Grohe, one of the world's leading provider of sanitary fittings, has partnered with The American University in Dubai (AUD) to launch an advanced interior design course focusing on wellness centres analysis, planning and design.

A grand event was held at the at AUD’s campus to celebrate the official signing of the German sanitary giant's memorandum of understanding with the university for the '2016 Spring Semester Wellness and Spa Course.'

The event also celebrated the culmination and winner of the “Water & Sand” Design Atelier - a collaboration between Grohe, AUD, and AlSerkal Cultural Foundation.

During the unique design atelier, also part of the Wellness and Spa course, students developed a wellness project located in a wind tower house in the cultural area of Al Fahidi District- Dubai using a Grohe Spa range.

Prof. Albert S. Fakhoury and Interior Design Professors Annamaria Lambri and Jasmine Shahin led students through this challenging and exciting journey alongside Lina Varytimidou, the director PR and head of Grohe SPA in the East Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa who played an instrumental role in this collaboration.

Students from the Wellness and Spa Course attended the MOU signing event and were awarded certificates for their work and efforts during the course. The overall winner of the final assignment was announced, and Maha Boulfelfel was given the grand prize of a highly competitive internship at the Grohe office in Dubai.

The official event was also attended by Simon G. Shaya, the general manager and president for East Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa for Grohe.

AUD president Dr Lance De Masi opened the event with a welcome speech where he emphasized the successes of the relationship with Grohe, and the importance of the MOU with Grohe.

He continued to highlight the strong value exchange for both partners and most importantly, the students.

During the event, guests were given the opportunity to view the students’ work which was displayed alongside Grohe’s latest and flagship products.

Addressing the gathering, Shaya said: "This strategic partnership with AUD showcases our dedication to education. The nurtured relationship with this prestigious institution has paved the way for future opportunities between both parties."

"Grohe is very happy with the exceptional work produced by the students and we are looking forward to welcoming Maha Boulfelfel to intern at the Dubai office as well as to future collaborations on the Wellness and Spa course," he added.

De Masi said the interior design program at AUD, the only independent one outside of north America to hold accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), aims to propel students who are driven, skilled and capable of combining design and technology to enhance the lives of consumers.

"By partnering with Grohe, we believe our students are more future-ready and inspired to take on the design industry," he added.-TradeArabia News Service