SDG 4: Quality Education in the UAE

Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. In the UAE, the government has prioritized education as a fundamental pillar for national development and economic diversification, implementing various initiatives to enhance the quality of education at all levels.

Government Initiatives for Quality Education

Investment in Education Infrastructure: The UAE government has significantly invested in building and upgrading schools, universities, and vocational training centers. This includes modern facilities equipped with advanced technology to enhance the learning experience.

Curriculum Development: The Ministry of Education regularly updates the national curriculum to meet global standards and integrate skills relevant to the modern workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.

Inclusive Education Policies: The UAE promotes inclusive education by ensuring access to quality education for all children, including those with disabilities. Special programs and resources are provided to support diverse learning needs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: The government offers scholarships and financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, particularly those from low-income families, to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education.

Focus on Lifelong Learning: The UAE promotes lifelong learning through various adult education programs and vocational training initiatives. This approach encourages continuous skill development and adaptation to changing job markets.

SDG 4 at Al Ain University

Al Ain University (AAU) plays a significant role in advancing SDG 4 through its commitment to quality education and innovative learning practices:

Diverse Academic Programs: AAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, business, health sciences, and humanities. This diversity ensures that students have access to quality education tailored to their interests and career aspirations.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance: The university is committed to maintaining high educational standards through national and international accreditation for its programs. This ensures that students receive a quality education recognized both locally and globally.

Research and Innovation: AAU promotes research and innovation as integral components of its educational mission. Faculty and students are encouraged to engage in research projects that address real-world challenges, fostering a culture of inquiry and critical thinking.

Community Engagement: The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs, workshops, and events that promote education and awareness. These initiatives enhance the learning experience and encourage students to contribute positively to society.

Support Services: AAU provides various support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed in their educational pursuits. The university is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for all students.

Conclusion

The UAE’s commitment to SDG 4 reflects a robust approach to providing quality education for all. Through substantial investments, inclusive policies, and innovative programs, the government is ensuring that education remains accessible and equitable. Al Ain University complements these efforts by fostering an environment of academic excellence, research, and community engagement, further contributing to the goal of quality education for all.

Learning Support Centers

The Bookshop

Conveniently enough, in each campus of AAU, there are two bookshops; one for the males; the other for females. The main purpose of the bookshop is to provide students with required textbooks for their courses. Textbooks are available at the beginning of the semester to enable students to obtain their copies early on. In addition, the bookshop offers services such as photocopying and selling stationery.

English Language Center

The English Language Center (ELC) at Al Ain University exists to serve the language needs of students who are in a transitional period as they are about to embark on a learning experience where the medium of instruction is English. The staff of the ELC is committed to creating and maintaining an organized and trusting environment where teaching and learning are exciting and students are assisted as they develop their language skills. All aspects of the teaching activities are student-centered and designed to accommodate individual differences and learning styles in order for all to experience success.

Moot Court

The Moot Court at the College of Law is a simulation of a real trial in both civil and criminal matters. It is offered in a classroom equipped as a court of law. The relevant cases are carefully selected and students are assigned different judicial roles (judges, prosecutors, defense, etc...) and graded according to their practical performance.

Digital Language Labs

The Digital Language Labs are air conditioned and fully equipped with 25 multimedia computers, a data show device, a screen and other related equipment, items, and language software. These laboratories cover the practical part related to listening, speaking, writing, linguistics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, translation, and instructional technology courses.

Microteaching Lab

There is a Microteaching Lab at the College of Education which covers the practical part of the methods of teaching courses and is divided into two separate air conditioned sections for males and females. The lab also contains an isolated small room with blind observation window that has console with mixing, editing, and recording functions. Each separate section of the lab has a digital monitor, a camera, a data show device, and a screen.

Computer Labs

The computer labs for the Colleges are as follows:

Facilities Provided for Students of Determination (with special needs)

Al Ain University provides the following services and facilities for students of determination:

Offering grants and financial assistance up to 50% of their registered fees; as per regulations implemented by the grant Committee Humanitarian Aid.

Giving them the Priority in registration and assisting them in coordinating their schedules according to their conditions.

