In line with the UAE's mandate to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy, the British University in Dubai (BUiD) has expanded its graduate-level degree offerings with the launch of the region's first accredited Doctorate in Education (Ed.D). Higher-level education among UAE nationals remains a key priority in government policy and an important issue for economic diversification and private sector development say industry sources. “The people of the UAE are its richest resource,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Shamsi, vice-chancellor, British University in Dubai. “The BUiD Ed. D. program will take students, and their students, farther along their desired vocational tracks. Currently, the region's education sector is badly represented in terms of the number and qualifications of its professionals, and this Ed. D. program will address this imbalance.” The Ed.D, to begin in September this year, will offer individuals the opportunity to become university professors, leaders in specific fields, and have the potential to lead high positions in organizations that include the Ministry of Education, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and international organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO and the World Bank. BUiD has already received strong interest in the Ed.D with a significant number of its first students expected to be UAE nationals.
