Students from the Office of Students Affairs' Student Leadership Program (SLP) attended Al Maktoum College Academic Training Program at Al Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, Scotland, February 9-March 7, 2014.

The program aims to challenge and expand all student participants' intellectual skills to provide them with the knowledge and skills required for active leadership for the 21st century. Participating students included business administration students Sarah Al Sayegh and Fatima Al Qasimi; electrical engineering student Dalya Al Rayyes; and chemical engineering student Mariam Al Duhoori.

"The whole experience was very beneficial and interesting. I learned a lot about several topics that I did not previously know. I really enjoyed the trips, the lectures and the group discussions. One of my favorite aspects of the program was the female speakers. They were such an inspiration; they told us about their stories and the challenges they had to overcome. The leadership workshop was very beneficial as well. We learned everything we need to know about being a successful female Emirati leader," said Sarah Al Sayegh, a fresh graduate in finance.

"Al-Maktoum training program has widened our horizon about women leadership and multiculturalism. Throughout the trips, we recognized how culture shapes people's behavior and perspectives. Also, we became aware of our strengths as women leaders and how we can reflect these strengths in society to reach the UAE's vision. I am now very optimistic about the future and hope that through my work, I can reach the level of trust that Sheikh Hamdan gave us," said Dalya Al Rayyes, a fresh graduate of electrical engineering.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of Al Maktoum College Academic Training Program as it is an excellent program that focuses on leadership management with an emphasis on globalization. SLP students benefited greatly from the diversity of the sessions and the engagement in intellectual discussions guided by professionals in the fields of multiculturalism and leadership. Being away from home for five weeks and being exposed to a new culture is by itself a learning experience. We thank Al Maktoum College for offering our students the opportunity to be part of this wonderful program, and we look forward to future collaboration," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.