Latest news with #ZU
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM urges medical graduates to uphold honesty, service
Ziauddin University (ZU) awarded 1,230 degrees to the graduating students for various disciplines at the Convocation 2025 held at the Education City Campus on Link Road SITE. At least 23 graduates received gold medals and three got special awards at the ceremony. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in an inspiring keynote address as the chief guest at the convocation congratulated the graduating students and praised the university's remarkable journey. The ceremony was attended by Chancellor Dr Asim Hussain, Pro-Chancellor Dr Nida Hussain, CEO Dr Imad Hussain, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abbas Zafar, faculty members, board representatives, proud families, and the graduating class. In his address, the CM extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents and guardians and urged students to uphold the values instilled by Ziauddin University - honesty, service, and excellence - in their professional lives. Highlighting the university's growth under the visionary leadership of Dr. Asim Hussain, Shah lauded its transformation from a modest maternity home - a dream initiated by Dr Aijaz Fatima and Dr Tajammul Hussain - to a multi-campus educational and healthcare network comprising five hospitals. The Chief Minister especially appreciated the establishment of the Sukkur Campus, inaugurated by the President of Pakistan, and called it a milestone in extending world-class education and healthcare to underserved regions. "Sukkur is emerging as a hub of academic and medical advancement, and Ziauddin University has played a pivotal role in this transformation," he noted. Speaking at Ziauddin University's 22nd Convocation, Chancellor Dr. Asim Hussain highlighted the institution's pioneering role as the first academic establishment in Education City, a vision realized after decades of effort.
Gulf Today
27-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Cherished amidst change: Ramadan has evolved and adapted, find ZU students
Zayed University (ZU) students from the College of Businesss - Alyaa AlZubaidi, Meitha Almehairbi and Amna Alhammadi (all researchers) - are working on a market research project on Ramadan. They have conducted focus group discussions with senior citizens to research how different Ramadan is today compared to the times when they were at the age of today's students, meaning 40-50 years ago. The researchers conducted focus group discussions with 18 Emirati women (aged 65+), with the support and help of Family Development Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The preliminary findings of the research were very compelling, and promising for publishing in an academic journal. The study revealed many interesting facts, including the impact of Modernisation; the effect of Consumerism, when spending more was considered trendy; and that the Year of Community was launched at the right time. Sustainability is not just about preserving the environment, but is also about preserving cultures and traditions, the researchers underline. Alyaa AlZubaidi is Senior, BSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship; Meitha Almehairbi, is Senior, BSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship; and Amna Alhammadi is Senior, BSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship. They were supervised by Dr. Nataša Slak, Associate Professor, Zayed University. The researchers speak to Gulf Today Can you name some Ramadan traditions from the past you wish would make a comeback today? Our research showed us that many people, seniors and children, want to see traditional practices come back, with a desire for more community-oriented practices and communal eating outdoors. Some respondents particularly recalled the suhoor waker (al-musaharat), the man who called to wake up people for the suhoor meal. Communal eating outdoors was also a tradition close to their hearts, because it allowed passersby to join a large table, with no one being left to eat alone. – Meitha Almehairbi. An Iftar awaits guests. How do you think modernisation and technology have reshaped Ramadan traditions, positively and negatively? Modernisation has had an impact on all aspects of life, including Ramadan traditions, in the age of technology. While we have access to so many resources that help in preparing food, catering, and finding ingredients, some aspects of social life have been lost with modernisation. One of our respondents recalled that though it took long to prepare a meal in the kitchen because they had to use their bare hands, it was always worth the time and effort, since neighbours always gathered together. Now, they did not even know their neighbours. – Alyaa AlZubaidi. In the context of the UAE's 'Year of Community', how important are Ramadan's social traditions? The Year of Community definitely seems to have been launched at the right time. Our research found that Emirati seniors missed the times when Ramadan and Eid celebrations were more of a community event, and traditions were still strongly embraced. One of the ladies mentioned how important it was for parents to teach their children those traditions, while another spoke about how behaviours needed to match the importance of Ramadan, despite the generational changes. The UAE's Year of Community initiative, especially when tied to Ramadan's social traditions, are pivotal in reinforcing community ties. We believe that sustainability is about preserving cultures and traditions and leveraging the experiences of those who came before us. – Alyaa AlZubaidi. A building in Zayed University campus. Is the essence of Ramadan being observed differently now, or is it only being expressed differently? Our research found that the essence of Ramadan remains intact, emphasising spirituality and community, though its expression has evolved due to modern lifestyles. Even though Islamic rituals are practiced by Muslims frequently around the year, Ramadan remains very different. The ladies we talked to described it as being observed with more intention - which we found very beautiful. – Amna Alhammadi. Is the new generation of Emiratis losing touch with the traditional values of Ramadan, or is there a resurgence of interest in cultural roots? There were mixed opinions on this. While some traditional practices have waned, there is a notable interest among youth in reconnecting with cultural roots, indicating a potential resurgence. – Meitha