ADU Partners with Burjeel Holdings to Advance Clinical Research and Enhance Academic Programs

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in MENA, to advance research in health sciences and enhance the academic experience for university students through world-class practical expertise.
The two parties will collaborate to advance clinical studies in the UAE in line with national ambitions to become a global healthcare hub. The partnership will also increase opportunities for national and international grants for ADU students and faculty members.
Through joint initiatives, ADU and Burjeel Holdings aim to improve academic excellence and integrate industry insights to further develop curricula for students. Both parties also seek to foster innovation through collaborative research projects and the inauguration of innovative labs, advancing ADU's standing as a hub for cutting-edge discoveries.
Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs of ADU, said: “Abu Dhabi University continues to invest in its research capabilities to contribute to the UAE's vision of building a knowledge-based economy. Leveraging Burjeel Holdings’ leading expertise in healthcare and the university’s world-class academic excellence, we aim to elevate the standards of research in the field of health sciences. At ADU, we are committed to creating a dynamic learning environment that adapts to the ever-evolving needs of the industry, ensuring our students are well-prepared to become the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
The MoU was signed by Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs of ADU, and Mr. Safeer Ahamed, Group COO of Burjeel Holdings, in the presence of Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, Salem Aldhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at ADU, Dr. Sofyan Maghaydah, Acting Dean of College of Health Sciences at ADU, and Dr. Tahani Al Qadiri, Director - Emiratization and Academics at Burjeel Holdings.
Mr. Safeer Ahamed, Group COO of Burjeel Holdings, said: “Our partnership with Abu Dhabi University underscores our commitment to advancing medical education and clinical research. This collaboration will open up unparalleled training opportunities for health sciences students, equipping a new generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to drive excellence and innovation in the field.”
The partnership also aims to nurture community knowledge by providing extended programs that focus on higher education and skill development initiatives. ADU and Burjeel Holdings will also work together to organize conferences, workshops, seminars, and academic training programs, which will delve into the latest developments and best practices in the field of health sciences.
Furthermore, the MoU will leverage ADU's leading academic facilities to conduct lectures and training workshops designed to enhance the human resources and administrative practices at Burjeel Holdings. The healthcare provider will also offer internship opportunities throughout its facilities in the UAE to provide ADU students with in-depth practical skills necessary for future careers in healthcare.
Background Information
Abu Dhabi University
The dream began with the Charter of Abu Dhabi University in the year 2000, After three years of planning, the university opened its doors in September 2003, to an entering class of 1,000 students on its two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Unlike other colleges and universities in the UAE, ADU undertook the measures necessary to ensure that all of the degree programs it would offer had secured accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in advance of any students enrolling in them.
ADU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees based upon the American model of higher education.