UAE's leading telecom operator du said it has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based Zayed University to digitise and enhance technical support for a multi-media laboratory at the College of Communication and Media Sciences.

The du move comes as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to support education through practical, vocational oriented learning for students in the UAE, said a company statement.

As a part of the collaboration, du will equip the facilities with hitech technical infrastructure and required software for the benefit of the University students and faculty.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Osman Sultan, CEO, du, signed the deal in this connection.

Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Zaywed University vice president, and Dr. Marilyn Roberts, dean of the College of Communication and Media Sciences, and other senior dignitaries attended the ceremony.

“Supporting education and the bright minds is at the heart of our CSR strategy. It is with great pleasure that we support Zayed University's efforts to educate students in the field of mass media and communications to raise the bar of Media Sciences,' said Sultan.

Dr Al Jassim said, 'With du as a corporate partner we believe we can enhance the educational experience for students prepared to enter the work environment with competence, knowledge, and leadership skills.'

Dean Roberts said du's investment of financial resources, the expertise of its executives and internship opportunities for  students was vital to the College of Communication and Media Sciences.

'This represents a true partnership between Zayed University and du who share a vision of developing the most talented media professionals in the Middle East and North Africa region,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service