Organize an orientation event for students of determination to introduce them to the University’s facilities such as: restaurants, clinic, library, Department of Finance, and the recreational facilities.

Providing special parking for them.

Guiding them to their lectures.

Providing sign language interpreters.

Assigning comfortable classrooms for them such as choosing classrooms on the first floor.

Providing books and resources appropriate to their needs.

Forming special examination committees for those whose condition requires this.

Facilitating their participation in various events, exhibitions, and celebrations.

AAU Library

 The main AAU Library in Al Ain was inaugurated in September 2005 with approximately 5000 volumes. Since then the collections have increased significantly every year. Today, AAU libraries in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, contain more than 80,000 volumes of books, periodicals, multimedia, etc.

AAU library follows the Anglo-American cataloguing systems and the Library of Congress classification for collection management. All library services are computerized using an integrated system, Symphony, which facilitates access to online catalogue inside and outside the library. In addition to wireless connection, the libraries provide 114 computers for internet use, 39 rooms for study and group discussions, and 116 tables.

Vision

To be an excellent knowledge and information resource center contributing to the innovations and creativities.

Mission

To provide knowledge and information resources, services and facilities that support learning, teaching, and research activities.

Membership

 POLICY & REGULATION FOR LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP

The AAU Libraries are specifically meant for the students and staff of the university. However, as part of our community services, we allow visitors to use our resources and services. Below are the categories of library membership.

 Library Community Engagement

As part of its services and activities, the AAU libraries have an important contribution to the UAE society. This is achieved by organizing a variety of activities needed by the local community. Followings are some of the community services offered by the AAU libraries.

Organizing Workshops and Training

• Information literacy
• Electronic resources
• Internet research skills
• Interim students
• Interim library staff
• Al-Ain Bookfair 
• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
• Sharjah International Book Fair 
• Inter-library loan and resource sharing
• Exchanging scholars for lectures, talks
• Sharing ideas and experiences
• Organizing conferences and seminars
• Organizing book fairs

Organizing visit to book fairs:

Cooperation with other libraries

 Consultation

We help other institutions through free consultation services to improve their library resources and services.

Al Ain University Launches "Innovators and Sustainability" Competition in Conjunction with the Year of Sustainability

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, in collaboration with the Deanship of Student Affairs (Abu Dhabi Campus), launched the "Innovators and Sustainability" competition as part of its series of events for the Year of Sustainability 2023, coinciding with (COP28) conference hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

The competition witnessed widespread participation from Al Ain University students and over 12 government and private universities in the country. Approximately 49 projects and innovations were presented, reflecting the creativity of more than 200 students in finding sustainable solutions to modern challenges in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, environmentally friendly designs, sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity preservation, marine ecosystem conservation, sustainable construction, geotechnical engineering solutions, and more.

The judging panel comprised university professors from various institutions in the country, specializing in sustainability fields, to evaluate the innovative projects and proposed ideas using precise evaluation criteria announced earlier.

The competition was intense, with both Abu Dhabi University and the University of Science and Technology in Fujairah sharing the first-place position. The University of the Emirates and Al Ain University shared the second-place position, while the Police College and the University of Dubai jointly secured the third-place position.

The closing ceremony of the competition was attended by Prof. Ghaleb Al Refae, Al Ain University President, and Prof. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President (Abu Dhabi Campus). These competitions reflect Al Ain University's commitment to promoting a culture of innovation, achieving sustainable development, generating innovative solutions, and encouraging students to continue developing their projects and turning them into viable, implementable initiatives.

Al Ain University organizes the Engineering Sustainability Forum 2023

Al Ain University (AAU) represented by the College of Engineering (CoE), organized the AAU Forum for Sustainability in Engineering 2023, which aims to raise awareness on various sustainable engineering topics by bringing researchers, professors, engineers and students together under one roof to share their knowledge and experiences from various engineering fields, emphasizing the motto that was raised for this year, "Today for tomorrow".

The forum was attended by Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, Prof. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President (Abu Dhabi Campus), Dr. Qutaiba Al Thebyan, Dean of the CoE, Dr. Faten Kharabat, Deputy Dean of the CoE, and a number of academic staffs, students and visitors.

