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Amity University Dubai: Preparing students for careers of the future

From well-connected university experience to interesting programmes, Dr Vajahat Hussain, CEO of Amity Education Middle East, tells Khaleej Times about its exciting digital learning ventures. Excerpts:

What makes the university outstanding and in demand?
Amity University Dubai is the largest multi-disciplinary university in the UAE. From traditional areas of study like management and science to new-age programmes like aerospace, solar energy and machine learning, we offer students a wide variety of options to choose from. We aim to prepare students for careers of the future and train them to become goal-oriented and solution-driven. Our engineering, science, media, hospitality and design labs are equipped with advanced equipment and state-of-the-art facilities to give students a real insight on what to expect from a workplace.
How is technology and digitisation impacting higher education in the UAE in light of the Covid-19 situation?

Contact classes are important for students, it prepares them for the workplace and also helps them learn workplace skills, like communication, confidence and etiquette. As the world around us continues to change, technology has played a significant role in ensuring that we remain connected and routines are maintained. As part of the Amity global family, our students can attend webinars and workshops conducted by other Amity Universities around the globe. This digital period has helped us connect with our other campuses and re-defined the way we deliver lessons to students. This knowledge sharing side of digital learning will continue into the next academic year, students will have access to flipped classes, online webinars and workshops with industry professionals.
Can you talk about some initiatives that your university is taking to maintain competitiveness and productivity in students as distant education prevails?

The shift to distance learning came with its share of advantages and challenges. New methods and initiatives did take some time to get used to, but students quickly got accustomed to their new normal. We have successfully carried on placement exercises, online competitions, guest lectures, conferences, contests, webinars.

Exciting events are taking place virtually so that students can participate and benefit from the safety of their homes. From Nobel laureates, supreme court judges, scientists and motivational speakers to media consultants, travel photographers, jewellery designers and film directors, our students now have access to their live lecture series. In addition, Amity's global online portal with a range of online webinars and guest lectures by industry leaders and professionals with a wide range of scenarios and knowledge in different areas of study.

Distance learning has allowed us to connect with experienced professionals and provide students with more than daily lectures within the classroom. Interactive activities and competitions to keep our students' spirits high have also continued, through short film competitions, fitness challenges, daily yoga sessions and dance contests. It is great to see our faculty and student community come together, take initiative, develop new ideas and support each other through this time.
How do you compare the UAE higher education system vis-à-vis to that of the UK and the US?

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Ministry of Education set the bar high for Dubai institutions. UAE universities with their excellent infrastructure both physical and digital have grown to become self-sufficient and well-equipped to meet and exceed the global quality standards. Our university campus is spread over a 700,000 sq ft area, consisting of the university buildings, on campus residence, a functional fruit and vegetable farm and indoor and outdoor sports facilities that include tennis courts, swimming and aquatics, a basketball court, running track and a football field. We are also in the process of becoming a solar powered campus.

Amity University Dubai like many others is one such example of branch universities that offer students a complete university experience, with interesting programmes and unmatched facilities. Whether it is with a focus on research or through the availability of grants for student start-ups, the UAE continues to invest in its students; making it the idea location to pursue higher education and kick start a career. We have several start-ups within our incubation centre.
What are the kind of challenges and opportunities that you foresee in the education sector in the near future?

Students' safety, connectivity and access to good healthcare are an immediate requirement. UAE universities tick these boxes better than anywhere else in the world. Improving the way we connect students with industries and creating a more future proof outlook to education will keep us relevant in this digital and fast changing world. We will continue to grow projects that we feel are innovative, our incubation centre that mentors and supports student start-up is one such initiative. Research is another focus area that we believe will play a big role in the next few years. The UAE's vision for the future is exciting and we look forward to being a part of it as we continue to work towards developing the education sector over the next 50 years.