4.3.4

Institutional Commitment to Community Education

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is committed to extending educational opportunities beyond its campus through outreach activities delivered in collaboration with schools, educational institutions, community organisations and external partners.

The University recognises that access to knowledge and practical learning should not be limited to students formally enrolled in higher education.

Through off-campus workshops, educational demonstrations, academic knowledge-sharing activities and community engagement initiatives, CUD contributes to lifelong learning and the development of practical skills among external audiences.

These initiatives involve CUD faculty, students and academic departments working with partners to share knowledge in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, sustainability and inclusive design.

In 2025, CUD's documented off-campus educational activities included practical robotics training at Besomi Academy, collaborative sustainability education at La Rochelle University, engineering demonstrations at the Dubai Knowledge Summit and community engagement through inclusive design at Dubai Design Week.

1. Educational Outreach in Local Learning Communities

AI Robbo Car Using Raspberry Pi — Hands-On Robotics Workshop

Reporting date: 26 May 2025
Location: Besomi Academy, Dubai, UAE
CUD organising department: Mechatronics Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
External partner: Besomi Academy
Target audience: School-age learners and participants developing their robotics and programming skills
Format: Practical, instructor-led STEM workshop delivered outside the CUD campus

Canadian University Dubai collaborated with Besomi Academy to deliver an applied robotics workshop titled AI Robbo Car Using Raspberry Pi.

The workshop was designed to introduce participants to the practical integration of artificial intelligence, computer programming, electronic hardware and robotics.

Working with CUD's engineering expertise, participants explored the development of intelligent robotic vehicles through hands-on activities involving electronic components and programmable systems.

Educational Content

The workshop covered the following learning areas:

Robotics Hardware and Electronics

Participants worked with Raspberry Pi computing devices, DC motors, ultrasonic sensors and camera modules to understand how different electronic components can operate together within a robotic system.

Programming and Software Development

Participants applied Python programming to develop and control robotic functions.

Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence

The workshop introduced OpenCV and artificial intelligence algorithms, allowing learners to understand how robotic systems can interpret visual information and respond to their surroundings.

Autonomous Navigation

Practical activities covered object detection, line following and autonomous navigation, demonstrating how software and hardware can work together to enable intelligent movement.

Problem-Solving and Systems Integration

Participants combined mechanical, electronic and software elements to develop functional robotic models, strengthening technical problem-solving and applied engineering skills.

Educational Outcomes

The workshop provided opportunities for learners to develop:

• Foundational knowledge of robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Practical programming experience using Python.
• Understanding of electronic sensors and computer vision.
• Skills in hardware and software integration.
• Critical thinking and technical problem-solving.
• Collaboration and applied project development.

CUD's official activity report confirms that participants received KHDA-accredited certificates following the workshop.

This initiative demonstrates the University's direct contribution to education beyond campus by delivering practical engineering instruction through an external learning partner.

2. Collaborative Educational Outreach at External Institutions

Second Workshop on Sustainable Materials and Energies for Resilient Buildings

Date: 9 April 2025
Location: La Rochelle University, France
Collaborating institutions: Canadian University Dubai, La Rochelle University and the University of Sherbrooke
Format: Collaborative academic workshop delivered at an external university

Canadian University Dubai participated in the delivery of the second workshop on Sustainable Materials and Energies for Resilient Buildings, held at La Rochelle University.

The workshop was part of an international academic collaboration involving CUD and partner institutions in France and Canada.

The initiative extended the University's educational and research expertise beyond its own campus by supporting technical discussions and knowledge exchange on sustainable building design.

Educational Themes

The workshop addressed:

• Sustainable construction materials.
• Energy-efficient building design.
• Applications of 3D printing in construction.
• Heat and mass transfer in porous materials.
• Climate-responsive architecture.
• Resilient building technologies.

The event provided a platform for academic and technical knowledge exchange concerning the environmental performance and sustainability of the built environment.

Outreach Contribution

Through its involvement, CUD contributed to education and knowledge sharing at an external institution.

The collaboration supported the exchange of expertise among academic participants and the dissemination of knowledge on sustainable construction and engineering.

The workshop followed an earlier collaborative event held at the University of Sherbrooke in April 2024, demonstrating continued participation in a multi-institutional educational initiative.

3. Off-Campus Engineering and Sustainability Demonstrations

CUD Engineering Innovations at Dubai Knowledge Summit 2025

Reporting date: 19 November 2025
Location: Dubai Knowledge Summit, Dubai, UAE
Organising unit: CUD School of Engineering
Target audience: External summit visitors, professionals, industry representatives and education stakeholders
Format: Interactive engineering demonstrations and knowledge-sharing activities

Canadian University Dubai participated in the Dubai Knowledge Summit 2025, where engineering faculty and students engaged external audiences through demonstrations of applied engineering innovations.

The University's interactive exhibition showcased sustainability-focused projects developed through its engineering programmes.

Demonstrated Projects

Vertical Wind Turbine

The CUD team presented an engineering project exploring the application of wind energy technologies.

The demonstration provided external visitors with an opportunity to learn about renewable energy engineering and the potential applications of wind turbine systems.

Smart Farming System

The University also showcased a smart farming system designed around the principles of vertical agriculture and applied engineering.

The project provided opportunities to discuss technological approaches to agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Educational Engagement

CUD students and faculty explained the concepts and applications of their projects to visitors and representatives attending the summit.

The demonstrations supported learning about renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and real-world engineering innovation.

By presenting and explaining these projects at an external venue, CUD extended its applied educational knowledge to audiences beyond the university community.