The forum included a number of discussion sessions that contribute to empowering a new generation of pioneering creative engineers, presented by a group of keynote speakers, Dr. Hashem Hamed AlMansoori- (Expert Advisor on ICT and S-Gov., to the G. Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment). Eng. Abdel Aleem Khan (Specialist - Policies & Environment Urban Policies – Planning & Infrastructure Sector – DMT) And, Mr. Rafael Villalona (CEO of CEMEX UAE and Country Director of CEMEX EMEA).

The AAU President stated that this forum is a component of Al Ain University's efforts towards promoting sustainability in the UAE, as per the directives of the wise leadership to attain sustainable development. Al Ain University is dedicated to addressing developmental, environmental, and sustainability issues by arranging seminars, conferences, and scientific competitions, as well as advancing scientific research that aligns with the objectives of sustainable development.

Moreover, the forum included a competition for university students across the UAE from a variety of engineering fields, where they competed by presenting scientific posters with sustainable engineering ideas to a jury of professionals and academics.

A number of institutions and entities participated in an exhibition organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs (Abu Dhabi Campus) on the sidelines of the forum entitled "Together towards a better future by achieving sustainable development goals", during which they reviewed some of the most important initiatives and projects implemented to achieve sustainable development goals.

such as: Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed Foundation People of Determination, Emirates Scouts Association, Tadweer, Bawabat Al Sharq Bakery Equipment Factory / Milieu / Cemex / Mediclinic.

Al Ain University Hosts Technology Innovation in Health Exhibition

The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi campus) organized the Technology Innovation in Health Exhibition alongside the Global Digital Health Conference – Knowledge Exchange and Empowerment, organized by Al Ain University at Abu Dhabu Campus in collaboration with the Global Academy of Digital Health (GA4DH).

The exhibition saw extensive participation from various organizations, including medical and trading companies such as Tech Maze General Trading, Abu Dhabi Medical Devices Company, and Al Jaber Optical, among others.

The aim of the exhibition was to highlight the latest medical technologies and digital health innovations, providing a unique platform for companies to highlight their innovations to a select audience of researchers and specialists in the field.

The exhibition also offered participants the opportunity to expand their networks and forge new partnerships with both local and international entities, contributing to the advancement and innovation in digital health. Spanning two days, the event received a warm reception from the local community and students, with attendees praising the efforts of the organizers and exhibitors.

AAU participated in the WEEC 2024

Al Ain university (AAU) actively engaged in the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC 2024), to emphasize its commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development. AAU’s professors presented a variety of research presentations discussing environmental issues, and the university also participated in the accompanying exhibition, showcasing its community initiatives in climate, environmental sustainability, and environmental education.

The hosting of this global conference by the United Arab Emirates reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability. Al Ain University, aligned with this vision, is dedicated to applying the highest standards of environmental sustainability through education, scientific research, community activities, and university infrastructure. The university is committed to providing high-quality education, organizing conferences, workshops, and launching initiatives that serve the youth and contribute to enhancing sustainable entrepreneurship for the future.

Al Ain University takes pride in its ranking as the 5th in the United Arab Emirates in the 2024 QS World Sustainability Ranking. Additionally, the university has achieved advanced positions in Sustainable Development Goals, ranking 6th globally in Goal 4 (Quality Education), 33rd globally in Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and 88th globally in Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The university is also a member of the Universities Climate Network, a network of 33 local universities collaborating in education, research, and community service in environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Al Ain university offers a diverse range of programs and specializations that align with its educational outcomes and sustainable development goals. Al Ain University actively seeks to strengthen its relationships and establish collaborative agreements with external institutions interested in environmental issues, including the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.

Al Ain University made a notable contribution to COP 28, with its professors delivering oral presentations and research papers addressing environmental, climate, sustainability, and artificial intelligence issues. The university's students also participated in the Climate Ambassadors program, innovation competitions, and entrepreneurship challenges.

The university prioritizes the promotion of scientific research and encourages professors to conduct innovative research that serves the environment, addresses climate challenges, and generates creative solutions.

Distinctive participation of Al Ain University at COP28

Al Ain University participated in COP28 conference, hosted by the United Arab Emirates at Expo Dubai from November 30 to December 12, as part of its strong commitment to environmental issues and climate change.

