University of Bradford forges new links with Middle East
The University of Bradford has just completed a hugely successful two week visit to the Middle East, taking in Kuwait, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, a region rich in potential for collaboration and exchange, and where the stock of UK universities is extremely high.
During the trip the University discussed collaboration and was able to sign memoranda of understanding with a number of higher education institutions, including the University of Jordan, Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Technical University, Applied Science Private University, College of North Atlantic Qatar, and Qatar University, in order to move forward collaborations in research, student and staff exchanges and student recruitment, building on the nearly 200 current students from the region studying with Bradford.
The University also advanced discussions on the delivery of programmes to the region, from business administration to physiotherapy, including providing support to aspects of the football World Cup in Qatar. This adds to the capacity-building work already taking place, including providing consultancy to grow Middle East businesses.
The University was also asked to consider how it could help train nurses and pharmacists in Kuwait as they are building nine new hospitals. Bradford is seen as having the appropriate expertise by the Ministry of Health to help develop the capacity to build their health provision.
Bradford has over 3,000 alumni in the Middle East, many of whom occupy influential positions, including Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Nabit, Qatar’s Minister of Development Planning and Statistics. During an International Women’s Day event hosted by the Abu Dhabi Police, the University awarded an Honorary Degree to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, who has worked tirelessly for female equality in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the promotion of education and health.
Receptions were held, hosted by the UK embassies in Jordan and Qatar and the consulate in Dubai, which enabled Bradford to re-engage with nearly 500 alumni at events in the British Embassies in Jordan, Qatar and Dubai, meeting with some graduates who received their degrees from first Chancellor, and former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Harold Wilson.
Director of External Affairs, Mark Garratt, said: “The University of Bradford is one of very few research-intensive technology universities in the UK and students from the Middle East see us as a perfect destination to study and further their careers. This is supported by the fact that we hosted the first World Technology University Congress here in Bradford last September and will do so again this year. We will be looking forward to our Middle East partners joining us.”