As part of the scientific cooperation between the College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University and the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society (SPS), AAU and SPS organized a symposium for the students of the college of pharmacy. The symposium tackled issues pertaining to the academic methodology in pharmacy and the future of the career as well as development opportunities for future generations of pharmacists.

The symposium was delivered by Prof. Ibrahim Alsarra, SPS President, and Dr. Abdullateef Alokifi, SPS Public Relation Committee Chairman & Director of Pharmacy Department at
Riyadh Care Hospital. Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, AAU Chancellor, and Prof. Abdelhafid Belarbi, AAU Vice President, attended the symposium along with faculty and students of the college of pharmacy.

Dr. Abdullateef Alokifi delivered the first part of the symposium under the title “Self Development & Career Planning” in which he discussed setting goals, planning one’s career to attain the job he/she seeks, and the available opportunities upon graduation.

On the other hand, Prof. Ibrahim Alsarra presented the second part of the symposium entitled “'Biosimilar' Drugs Poised to Penetrate the Gulf Market” in which he provided a detailed explanation of this field of science and the recent international developments in this field. He also highlighted the accompanying challenges especially international legislations and the clinical trials required to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product.

On his part, Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, AAU Chancellor, reiterated that the symposium has contributed to connect students with modern pharmaceuticals and the available career paths to follow upon their graduation. Atatreh added that AAU will be hosting more meetings for all colleges which are based on academic partnerships with various organizations in order to enhance the AAU learning outcomes, ensure providing students with a suitable environment, and qualify them for the job market.  In addition, such collaboration creates an opportunity to develop AAU curricula in tandem with the modern requirements of university education.

At the end of the symposium, Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh and Prof. Ibrahim Alsarra exchanged gifts in appreciation of this memorable visit.