The university's participation included conducting four sessions addressing climate issues, environmental challenges, and green education; as the following: The first session was titled: Empowering K-12 Educators in Greening Education, and was presented by; Dr. Eman Zaitoun, Director of Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Teaching (Al Ain Campus), Dr. Sherin Abushamon- Assistant Professor, and Mrs. Hanadi Rawagah, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, with participation of Dr. Abdelmadjid Mokhtari, University of the People.

The second session was titled: Integrating Greening Education in the Curriculum- Creative videos designed by preservice teachers, and was presented by; Dr. Khadijeh Naser- Assistant Professor, Dr. Mona Kamal- Deputy Dean of Educational Programs, and Dr. Hanan Almarashd- -Assistant Professor from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The third session was titled; AI for a Greener Education: Empowering Sustainability in the Curriculum, and it was presented by; Dr. Enas Abulibdeh- Associate Professor, AAU, with a participation of Dr. Abdalla Abu Libdeh- Canadian University Dubai, Miss. Rahaf Al Khazimi - Student at Al Ain University, Miss. Farah Abu Libdeh, and Miss. Ranim Jarrar- Students at the American University of Sharjah.

And, the forth session was titled: Empowering Students for a Sustainable Future through Fostering Environmental Awareness, was presented by Dr. Suzan Al Abidi- Director of Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Teaching (Abu Dhabi Campus).

Al Ain University also participated in the University Network Climate Forum on the sidelines of COP28, which discussed diverse aspects of sustainable development issues.

The University’s participation in COP28 represents a positive contribution towards achieving sustainability and community development. This underscores the university's commitment, along with all its administrators and staff, to continuous efforts in realizing positive change towards a secure and sustainable future.

AAU firmly believes in the power of research, education, innovative teaching methods, and a comprehensive learning environment to achieve the desired impact, providing students with a strong commitment to sustainability. This equips them to confront urgent challenges related to climate change and devise innovative solutions.

Al Ain University is dedicated to actively contributing to sustainable development in line with the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership regarding sustainability.

Al Ain University participates in the "Sustainable Development Forum" with outstanding researches.

Al Ain University participated in the Joint Sustainable Development Research Forum held by the University of the Emirates at its campus in Al Ain. The students presented their research findings followed by discussions and questions. The participating projects supported the goals of sustainable development related to life on land, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work, and economic growth, as well as other projects supporting common objectives.

As part of the joint research collaboration initiative between Al Ain University and the University of the Emirates, aligned with the UAE's strategy in serving the goals of sustainable development and the path towards COP28, research teams comprising students and faculty members from both universities collaborated to accomplish five joint research projects.

In the first project, Dr. Sumaya Dawood from Al Ain University and Dr. Ghada Al-Murshidi from the University of the Emirates collaborated with a group of students from both universities to conduct research addressing the fourth sustainable development goal, "Quality Education." The project aimed to study the new role undertaken by parents after the COVID-19 crisis in enhancing their children's performance in English language skills at the elementary level. The research addressed the challenges, solutions, and recommendations related to this topic.

As for the second team, a group of students from Al Ain University and the United Arab Emirates University, under the supervision of Dr. Sanaa Ashour and Maxwell Oboko, presented two research projects contributing to the achievement of the fourth goal of sustainable development, which is Quality Education. The first study aims to identify the experiences and challenges faced by working mothers with children with special needs. The second study aims to examine the effectiveness of parental involvement and their evaluation of government and private schools attended by their children with special needs, to propose social policies that address the needs of this category of working mothers in society.

The third team has innovated a project related to the fifteenth goal of sustainable development (Life on Land). This project aims to design a precise electronic sensor for detecting propane and butane gases, which are flammable. This project represents an initial step toward long-term research collaboration between Dr. Mawahib Hussain Suleiman from the College of Engineering at Al Ain University and Dr. Falah Awad from the College of Engineering at the University of the Emirates.

