learning
Alumni Professional Development and Continuing Education
Beneficiaries: Canadian University Dubai graduates
Responsible Function: Alumni Office
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals.
CUD maintains an Alumni Office supporting graduates beyond the completion of their degree programmes.
The University's public alumni information identifies lifelong learning and career development as part of its alumni support arrangements.
Alumni Learning Opportunities
The Alumni Office promotes access to:
- Postgraduate education.
- Short courses through Corporate Training Services.
- Professional development activities.
- Career-related educational opportunities.
- Alumni knowledge-sharing events.
- Expert talks and continuing-education activities.
These services recognise that learning continues throughout professional life and that graduates may require opportunities to develop new skills as workplace needs evolve.
Types of Alumni Educational Activities
CUD's published alumni engagement framework identifies professional and personal development activities such as:
| Educational Format | Subject Area |
|---|---|
| Professional Speaker Events | Career development, professional challenges and personal effectiveness |
| Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Sessions | Practical expertise in technology, marketing, finance and professional practice |
| Career Development Activities | Employment preparation and professional networking |
| Continuing-Education Courses | Further learning and skills development |
| Postgraduate Study | Advanced academic and professional qualifications |
The activities describe established institutional opportunities and intended formats rather than a verified count of sessions delivered to alumni during 2025.
Alumni Contact: alumni@cud.ac.ae
6. Educational Outreach for Alumni — Venture Creation Program
Entrepreneurship Learning Beyond Graduation
Organising Unit: CUD Incubator Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Programme Duration: 12 weeks
Eligible Participants: CUD students, alumni, faculty, staff, external founders and teams
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9 and SDG 17.
CUD's Incubator Hub offers a Venture Creation Program designed to help participants develop entrepreneurial ideas into viable ventures.
The published eligibility criteria expressly include CUD alumni and external founders, demonstrating that access is not limited to currently enrolled students.
Educational Components
The programme describes a twelve-week process involving:
- Weekly workshops.
- Hands-on coaching.
- Entrepreneurship mentorship.
- Expert-led discussions.
- Business model development.
- Marketing and legal setup fundamentals.
- Technology and product development.
- Investor pitch preparation.
The programme supports alumni who wish to develop or strengthen entrepreneurial skills after graduation.
Learning and Skills Development
The programme is designed to assist participants in developing ideas towards minimum viable products and preparing for investment-related presentations.
Its activities provide opportunities to acquire applied skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and business development.
Reporting-Year Qualification
The published programme establishes an educational pathway expressly open to alumni.
Evidence of a specific 2025 cohort, programme timetable or alumni attendance would strengthen confirmation of implementation during the reporting period.
Official Programme Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/venture-creation-program-incubator
7. Outreach to Working Professionals and the Wider Community
CUD Professional Training
CUD provides professional and career-development education through its Professional Training function.
The University's publicly advertised offerings cover fields including:
- Data science and artificial intelligence.
- Digital marketing.
- Financial management and business technology.
- Networking and cybersecurity.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Language and communication.
- Creative and digital skills.
These programmes are designed for individuals seeking professional advancement or new competencies.
They form part of CUD's broader approach to continuing education and skills development outside conventional full-time degree study.
Relevance to Sustainable Development
Professional education can contribute to SDG 4 by supporting lifelong learning and to SDG 8 by developing workforce skills.
Courses involving innovation, responsible technology and entrepreneurship can also support knowledge relevant to sustainable economic development.
Course fees, entry conditions and schedules vary by programme.
The existence of these training offerings does not establish that every listed course was delivered during 2025.
Official Training Information:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/professional-training
8. Historical Community Outreach — CUD Summer Camp
Three-Day Multidisciplinary Educational Programme
Date: July 2023
Target Group: High-school students
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities.
CUD organised a three-day summer camp offering practical educational experiences to high-school students from the wider community.
The programme included six workshops:
- Animation.
- Computer Science AppLab.
- Business.
- Psychology.
- Mechatronics RoboXperience.
- Architecture and Interior Design.
The architecture workshop included discussion of sustainable design practices.
The mechatronics workshop provided practical robotics and programming activities.
The programme demonstrated CUD's established experience in providing hands-on community educational outreach before the 2025 reporting period.
The 2023 activity is included as historical context and is not presented as a summer camp held in 2025.
Official Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/cud-empowers-high-school-students-3-day-summer-camp-inspiring-education-community
9. Educational Access for Refugees and Displaced People — UNHCR Initiative
Refugee Higher Education Collaboration Announced in 2025
Date: November 2025
Participating Organisations: Canadian University Dubai, UNHCR and Brand Me Summit
Related Initiative: UNHCR Aim Higher
Target Group: Refugees and displaced individuals
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals.
