I have the privilege of meeting hundreds of young people like Ahmed, a dedicated 32-year-old UAE professional balancing a demanding job in construction, family responsibilities and career aspirations. Like many of his peers, he wants to improve his skills and provide a better future for his family but does not have the luxury of pausing his job to return to school full-time.
As people across the Gulf and the Middle East and North Africa region face rapidly evolving technological landscapes and competitive job markets, young people such as Ahmed must have access to flexible, quality education to improve their skills and work towards career growth. It is the key to unlocking increased workplace relevance and higher pay.
Advanced education leads to career advancement, but traditional university programmes come with high hurdles for working professionals. That’s what makes online education so valuable. Online learning offers flexible schedules, lower tuition fees and fewer cultural barriers, making it more accessible, especially for women.
But society must innovate to make the switch. That’s why we have been working with partners to help redefine higher education into a hybrid and fully online model. However, that demands that we partner across sectors and that leading universities think towards a better future.
Recently, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation partnered with Khalifa University to enhance digital education across the region, starting with the UAE as a model. Khalifa University’s redesigned online Master of Engineering in Health and Safety showcases how advanced courses can provide training in the skills needed to improve safety standards across industries.
The demand for professionals skilled in health and safety engineering is rising, driven by the need for safer work environments and strict safety rules. The world doesn’t need any more chemical spills or accidents at nuclear power plants.
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The programme by Khalifa University, in partnership with the Foundation, addresses these needs by preparing graduates for advanced career opportunities: occupational health and safety professionals ensure safe working conditions through policies, inspections and education. Environmental health specialists monitor and control pollution. Fire protection engineers design systems to prevent and control fires in industrial settings.
A broad, diverse workforce in these critical positions is essential, one of the reasons that cultural inclusivity is a cornerstone of this initiative. By including courses such as Arabic for non-native speakers, the partnership between Khalifa University and Coursera broadens the accessibility of quality education. This approach supports the platform in enhancing its Arabic content. It also aligns with the goals set by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Foundation, making learning more inclusive and accessible to marginalised and displaced youth across the Mena region.
Marginalised youth, often hindered by financial constraints or unstable living environments, can now access high-quality education and skill development programmes. For displaced populations such as refugees, online education offers continuity and a pathway to rebuilding their lives alongside other critical support systems. Flexible learning environments empower females facing societal barriers and non-traditional students balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Innovation in education is at the heart of this partnership. Khalifa University’s transition to a hybrid and fully online learning modality represents a significant leap forward in making education more accessible. This flexibility allows on-the-job learning for those who cannot afford to take time off work to expand their skill sets and access managerial positions with a master’s degree.
Further, our engagement with Coursera as a content partner in the Gulf underlines the initiative’s innovative approach. Courses such as Artificial Intelligence for Executives and Deep Learning complement specialised offerings in Effective Online Teaching and Arabic for non-native speakers, catering to a broad spectrum of learners and industry needs.
The partnership marks a second phase of collaboration between Khalifa University and the Foundation, building on the success of previously created hybrid courses under the University Consortium for Quality Online Learning. Since the Consortium launched in 2022 with 9 universities in the UAE and the Ministry of Education, it has had an impact on over 25,000 students and almost 300 faculty. Khalifa University will sustainability enhance this impact with their new comprehensive programme offers a Digital Innovation Lab and faculty training programmes to ensure the sustainability of online and hybrid education models.
These initiatives bridge innovation, inclusivity and quality in education. They prepare students for the challenges of a digital future and globalise opportunities. These partnerships are essential in empowering the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the wider world.
Access to education can dramatically influence one’s career trajectory. The future of education must be adaptable, inclusive and forward-thinking to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. And I’m not just speaking to the 32-year-olds working in the field of construction. I’m speaking to everyone.
By dismantling barriers to education, we open opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to contribute their talents and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic global workforce. This approach is not just about meeting the needs of today’s industries; it’s about anticipating future challenges and opportunities and preparing a new generation of leaders to meet them head-on.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump and Other Pieces 1986-2016
Martin Amis,
Jonathan Cape
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOutsized%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2016%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAzeem%20Zainulbhai%2C%20Niclas%20Thelander%2C%20Anurag%20Bhalla%20and%20Johann%20van%20Niekerk%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndia%2C%20South%20Africa%2C%20South-East%20Asia%2C%20Mena%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Recruitment%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20staff%20count%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2040%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeed%20and%20angel%20investors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
MATCH INFO
Schalke 0
Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 32')
Man of the match Leonardo Bittencourt (Werder Bremen)
6 UNDERGROUND
Director: Michael Bay
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco
2.5 / 5 stars
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km
Price: from Dh362,500
On sale: now
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