The fourth project was a result of collaborative efforts between Dr. Manjid Marqa from the University of the Emirates and Dr. Omar Najm from Al Ain University. This project focused on the sixth goal (Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and aimed to investigate the possibility of using locally generated waste materials from manufacturing for the production of geopolymer mortars capable of purifying industrial wastewater. The initial stage of the project involved experiments to explore the potential of extracting methylene blue substance from heavy water through the chemical absorption property on the surface of manufactured geopolymer particles. The research findings were impressive, demonstrating the feasibility of water purification using geopolymer mortar particles derived from industrial waste.

The fifth project is a collaborative research effort involving Professor Mohammed Mitani from the University of the Emirates and Dr. Tarek Abu Azneid. Its objective is to detect pharmaceutical residues in sewage water, even at low concentrations, as they pose an emerging environmental problem due to their potential risks to human health, water, and food. The research involves collecting samples from various sources of sewage water and analyzing them using advanced techniques to detect the presence of pharmaceuticals. The research aims to understand the impact of pharmaceutical presence in sewage water on the environment and public health. The results and recommendations will be presented to improve the management and treatment of sewage water and reduce the negative impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment. Additionally, this study will contribute to supporting future research in developing advanced techniques for pharmaceutical removal from sewage water, thus contributing to achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing environmental sustainability, and human health.

Prof. Ghaleb Al-Refae, the President of Al Ain University, emphasized that the collaborative partnership with the University of the Emirates reflects Al Ain University's commitment to enhancing its connection and interaction with the community, promoting the concept of sustainability across sectors, and increasing student awareness of sustainable development goals through a focus on scientific research and enhancing their community engagement.

Facts and Figures

Code of Conduct

https://aau.ac.ae/uploads/2019/09/al_ain_university_student_handbook_2019_2020_en.pdf

The statements hereunder define some areas of ethical conduct that govern AAU members’ behavior towards their peers, faculty members, the University, and the community. These statements do not address every situation; rather, they aim at providing the student with an overview of a general perspective on the code of ethics governing Al Ain University.

17.1 Compliance with AAU’s Rules and Regulations

 All students at AAU shall abide by the rules and regulations applicable at AAU. If the student is uncertain about any issue, s/he may refer to the HR Manager, the Department Head, the College Dean, AAU Vice President, or AAU President.

Harassment or Discrimination

 Al Ain University upholds the principle that all individuals have the right to be treated with respect and equality. Any harassment, discrimination, or prejudicial treatment towards peers, faculty members, or administrative staff on grounds of ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability status undermines the AAU’s essential ethics and shall not be tolerated.

Diversity in the University

AAU strongly believes diversity to be fundamental to academic excellence as the values of equal opportunity to access education are deeply-rooted in the UAE diverse community. Experience has shown that the more varied the backgrounds and perspectives of students and faculty, the richer the academic experience becomes.

For faculty and professional staff, diversity reinforces ties in the workplace leading to the ultimate success and realization of goals. Similarly, for students, learning in a diverse educational environment affords students the opportunity for personal growth, instills the values of mutual respect, and builds the spirit of teamwork leading to a generation of professionals who will be able to help build a closely-knit community.

Moreover, working towards the future requires raising a generation of professionals who are able to work in a diverse, pluralistic workplace, and who deal with others on the basis of contribution and character. To that end, AAU strives to create a healthy diverse atmosphere where students and faculty from all backgrounds and origins can positively interact and effectively contribute to the exchange of information and the flow of knowledge in a way that assists each and every one of them in the pursuit of their goals hence contributing to achieving the mission of AAU.

At AAU’s diverse learning environment, faculty and students come together in a welcoming and respectful setting that allows access to education for all and offers them the maximum opportunity for a culturally diverse experience.

Vision and Mission

Vision

AAU aspires to be amongst the leading learning institutions in the region, by achieving international quality standards in Teaching, Research, and Community Engagement.

Mission

AAU strives to be a learning institution of excellence that responds to market needs and prepares graduates who possess the scientific and technological competencies that are needed for their careers. The university plays an active role in the creation of knowledge through quality teaching and research. It values Community Engagement and nurtures partnerships with institutions and organizations through a commitment to the educational, technological, and economic development of the country and the region.

