American University of Sharjah and du have announced the establishment of a Dh5 million ($1.36 million) du scholarship, which will enable meritorious students who are financially challenged to access the education provided at AUS.

Dr Thomas Hochstettler, acting AUS chancellor, said: “We at AUS applaud companies such as du which are aggressively promoting the knowledge economy by integrating higher education with their strategic thinking about the future of the UAE.”

“Du will support AUS in educating young men and women and developing the advanced skills and the human resources necessary to take the Gulf forward for generations to come as set forth by Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah,” he said.

“Such scholarships are the material representation of the university’s mandate to connect with and engage various sectors of society. Our emphasis on academic excellence and integrity is well known and allows us to link with other entities that share the same values,” said Dr Hochstettler. “Our vision includes being integrated organically with the industrial, economic and cultural sectors of society, to become a center of research that addresses proactively the challenges faced by society through creative and forward-looking solutions.”

Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: “We believe that education is the best investment one can make, and as a UAE national company the onus is on us to support efforts in this direction through our corporate sustainability initiatives. With the scholarship our intention is to support financially challenged meritorious students to study at AUS. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and it is vital that they be helped to prepare for their future roles at leading educational institutions such as AUS.”

Dr Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs, AUS, said: “Assisting bright minds to attain their full educational potential could only enrich the social and professional fabric of the UAE and beyond. The UAE is increasingly empowering the intellectual potential of its young forthcoming workforce to further enhance the advancement and productivity of the region.”

“Du’s generous initiative will provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their educational ambition without being hindered by financial constraint and to contribute their full potential to the enhancement of the human capital in their respective societies.” – TradeArabia News Service