University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), the first international Australian university in the UAE, is set to participate on the global stage at Expo 2020 Dubai across key educational programs and through a fruitful partnership with the Australia Pavilion.
From October to December this year, Expo 2020 Dubai will conduct focused sessions and talks on varied subjects led by experts from the education sector on themes such as educational barriers, innovation and the future of work. UOWD will be supporting the Australian pavilion and participating at EXPO 2020 through talks, activations and activities during the entire duration of EXPO.
In alignment with Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme – “Connecting Minds, Creating the Futures”, UOWD’s academics will be part of key talks throughout the six-month event, helping to promote activities at the Australia Pavilion and see 150 university students participate in various internship opportunities across the global event.
Professor Mohamed Salem, President of UOWD, said: “With the outstanding support from the Australian Pavilion, we are delighted to have our academics and thought leaders showcase the university’s commitment to education and contribute to the UAE’s future generations. World expos in the past have brought together key thinkers and leaders from across countries and industries, in the spirit of community, collaboration and creativity – helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. We are proud to participate in this landmark event and help contribute by offering internship opportunities for our students at such a monumental event, strengthening their professional skills and helping them prepare for a real work environment”.
In November, UOWD’s Associate Dean Research and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering & Information Sciences, Dr. May ElBarachi, will take part in a talk centered around smart cities where she will share her knowledge and experience on urban development in alignment with Dubai’s ambitious growth plans such as 2040 Master Plan and how education can play a key role to future-proofing the nation.
Focusing on women in business, leadership and inspiring female entrepreneurs, UOWD’s Dean, Faculty of Business, Prof Payyazhi Jayashree, will also engage in a series of conversations during an education workshop as part of the World Majlis series at the Women’s Pavilion.
As part of Tolerance and Inclusion Week which runs from 14 – 20 November 2021, UOWD’s Head of School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Health, Dr Feras Hamza, will host a public lecture on how fostering a greater common understanding enables more tolerant and inclusive societies through relationships with the media and storytelling.
UOWD will also be heavily involved with activities taking place at the Australia Pavilion including EXPO’s “Technological Thursday” event series and enabling internship opportunities for over hundreds of students in multiple roles spanning administration, finance, guest experience and hosts. The opportunities for these students by UOWD at the world’s largest event will enable them to receive on the job experience and being part of Dubai’s history.