The Canadian University of Dubai (CUD) is launching the region's first MBA course in Islamic banking at the upcoming Najah education and careers exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

The MBA in Islamic Banking will be the only UAE accredited university degree of its kind to be offered in the Middle East, said a statement from CUD.

“The MBA in Islamic Banking has been introduced in response to the increasing popularity of this type of banking in the region, and aims to equip post-graduates with the necessary skills to manage banking activity that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law,” said Dr Muhammed Kabir, VP, Academic Affairs, CUD.

CUD will be joined by more than 30 other universities at Najah, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 18 to 20, where they will meet thousands of school leavers deciding their next education move.

The one year full- time degree in Islamic Banking will be available for graduates who are already in employment because students have the option to choose classes over the weekend and in the evening.

Other programmes that the Dubai-based university will launch at Najah this year include the Mass Communications in English and Arabic, the MBA in Marketing, and an MBA in Finance, all approved and accredited by the Ministry Of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).

“Najah is a very important link to promote Canadian education to the local community,” Kabir stated.

“The event sets the ideal stage to bring together thousands of school leavers, graduates, and young professionals with universities throughout the country.  We want to increase public awareness about CUD and therefore increase the number of Emiratis at the university,” he added.

As the UAE federal government dedicates Dh4.6 billion to the education sector in 2011, major universities and training institutions have been signed up for Najah by organisers Informa Exhibitions, including Zayed University, Ajman University of Science and Technology, and Alhosn University, which are also sponsors of the event.

“Alhosn University follows international standards for tailoring its academic programmes that fit with the local customs and culture”, said Prof Abdul Rahim Sabouni, vice chancellor of Alhosn University.

Founded in 2005, and located in Abu Dhabi, Alhosn University comprises three faculties – Engineering & Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts & Social Sciences.

“With the ability to adapt to the Arabic cultural and business model we currently have more than 1,800 students registered at our university, two thirds of whom are Emirati,” he added.

There is a distinct international flavour at Najah this year, with exhibitors such as the Swiss Hotel Management School, University Of Nicosia in Cyprus, the Spanish Cultural Centre in Jordan, Education Malaysia, CampusFrance and the Strathclyde Business School in the UK all taking their place to inform school leavers about the education opportunities available abroad.

Joining them will be 14 American universities including Michigan State University, University of Iowa, Webster University, University of California, and the Florida Institute of Technology, all of which will fly under the banner of Education USA – the US education and training organisation, supported by the US Department of State.

They will, however face stiff competition from the dozens of UAE-based universities and training institutions also joining the line up of exhibitors attempting to persuade the country’s brightest talent to stay at home to pursue their higher education, said the organisers.

Among them include Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Emirates College of Technology, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, American University in the Emirates, the Petroleum Institute, and the Gulf Medical University.

“The variety of educational institutions participating at the expo highlights the diversity of various career paths that students can take,” said Khurram Saeed, exhibition director for Najah.-TradeArabia News Service