First Minister of Scotland meets with UAE students from Dundee's Al-Maktoum College

Dubai, Feb 27, 2012 (WAM) - The First Minister of Scotland, The Right Honourable Alex Salmond, met with students from Dundee's Al-Maktoum College at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, and spoke about the ever strengthening relationship between Scotland and the UAE in the education sector. The First Minister said: "Today's meeting has built upon the discussions I had with H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, patron of the Al-Maktoum College, and Mirza Al Sayegh, Chairman of the College Board of Directors, during my visit to Dubai last year and I am keen to further develop the already strong relationship which exists between the UAE and Scotland." "The Al-Maktoum College continues to be at the forefront of building progressive links between both our nations ten years on from its creation and as our relationship grows, it is clear that the College will play a very important role as a facilitator to strengthen economic and educational links between Dundee and Dubai." "Education lies at the centre of all that drives our economies forward and therefore knowledge-sharing opens doors at times of economic challenge. This relationship is one which is greatly valued and I am confident it is one which can only lead to stronger links." The First Minister previously met with His Highness when he visited Dubai in November. Acting Principal of the College, Dr Hussein Godazgar said: "All of us are delighted that the First Minister was able to meet the 37 female students from the UAE who have come to Scotland for our 2012 Academic Training Programme. "We are pleased, too, that the First Minister recognises our continuing role and strengths, through HH Sheikh Hamdan's vision and continuing support, in promoting educational and economic links between Dundee and Dubai. "The College educational programmes have all proved stimulating, interesting and hugely enjoyable for students, and our meeting with the First Minister is a perfect example of this. "The College is proud of what it has achieved in just ten years and we are steadfast in our aims to offer educational programmes that advance the ATP students' overall learning and understanding of Scotland as well as the challenges of global dialogue and exchange." The students visiting the Scottish Parliament yesterday are on the 13th such educational programme since 2003 bringing the total number of students to come to Dundee to almost 480. The Academic Training Programme (ATP) students - from Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology (Dubai Women's College,) Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, American University in Sharjah and the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Dubai - are spending the best part of a month in Scotland. - Emirates News Agency, WAM