Almehairbi. In what ways can youth take more responsibility in preserving and reviving Ramadan customs in the UAE? First and foremost, the youth need to learn traditional practices from older generations. If they don't learn and use those practices, they can't transfer them to the future generations. The youth can actively participate in community events and utilise social media to share and celebrate these traditions, thus keeping them alive. – Amna Alhammadi. Meitha Almehairbi (left), Dr. Natasa Slak and Amna Alhammadi. How can young people be motivated to engage with cultural heritage meaningfully, not just during Ramadan, but year-round? Engaging youth can be achieved through educational programmes that emphasise sustainability, so that people understand sustainability as part of community, not only as part of the environment. More so, we hope to see more community projects highlighting the tangible benefits of cultural heritage, as well as integrating them into modern social activities. – Amna Alhammadi. Do you think enough is being done to document and revive cultural traditions, especially that of Ramadan, today? What are the gaps in recording them? We believe that research like ours adds to the recording of Emirati traditions, especially if we publish the findings in an academic journal. While efforts are being made, there are gaps in documentation and revival of cultural traditions. More structured initiatives and educational programmes are needed to ensure that Emirati heritage remains alive for generations to come. - Alyaa AlZubaidi.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
From AI to sustainability: Zayed University to organise over 50 events as part of UAE Innovates 2025
Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE – Zayed University (ZU) is once again at the forefront of fostering innovation and creativity as it participates in UAE Innovates 2025, the nation's largest celebration of innovation. Throughout February, across Zayed University's campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a diverse and exciting lineup of events, workshops, and competitions will take place, underscoring the university's mission to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators. This year's program, under the theme 'Empowering the Future Through Innovation,' features over 50 activities across various disciplines, including artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. These events include hackathons, competitions, workshops and discussion forums, each designed to inspire, educate, and empower students to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to the UAE's vision of becoming a global hub for innovation. Commenting on the program of events, Prof. Micheal Allen, Acting Vice President at Zayed University said: 'At Zayed University, we are committed to nurturing a culture of innovation that aligns with the UAE's transition towards a more knowledge-based economy. I am excited to see the transformative ideas that will emerge from this month-long celebration when our campuses will be a hive of ideas and creativity. Innovation M onth shines a spotlight on the talent of our students, faculty, staff and partners and their commitment to solving global challenges through groundbreaking ideas and pioneering solutions.' Among the key highlights of ZU's program are: Pioneering AI Solutions for Environmental Challenges: A hackathon organized by the College of Natural and Health Sciences, will bring together students, faculty, and staff to design AI-driven solutions for pressing environmental issues such as climate change, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. AI-Powered Learning Startup Competition: The College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS) will be inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to develop AI-driven solutions for education. Participants have the opportunity to pitch innovative ideas to gamify learning for children aged 3–16, with the chance to win AED 50,000 in startup grants. Digital Innovation in Smart Cities: Applications of AI and Digital Twins: CIS will also be collaborating with Siemens Advanta Middle East, whose Vice President, Markus Schwarz will run a workshop on how AI and digital twins are transforming urban environments, offering insights into the future of smart cities. Assessment in the Era of AI – Organized by the Center for Educational Innovation, this discussion forum will explore the role of artificial intelligence in academic assessments and learning methodologies. Bloomberg Terminals Workshop and Stock Trading Competition – The College of Business will be providing hands-on sessions for students introducing them to the fundamentals of Bloomberg terminals and challenging them to showcase their financial acumen. Arabic Public Speaking Masterclass - The Zai Arabic Language Research Center will host a masterclass for 30 selected students to enhance their public speaking skills in Modern Standard Arabic, promoting linguistic excellence and cultural pride. About Zayed University Zayed University, the UAE's flagship higher education institution, was established in 1998 and proudly bears the name of the Founder of the Nation – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In the spirit of Sheikh Zayed, the University is a pioneer and innovator in the field of education and research. The University currently caters to many Emirati and international students across its full range of undergraduate and postgraduate offerings. Led by Her Excellency Shamma Bint Sohail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, Zayed University Board of Trustees Chairperson, the University proudly serves the needs of the Nation and contributes to the UAE's economic, social, and cultural progress, in its state-of-the-art campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Through research, scholarship, creative activities and outreach, Zayed University provides educational leadership, expands opportunity, and enriches the knowledge of local, regional, and global communities. The University is proud of its role in encouraging academic excellence, promoting leadership skills and advancing knowledge. The University also strives to encourage the potential and inspire the promise of all its students, whilst also accelerating change in the UAE and contributing towards the Nation's ambitious plan for the next 50 years. For media enquiries, please contact: Ahmed Al Majayda Media Specialist +971 50 168 3737 Zehra Farhan Associate Advisor +971 52 400 9377
