The agreement grants ADU students supervised access to DAMAC’s operations across property development, hospitality, retail, logistics and capital markets. It also opens pathways for DAMAC staff to receive scholarships and tailored training through ADU’s Dubai campus, while faculty and students will engage in collaborative research projects.
Dr Anas Najdawi, Director of ADU’s Dubai campus and Associate Professor of Management Information Systems, and Shirin Sehgal, Vice President of People and Performance at DAMAC, signed the MoU during a ceremony at the university. Najdawi said the partnership combines academic expertise with industry exposure, positioning students and professionals for success in dynamic sectors. Sehgal affirmed DAMAC’s commitment to supporting the next generation through education and career advancement opportunities.
Under the agreement, students will be placed in internship and mentorship programmes within DAMAC’s diverse business verticals, allowing them to apply academic learning in real-world contexts. Capstone projects co-supervised by ADU and DAMAC are also planned. On the flip side, DAMAC employees may pursue professional development modules and scholarships at ADU, strengthening the talent pipeline between industry and academia.
The move follows ADU’s broader strategy of aligning its academic agenda with industry and national priorities. In June, ADU signed an MoU with the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to support innovation, scientific research and talent development aligned with the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative.
Analysts view the ADU-DAMAC tie-up as part of a growing trend in the Gulf academic sector, where universities are forging partnerships with private firms to bridge the employability gap and ensure curricula reflect market needs. By integrating industry placements, research collaboration and staff upskilling, ADU aims to strengthen its role as a bridge between theory and practice.
Topics
UAE