American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) will collaborate in various areas of mutual benefit and signed an agreement to that effect today, September 24, at a special ceremony held at the main building of the university campus.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the details of the cooperation was signed by Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS; and Suaad Mohammed Al Shammari, Head of Emiratization - Assistant Vice President, Emiratization Unit, NBAD. The MOU provides a framework of cooperation between the two organizations in areas of mutual interest.

"We are very pleased to have entered into this collaboration with NBAD," said Dr. Heath on the occasion. "AUS has always looked to partner with prominent national organizations and this agreement will help us explore and develop areas of mutual interest and benefit," he added.

The agreement takes a look at a number of areas of mutual collaboration and lists possible initiatives in this regard. These relate to the future employment of AUS graduates; work experience programs for AUS students; training programs for the benefit of NBAD employees as well as AUS students and graduates; sponsorship initiatives where NBAD may sponsor AUS events, student award schemes, student development initiatives, or related activities; as well as engagement in NBAD's Watani Programs, such as Al Bedayah, AFAQ, and Al Sadara.

"We are delighted to partner with one of UAE's best educational institutions such as American University of Sharjah," said Al Shammari. "This partnership will provide a framework of corporation and facilitate collaboration between NBAD and AUS allowing us to mutually benefits from opportunities offered and become stronger in our respective fields." 

According to the agreement, both parties will consult each other on regular basis on matters of common interest which can lead to mutual collaboration.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Provost; Salem Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; as well as AUS deans along with Ali Shuaib AlHammadi, Emiratization Office, NBAD.