CUD recognises the educational barriers faced by refugees and displaced individuals, including restricted access to higher education.
In November 2025, the University announced a refugee education initiative associated with Brand Me Summit 2025 and UNHCR's Aim Higher initiative.
Announced Scholarship Commitment
CUD publicly announced a commitment to provide 50 fully funded scholarships for refugee students.
The summit also announced that 10% of sales proceeds would support refugee education through the UNHCR-linked initiative.
The collaboration connected higher education, humanitarian engagement and entrepreneurial participation to address access to tertiary education.
Educational Objectives
The initiative is intended to support:
- Greater access to higher education for displaced individuals.
- Opportunities for refugees to pursue university qualifications.
- The development of academic and professional skills.
- Collaboration between educational institutions and humanitarian organisations.
Reporting-Year Status
The 2025 announcement establishes the University's commitment to expanding refugee educational access.
However, the available announcement does not establish:
- That all 50 scholarships had been awarded during 2025.
- That refugee students had commenced academic programmes under this initiative by the end of 2025.
- That CUD delivered a separate educational workshop or training programme specifically for refugees during 2025.
The initiative is therefore presented as an announced educational-access measure, rather than a completed refugee educational outreach activity.
Official Evidence:
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/brand-me-summit-50-billion-entrepreneurial-influence-cud-weekend
10. Summary of Outreach by Audience
| Audience | Educational Outreach | Strength of Reporting Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alumni | Continuing education, professional development and Venture Creation Program eligibility | Established services and eligibility; dated 2025 alumni attendance not confirmed |
| Local Community | Sustainability Quest, AI Robbo Car Workshop and Venture Creation Workshop | Specific 2025 events with dates, educational content and intended external audiences |
| Displaced People and Refugees | UNHCR-linked higher education scholarship commitment | Announced in 2025; delivered educational outreach not confirmed |
| High-School Students | Sustainability Quest and robotics outreach | Specific educational activities within the local community category |
| Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Professionals | Venture creation and professional training | Open or intended for external learners, subject to programme eligibility |
These examples demonstrate CUD's efforts to extend education beyond its current students, while distinguishing completed activities, established educational opportunities and announced future support.
11. Institutional Delivery of Community Education
Educational outreach is supported by several university functions.
| Institutional Function | Contribution to Outreach |
|---|---|
| School of Architecture and Interior Design | Sustainability education and design workshops for external learners |
| School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Technology, robotics and applied engineering education |
| CUD Incubator Hub | Entrepreneurship workshops and mentoring |
| Alumni Office | Continuing education and professional-development opportunities for graduates |
| Professional Training | Career-focused programmes for working professionals and other learners |
| University Leadership and External Partnerships | Education-access initiatives involving humanitarian and external organisations |
These functions enable CUD to share academic expertise and teaching resources with audiences beyond conventional undergraduate and postgraduate degree enrolment.
12. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 4 — Quality Education
Community workshops, lifelong learning opportunities and educational-access initiatives support inclusive education and opportunities to develop relevant knowledge and skills.
SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
Entrepreneurship and professional training contribute to the development of skills relevant to employment and enterprise.
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Robotics, artificial intelligence and innovation workshops provide practical exposure to emerging technologies.
SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
The refugee education initiative aims to address inequalities in access to higher education for displaced populations.
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sustainability Quest introduces young learners to the relationship between design, architecture and environmentally responsible communities.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Educational activities on sustainable architecture provide opportunities for external learners to explore climate-responsive and environmentally responsible design.
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
CUD's outreach collaborations involve external educational institutions, industry experts and humanitarian organisations.
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai is committed to making educational resources and expertise available beyond its enrolled student population.
During 2025, the University provided dedicated outreach activities including Sustainability Quest, AI Robbo Car Using Raspberry Pi and Venture Creation: From Idea to Impact.
These initiatives provided educational opportunities addressing sustainable design, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development.
CUD also maintained continuing-education and professional-development opportunities for alumni and external learners through its Alumni Office, Professional Training function and entrepreneurship incubator.
In November 2025, the University announced an initiative involving UNHCR and Brand Me Summit to expand higher education access for refugees through 50 planned fully funded scholarships.
Together, these activities demonstrate CUD's commitment to lifelong learning, community education and widening access to educational opportunities.
Primary Reporting Year: 2025
Principal Outreach Functions: Academic Schools, CUD Incubator Hub, Alumni Office and Professional Training