UAE President issues law to establish new university for humanities

A new university offering courses in humanities will be established in the UAE as per a new law issued by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) will offer programmes in social studies, humanities and philosophy for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, official news agency WAM reported.

It will establish cultural and academic ties through exchange agreements with local and international institutions; develop and sponsor academic research in the fields of the programmes it offers; and train graduates in all categories of humanities.

The university will also conduct academic and applied research in areas of strategic importance; facilitate and support innovation and entrepreneurship; provide advice, information and services in all academic, research and administrative fields; and organise public seminars, conferences and training courses, the report added.

A board of trustees will be responsible for approving and overseeing the implementation of the university’s general policy and strategic plans as well as the annual budget.

It also will be responsible for approving programme majors, curricula and educational and training programmes, and establishing endowment funds.

Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, who has appointed as the chairman of the board, said the university reflects the Abu Dhabi leadership’s vision for furthering academic progress, especially in the fields of philosophy and ethics.

“The university aims to be a prime and trusted source of academic and religious knowledge and humanities. Based on the most sophisticated education models in the world, it will be a centre for creativity, innovation and excellence,” WAM quoted him as saying.

“Our goal is for the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities to achieve advanced academic ratings across all fronts. We also look forward to the university becoming a leader in academic research in humanities and linguistics.”

A director will be appointed to run the university, including manage academic, financial and administrative affairs in accordance with the law.