The American University of Ras Al Kaimah (Aurak) hosted a signing ceremony to celebrate its new memorandum of understanding (MoU) partnership with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

Aurak is a public, non-profit, independent, coeducation institution accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research devoted to delivering an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education strongly focused on the native culture.

ICBA is a non-profit agricultural research centre established by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the UAE devoted to the application of research and development to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in marginal and saline environments.

Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, president of Aurak, and Dr Ismahane Elouafi, general director of ICBA, signed a MoU in efforts to develop a research-driven partnership concerning renewable energy, water and sustainable agriculture and offer students possible professional internship opportunities, said a statement from the organisation.

The Dean of Engineering Professor Mousa Mohsen said: “This MoU provides an official platform for collaboration between Aurak and ICBA in joint projects in the areas of water, energy, and environment in addition to providing internship opportunities for Aurak students.”  

Professor Al Alkim is delighted with the numerous research opportunities the collaboration opens for students with the cooperation of ICBA.

He said: “We have never been busier with competitions such as the Solar Decathlon.”

“Partnerships with esteemed companies like ICBA will provide our students with knowledge and skill for these competitions, practical experience for classroom theory application, and professional job experience to prepare them for the professional job market upon graduation, all the while teaching our students environmental responsibility,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service