Values

The strategic decisions and daily operations of AAU faculty and staff draw on the following values:

1. Collaboration
2. Diversity
3. Excellence
4. Respect
5. Integrity

Co-education Policy

·        Purpose

This policy aims at providing an effective active learning environment to meet UAE needs concomitant with preparing a knowledgeable, conscious and refined generation in an academic and social context proper to the Emirati society.

·        Policy Implementation Area

Al Ain University Students

·        Definitions of the Policy

University: Al Ain University

·        Policy Statement

Based on the instructions issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge on the policy of co-education and separate education in institutions of higher education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the university adopts both mixed-gender education and single-gender education policy as follows:

The University applies the policy of complete separation and partial mixing and has taken exclusive measures to implement this policy.

Al Ain University Science and Technology follows the policy of separating both genders in public facilities and partially separating them in classrooms and laboratories.

The university provides equal facilities and education opportunities for both sexes.

The University believes in the positive impact of cultural, gender and linguistic diversity in the enrichment of its intellectual and social environment.

Policy Procedures

The University’s infrastructure, facilities and services are adequate enough to support the implementation of this policy which is being applied following the measures mentioned below:

Classrooms and laboratories:

The classrooms and laboratories are equipped to accommodate students of both sexes where male students sit separately form female students in the same classroom in the sections numbered (61, 62, 63), as well as the allocation of separate classrooms bearing section numbers (51, 52, 53) for female students and section numbers (1, 2, 3) for male students.

Service facilities for students:

1. There are separate entrances and parking spaces for male students and for female students.
2. A separate room for female students and for male students in the admission and registration services as well as in the finance services.
3. The university provides the following facilities independently and separately for students:

• Restaurants
• Library
• Praying area
• Recreation areas
• Sports facilities
• The Board of Trustees is the authorized body to adopt this policy and the procedures for its implementation
• The University President oversees the implementation of this policy and its procedures.
• The College Deans and members of the academic and administrative bodies apply the procedures of this policy.
• The Quality Assurance and Institutional Research Center evaluates the effectiveness of this policy and its procedures.

Responsibilities

AAU Goals and Objectives

• to ensure that faculty and staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake their roles effectively;
• to ensure that the development needs of individuals and teams are met in line with organizational need;
• to ensure that effective systems and processes for the identification and support of development needs are in place;
• to ensure that staff development needs are addressed equitably and fairly within the University’s diversity and equality frameworks;
• all staff, regardless of grade, experience, length of service, level within the organization, or location should have access to appropriate developmental opportunities.

Anti-discrimination laws and policies

The UAE has several laws in place that aim to prohibit discrimination and hatred on the basis of caste, race, religion or ethnic origin. Further, there are laws to protect the rights of people of determination (those with special needs) and laws for equal pay to women.   

Anti-discrimination/Anti-hatred law

The UAE promoted and enforced non-discriminatory laws and policies for peaceful co-existence and sustainable society.

In July 2015, H. H Sheikh Khalifa has issued Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 (PDF) on Combating Discrimination and Hatred, which aims to protect everyone in the UAE and thus bring the concept of social security to a new level.

The law is intended to provide a solid legislative ground for the environment of tolerance, co-existence and acceptance. It aims to fight discrimination against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.

The law criminalises any acts that trigger religious hatred and/or insult religion through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets or online media. The law prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, his prophets or apostles or holy books or houses of worship or graveyards.

The law prohibits any entity or group established specifically to provoke religious hatred and recommends stringent punishments for groups or supporters of any organisations or individuals that are associated with hate crimes.

It also bars any kind of events such as conferences and meetings within the UAE, which are organised with the sole purpose of sowing seeds of discrimination, discord or hatred against individuals or groups.

Receiving financial support for such activities is also punishable under the new law.

The law encourages anyone involved in any activity that violates the law to submit themselves voluntarily before the authorities and has provisions allowing the courts to waive penalties in such cases.

AAU organized a lecture about (Combat Discrimination and Hatred)

The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University organized a lecture about (Combat Discrimination and Hatred), presented by Chancellor Mohammad Al Bayaa –the legal consultant at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and in conjunction with Dr. Mohammad Al Kharsheh from the College of Law. The lecture was attended by Dr. Hussein Al Mougy, Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Ahmed Al Jobair, the Deputy Dean, and a group of faculty members and students of the college.

