Zayed University and Emirates Development Bank Join Hands To Further Strengthen UAE's Higher Education System Through Interactive Learning

Dubai - October 11, 2021, Committed to creating inclusive and innovative educational programs, Zayed University (ZU) has partnered with Emirates Development Bank (EDB), a key financial enabler of the UAE’s economic diversification and industrial transformation agenda. This collaboration will empower the new generation of leaders through a unique model of problem-solving academia, where students are equipped with cross-disciplinary skills that are relevant in today’s fast-paced job market. 

The MoU was signed by H.E. Saeed Al Dhaheri, University Council Board Member, Zayed University, and Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Development Bank, in a bid to establish collaborative mechanisms, enabling both parties to support national students; allowing them to practice in a real work environment and ensure they are able to apply skills that solve actual business challenges. 

H.E. Saeed Al Dhaheri, University Council Board Member, Zayed University, said, “Our partnership with Emirates Development Bank further enhances our efforts to inspire a generation of changemakers by enabling the mindset of critical thinking, problem solving and creativity to be instilled from an early age. With such strategic partners, students have the chance to train and practice in a real work environment rather than from behind the desk. This is precisely what the

Zayed University x Minerva Project interdisciplinary programs represent; we are solely focused on active learning and experiential activities that serves as a real-life training opportunity, allowing students to make an impact within their communities, and for society as a whole.” 

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Development Bank, said, “At Emirates Development Bank, we firmly believe it is vital to empower the youth with key skills as they form the building blocks of the future of our society and country. EDB believes in the importance of leveraging the youth power and channelizing it in transitioning the UAE into a knowledge-based economy. Our partnership with a forward-thinking institution such as Zayed University is part of these ongoing efforts, and we are excited to be working together to inspire and mentor those at the early stages of study.”

The onboarding of Emirates Development Bank is part of the Zayed University x Minerva Project interdisciplinary programme, a curriculum that offers students a four-year bachelor’s degree in three new disciplines – business transformation, computational systems, and social innovation. All courses are interdisciplinary and designed to transform graduating students into problem-solvers beyond disciplines. 

Classes are conducted online on Minerva’s virtual learning platform, Forum, and offline at Zayed University’s campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.