Thursday, 08 May, 2014

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the leading English newspapers in the UAE, Khaleej Times. The agreement will see UOWD students benefit from professional development opportunities with Galadari Printing and Publishing Co. L.L.C., the publishing house that produces the daily broadsheet.As the first English language newspaper to be launched in the UAE in 1978, the Khaleej Times now has the highest circulation of such publications throughout the Gulf region, extending beyond the UAE to Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.The MoU will enable UOWD media and communication students to be involved in editing the Khaleej Times Education page, and to benefit from internship programs within the organisation. It will also see the newspaper sponsor an annual student of the year award program.Signing the agreement on behalf of UOWD, University President, Professor Trevor Spedding said, “One of our core aims is to connect students with industry and to provide the best opportunities for them to develop professional skills and competencies alongside the theory they learn in the classroom.“This partnership represents a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with an esteemed organisation and get exposure to a real working environment where they can both contribute and grow as media practitioners.”The agreement will also allow students to obtain concessions on subscriptions to the daily newspaper.Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, Mr Saghir Ahmed Khan signed the MoU on behalf of Khaleej Times, commenting, “We are privileged to enter into this partnership with such a well-regarded institution as UOWD.“The media and communication professionals who work with us at Khaleej Times have benefited from the wisdom and knowledge of such institutions and we welcome this opportunity to give back by supporting future industry practitioners in their professional development.”