The UAE government's focus on climate issues is paying off, as suggested by a surge in the number of students studying sustainability at one of the country's leading universities.
At Zayed University the number of students on its sustainability programme have practically quadrupled, from 52 to 207 in the past year.
The programme has been enjoying an increase in interest as the world turns its attention to the UAE with Cop28, the UN climate change conference, taking place in Dubai at the end of next month.
"The UAE government's commitment to sustainability has encouraged students to act by seeking education that prepares them for future challenges," said Dr Suzanna Elmassah, the head of the programme.
“The aim is to educate and mobilise students around sustainable practices.”
Students on the course learn about the science behind the impact of human activities on the environment, and learn to develop sustainable solutions through the application of new technologies, business strategy, and social policy.
Cop28 in focus
In the lead-up to next month's climate change conference in Dubai, the university has launched a series of activities under the theme #roadtoCop28.
While the conference has served as a significant driving force, other global crises, such as floods and earthquakes, have also played a crucial role in boosting enrolment.
"The labour market is increasingly demanding a sustainability edge, and our students realise that," Dr Elmassah said.
"The programme’s academic content is carefully designed by an interdisciplinary faculty to adapt to local, regional, and global contexts.
"It offers a chance to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to effect positive change and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable world," she added.
Activities include workshops on topics such as greenhouse gas emissions from the packaging industry and smart solutions for a circular economy.
The university has also launched a sustainability club, which is taking steps to address environmental issues through a range of initiatives.
“With branches at both Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses, the club boasts a strong membership of 200 students,” Dr Elmassah said.
The programme is also joining forces with the British University in Egypt and the United Nations Development Programme to host a Cop28 simulation model.
Taking place in Cairo from November 7-11, the mock conference is a unique platform for students to gain first-hand experience in international environmental diplomacy.
Sustainable students
Emirati student Dana Al Seriari, 18, told The National about her time in the programme.
"The focus of our country is now squarely on sustainability, linking it to every facet of life,” she said.
"Since joining the course two months ago, we have been deeply immersed in topics ranging from climate change to biodiversity, and I am eager to learn even more as the programme progresses.”
Ms Al Seriari said her academic journey has already inspired conscious changes in her household.
"The programme has caused a shift in how I perceive and use everyday resources, like electricity," she said.
“As a result, unnecessary use of lights is now a thing of the past in our home, a change that my family has happily adopted.”
Fellow student Salama Al Mazrouei, 19, is in her second year of the programme.
She initially enrolled at the urging of her mother.
"I've always associated sustainability with recycling, thanks to early exposure through projects my mother involved us in,” she said.
But her time in the programme has shown her that sustainability encompasses much more.
Ms Al Mazrouei believes the scheme's reach is expanding beyond academic corridors.
"The subject matter is sparking curiosity not only among younger family members but also among the older generation," she said.
She finds herself frequently discussing the broader implications of sustainability, from resource management to business and food systems.
“It's clear to me that more students will be drawn to this critical field in the near future," she added.
Expo City Dubai as the venue for Cop28 - in pictures
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
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Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
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Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
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More on Quran memorisation:
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
The specs
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
