British Ambassador visits Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University recently hosted Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates His Excellency Dominic Jermey, who met with the University’s senior leadership team and college deans, to discuss various aspects of joint collaboration in education, research and business. His Excellency also met a group of ADU students and introduced them to the various activities that would take place on a day in an ambassador’s life. 

In attendance were Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of ADU, Dr. James Mackin Provost of ADU, Dr. Jacob Chacko Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Aly Nazmy Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Abdel Mohsen Onsy Dean of the College of Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Steven Cornish Associate Dean of the University College and Dr. Sally Mabrouk Student Engagement and Development Manager. 

During the meeting, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of ADU stressed the University’s keenness in establishing mutually beneficial relationships with the embassy. He explained that these relationships will facilitate the development of possible partnerships with some of the United Kingdom’s world-renowned prestigious universities, in offering joint bachelor and masters programs as well as encouraging the exchange of scholars and students. He added that these possible partnerships will allow ADU to participate in enriching the long historic and already strong ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. 

Dr. Nabil pointed out that since its inception, Abu Dhabi University’s mission has been to produce talented graduates who will becomes global leaders and understand the challenges of our time and make positive contributions to national and global prosperity. He added that meeting Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Dominic Jermey is a great opportunity for ADU’s students, as it will give them a deep insight into the daily duties and responsibilities of an ambassador and the role that such a position plays in enhancing global economic, social and cultural ties with other countries. 

On his part, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Dominic Jermey praised the UAE’s wise leadership on their commitment towards the advancement of higher education, and providing the necessary finance and resources to ensure that it meets international standards. H.E also commended Abu Dhabi University for sharing the UAE’s vision towards building national capacity and a knowledge based economy, through continuously updating its curricula, attracting the best faculty from all over the world, partnering with international universities, and building a highly motivated student body. 

After his tour of Abu Dhabi University’s campus, H.E Dominic Jermey addressed ADU’s students explaining that although some people have a common misconception that the role of an ambassador is to represent his/her country on social occasions, but the role is much more than that. He added: “As a working diplomat, an ambassador looks after his/her country’s interests and people abroad, participates in recognizing the country’s partners around the world, manage and lead the embassy’s employees, handles political analysis of the priorities of the hosting government and juggle the growing political, economical and social responsibilities that comes with such a position”.  

Coming from a business background and being the first non-Arabic speaking British Ambassador to the UAE, H.E Dominic Jermey explained that neither has ever created an obstacle or barrier that hindered his responsibilities as an ambassador. “Being an ambassador has to do with management and effective leadership as well as communicating with citizens abroad and helping them whenever they are in distress. The role also requires an ability to participate in advancing innovative business and investment relations, and you don’t need a bureaucrat to handle that”, said the Ambassador.  

The Ambassador also briefed the students on the different roles he held leading up to his current position, serving in many countries including the Balkans, Pakistan, East Timor, Afghanistan and Madrid. H.E pointed out that there are about 70,000 British citizens living in Dubai and about 25,000 in Abu Dhabi, and an embassy in each of the two cities.