Members of the United Arab Emirates Engineering Deans Council (UAE-EDC) met with senior officials of the UAE Society of Engineers to explore ways of collaboration between the two entities as well as to discuss their shared challenges. The discussion took place during the fourth meeting of UAE-EDC held recently at American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The meeting was attended by representatives of Abu Dhabi University, Ajman University of Science and Technology, Al Ghurair University, Al Hosn University, American University in Dubai, AUS, Khalifa University, New York University-Abu Dhabi, Petroleum Institute, United Arab Emirates University, and Wollongong University as well as officials those from the UAE Society of Engineers.

The UAE-EDC delegates also discussed joint avenues that would allow faculty and students in these universities to carry out research as well and benefit from shared experiences and resources. They also discussed ways to jointly advocate the advancement of academic and accreditation standards for engineering education and tackle the various accreditation challenges faced by them.

"This is a very important forum where matters relevant to the engineering industry and profession in the UAE are explored and discussed," said Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, Dean of the College of Engineering, AUS. "It is vital that academia and the corporate world come together to build and foster a strong relationship that is not only mutually beneficial but one that also plays a significant role in the development of this country."

The UAE-EDC was formed last year with the mission to promote the advancement of the engineering education and research ecosystems in the country and to serve the UAE community at large. The council's objectives include providing a platform for members to share information regarding best practices, challenges and experiences. It also enables its members to forge partnerships in curriculum development and delivery, research and innovation, and community service. The council facilitates networking with external partners from industry, government and other stakeholders as well as to maintain links and seek continuous engagement with international engineering education bodies.