DIAC Partners Year of Giving with over 35 Million Scholarships

The scholarships provided by universities based in DIAC is said to benefit more than 2,800 students. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Group, is the world’s largest free zone dedicated to Higher Education. Established in 2007, DIAC hosts 26 universities from nine countries offering more than 500 undergraduate, post graduate, and PhD programmes to over 25,000 students representing 149 nationalities. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is a premier destination in the region dedicated to Human Resource Management and Consulting, Vocational Training, Executive Search and Professional Development. Some organizations within Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) are showing their support to the Year of Giving initiative decreed by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by focusing on a range of CSR initiatives focused on higher education. One of the primary initiative put forth by the organizations includes funding of over AED 35 million worth of scholarships which will be given to more than 2,800 students. At the annual Iftar party organized by DIAC and DKP, at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, the initiatives were awarded to thank these organisations for their generosity. The charitable initiative is hosted by institutes located within DIAC which include Amity University Dubai Campus, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, Murdoch University Dubai, Manipal University Dubai, American University in the Emirates, Middlesex University Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, SP Jain School of Global Management and the University of Wollongong in Dubai. Eton Institute and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) have spread the spirit of giving into the sectors of language development and vocational training. The scholarships are provided in the hope of helping those struggling financially and encouraging them to get a quality education. “In line with the Year of Giving, we are privileged to be making a difference to those less fortunate by working hand-in-hand with our institutions to support the educational needs of individuals across various spectrums,” said Mohammed Abdullah, the Managing Director of DIAC and DKP. “As educators, we understand the doors a good education can open for our young people and for generations to come, and are proud to fulfill DIAC and DKP’s mission of providing open access to quality education. We stand committed to helping these individuals realize their full potential, and hope that in the future, they can pay it forward for future generations”. Amity University Dubai rewards students by providing a particular category of Academic Merit Scholarships which will waive 100% of tuition fees to 150 high achievers within the UAE and GCC who have excelled in their final year of High School. Students who have secured 80% and above in their final results will be offered separate scholarships. The university also provides for Emirati nationals and students who are academically proficient but need financial assistance. Heriot-Watt University Dubai for its part is offering scholarships worth AED6 million to 1,000 students on a range of criteria including merit, sports, service to community and industry. The University of Wollongong in Dubai operates on a similar principal, and so far in 2017, it has offered scholarships based on Financial Aid or Academic merit to 331 students. At the same time, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, is offering a range of scholarships for some 550 students, including scholarships for GCC nationals, siblings, students with financial hardships and those who have suffered bereavements. Recognising students who’ve demonstrated talent and distinguished achievements in academics, leadership, citizenship, service, communication and entrepreneurship, SP Jain School of Global Management will provide 175 students with its "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship worth more than Dhs3 million to encourage inspiring and socially responsible “Next Gen Global Business Leaders”. Manipal University Dubai in partnership with the Indian Embassy provides a scholarship that supports three female students financially for the duration of their studies in Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration and Interior Design. Manipal also helps students from select geographies outside the UAE by offering fee waivers for staying in on-campus hostels, and a Merit Scholarship scheme for Grade 12 students who need additional financial support to pursue their higher education. Other educational institutions are also involving themselves in the initiative in different ways. The language learning centre Eton Institute has several initiatives this year, aimed at promoting tolerance and cultural diversity through communication. Eton Institute’s Live Online platform delivers courses to Dubai residents and individuals worldwide, free of charge. Eton will also be hosting free cultural workshops, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which targets newly arrived members of the UAE expat community. The Institute also distribute free phrasebooks in different languages to students during January. The ICCA Dubai Culinary Scholarship, presents an AED1 million ‘Continuing Education’ award for UAE Young Industry Chefs which helps to support 30 underprivileged young chefs. This smart approach to education simultaneously helps boost the F&B industry with a skilled workforce, contributing to the development of the UAE’s vocational sector.