The lecture started with Chancellor Mohammad Al Bayaa, who stressed on the importance of practicing the law more than using the theoretical method only by citing the example of the crime and how to deal with it in practice.

Then he talked about the new law, especially the law of the United Arab Emirates and its constitution, which is fueling the national sentiment and urges on the social justice and equality.

The lecture also focused basically on the issue of Contempt of Religions and how to deal with it, focusing on the federal penalty law of the UAE in this regards, which is set by the UAE's legislation regarding the acts that constitute the crime of Contempt of Religions with regard to discrimination and hatred.

As for the second part of the lecture, which was given by Dr. Mohammed Al Kharsheh, it was about the infringement of religions, which is one of the most dangerous methods practiced by the media, and the keenness of the UAE's legislature to protect the Islamic religion and other religions, and the penalty which is set for the crime of infringement on religions and cases of exemption from punishment , he also spoke about the freedom of belief and the freedom of expression which is guaranteed and protected by the legislator of the UAE.

At the end of the lecture, both of the presenters stressed on law number (2) which was issued by the legislator of the UAE in 2015, which is the first law of its kind issued regarding the issue of Combat Discrimination and Hatred.

It is noteworthy that the lecture had a great amount of audience, and it was concluded with the questions and discussion, which has seen significant interaction of academics and students.

The College of Law and the Deanship of Student Affairs promote the values of tolerance and positive citizenship

Within the activities of the Central Community Interaction Committee in the Deanship of Student Affairs, and in cooperation with the College of Law, a virtual event was organized under the title; tolerance and positive citizenship as a way of life, presented by Dr. Shafee Al Neyadi, member of the Emirates Society for Public Administration.

At the beginning of the event, Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezeq, Vice President of Development and Follow-up and the Dean of Student Affairs, welcomed the lecturer and thanked him for his efforts to cooperate with the Deanship of Student Affairs and the College of Law.

In turn, Dr. Al Neyadi stressed the importance of instilling values ​​in the hearts of students, including the value of tolerance and positive citizenship, indicating that positive citizenship is measured by actions and adherence to laws and regulations.

“Tolerance Camp” enhances the knowledge and skills of the future generation

For the First time, Al Ain University, Al Ain campus, organized the “Tolerance Summer Camp 2019” for the high school students over two weeks, which included a variety of workshops, training courses, sports and entertainment activities.

Choosing “Tolerance” to be the name of the summer camp came in order to the Year of Tolerance, and from the keenness of the AAU management to promote cultural, intellectual and social tolerance among the participants.

Dr. Noor El Deen Atatreh, AAU Chancellor, said that the summer camps contribute to build a solid foundation for future youth by acquiring the knowledge and skills that enable them to integrate into society to be influential and able to serve their countries.

The Tolerance Camp included various activities with participation of different institutions, such as the first aid workshop presented by the Public Safety and Emergency Services – Abu Dhabi Police, different workshops about beauty and cosmetics provided by urgent care center, and training courses about photography and computer presented by an elite group of specialists from Al Ain University. In addition to several sports and entertainment activities, such as; Yoga classes by Balance Studio center, sports classes by Royal Care Medical Center, PlayStation, football, basketball, table tennis and etc.

This camp aims to give the participants an opportunity to spend, enjoyable and useful summer vacation in which they can discover their skills, build their academics, leadership and life skills through training courses and activities, also to motivate them to make new friends and interact with the community in a unique environment that combines both fun and benefit.

The Tolerance summer camp got positive reactions from the participants and their parents who thanked Al Ain University for their efforts and asked for organizing similar events in the future.

AAU Family visit the Ministry of Tolerance

As part of its activities of the Year of Tolerance, the Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University in Abu Dhabi campus organized an introductory visit to the Ministry of Tolerance in Abu Dhabi for the AAU family, which included a seminar on the role, vision, mission, values and strategic goals set by the Ministry of Tolerance at the international and local level.

Mr. Yasser Al Gergawi, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Ministry, spoke about the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the culture and the concept of tolerance in the UAE. He also talked about the initiatives of the Year of Tolerance.

Mr. Al Gergawi praised the role of Al Ain University in cooperating with the Ministry’s activities and events