4. Community Education Through Inclusive Design

Dome of Inclusion — Dubai Design Week 2025

Reporting date: 19 November 2025
Event: Dubai Design Week 2025
Location: Dubai, UAE
Collaborating organisations: Canadian University Dubai, Dubai Holding Entertainment and ImInclusive
Format: Interactive community design installation and public knowledge sharing

Canadian University Dubai collaborated with Dubai Holding Entertainment and ImInclusive to develop and present the Dome of Inclusion, an interactive installation intended to promote awareness of accessibility, diversity and inclusive design.

The installation formed part of the University's participation in Dubai Design Week 2025.

CUD's School of Architecture and Interior Design contributed to the development of the project, which was created through collaboration involving students, faculty, external partners and People of Determination.

Educational Themes

The installation communicated concepts associated with:

• Universal accessibility and inclusive design.
• Disability awareness and social participation.
• Collaboration between designers and communities.
• Sustainable materials and responsible design.
• The contributions and experiences of People of Determination.

The design featured interlocking geometric forms representing principles of collaboration, creativity, inclusion, empowerment, innovation and unity.

It also incorporated original artwork by People of Determination, helping communicate the importance of inclusive participation in creative and public spaces.

Community Engagement

The installation encouraged external audiences to consider how design can contribute to accessibility and social inclusion.

Through this initiative, CUD students and faculty shared applied design knowledge with visitors at a public cultural venue.

The activity complemented the University's practical educational workshops by promoting community learning through interactive exhibition and public engagement.

5. Student Participation in Educational Outreach

CUD encourages students to apply academic knowledge beyond the classroom and participate in activities that engage external communities.

The University's 2025 outreach initiatives demonstrate how student participation can support learning and knowledge sharing beyond campus.

Applied Engineering Demonstrations

At the Dubai Knowledge Summit, CUD engineering students helped present and explain sustainability-focused innovations to external audiences.

These activities provided opportunities for students to communicate technical knowledge while allowing visitors to learn about applied engineering solutions.

Inclusive Design and Community Collaboration

Through the Dome of Inclusion, CUD design students contributed to an initiative involving external organisations and members of the People of Determination community.

The project illustrated how academic design knowledge can be applied in a public environment to encourage awareness and discussion of social inclusion.

Environmental and Sustainability Engagement

CUD also encourages students to participate in environmental awareness and community activities.

These initiatives complement the University's educational outreach by promoting awareness of environmental responsibility and encouraging the application of sustainability-related knowledge beyond formal coursework.

6. Summary of Education Outreach Activities in 2025

The following table summarises documented activities delivered beyond the CUD campus.

Student-Led Education Outreach Beyond Campus

CUD students voluntarily organise and participate in education outreach activities beyond campus through clubs and societies:

Education Outreach Reach and Impact

These activities demonstrate different forms of educational engagement beyond campus, including practical workshops, technical knowledge exchange, interactive demonstrations and community learning through design.

7. Educational Reach and Community Benefits

CUD's outreach activities aim to make university knowledge accessible to external learners and communities through partnerships and engagement outside the University.

The activities contribute to several educational objectives.

Practical STEM Education

The robotics workshop at Besomi Academy provided participants with direct experience of programming, artificial intelligence and engineering systems.

Sustainability Knowledge Sharing

The sustainable buildings workshop and engineering demonstrations promoted knowledge of energy-efficient construction, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Community Learning

The Dome of Inclusion encouraged public engagement with accessibility, disability inclusion and the role of design in creating inclusive environments.

Student-Led Knowledge Transfer

CUD students contributed to external learning activities by presenting technical projects and participating in community-focused design initiatives.

Partnership-Based Education

Collaboration with external learning centres, universities, professional organisations and community partners enabled the University to extend educational activities beyond its campus.

8. Institutional Coordination

CUD's education outreach activities involve collaboration among academic schools, faculty members, students and external partner organisations.

Relevant academic units contribute specialist knowledge and educational content, while external organisations provide access to learning environments and community audiences.

The 2025 activities involved:

• The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• The School of Architecture and Interior Design.
• External educational organisations.
• International university collaborators.
• Community and professional partners.

This collaborative approach allows the University to deliver educational knowledge in settings outside its regular classrooms and engage audiences who are not enrolled as CUD students.

9. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 — Quality Education

CUD's external educational workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives and practical demonstrations support opportunities for lifelong learning beyond formal university enrolment.

These activities contribute to wider educational participation and the development of technical and practical skills among external learners.

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Robotics training, engineering demonstrations and technology-focused outreach promote practical knowledge of innovation and emerging technological applications.

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities

Community engagement through inclusive design promotes awareness of accessibility and the importance of participation for People of Determination.

SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable architecture, inclusive design and community-facing engineering initiatives support knowledge sharing on the development of accessible and environmentally responsible communities.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

Educational engagement concerning energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy and sustainability supports awareness of climate-related challenges and potential responses.

SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

Collaborations with educational institutions, community organisations and industry partners enable CUD to extend its educational and research expertise beyond campus.

Institutional Commitment

Canadian University Dubai remains committed to sharing its educational expertise with external learners and communities through activities delivered beyond the University campus.

In 2025, CUD contributed to practical robotics education, international sustainability workshops, engineering demonstrations and community awareness initiatives through collaboration with external partners.

These activities demonstrate the University's role in extending applied knowledge, practical learning and educational engagement beyond formal higher education environments.

Through continued collaboration involving faculty, students, schools, educational institutions and community partners, CUD seeks to expand opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing beyond campus.

Reporting Period: Calendar Year 2025.