Royal Honour

With strong overseas links, the University of Wolverhampton has established itself as a truly global institution.

The University’s international partnerships are constantly growing and strong foundations for new relationships are well established.

Presence in the Middle East

It is currently building up its presence in the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Gulf States, with a focus on continued professional development.

A delegation of senior staff recently had the opportunity to cement links with the UAE, as guests of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

They visited Abu Dhabi to present an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science to His Highness, who is a pioneer in the realm of change and development and has made an outstanding contribution to society. The University chose to recognise his many achievements.

His Highness has made a considerable contribution to urban development, taking a leading role in designing security and safety measures for the protection of residents of, and visitors to, the UAE.

His achievement in the realms of Police and Security include founding the Ministry of Interior’s centres for rehabilitating people with special needs in 2002, launching the Community Police Project in 2003, and founding a pioneering social support centre in 2004.

He believes in the comprehensive role of the police and moving it from just being a tool for law enforcement to being a protective tool linked to real community partnership which monitors security and stability and gains the trust and satisfaction of the public.

Formal ceremony

A formal ceremony was held at Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters where guests viewed footage of the University of Wolverhampton and found out more about its role regionally, nationally and internationally. A documentary highlighting His Highness’ role in enhancing security and safety within the UAE society was also shown.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps, said: "It has been a particular honour to be able to present this award in Abu Dhabi. As a leader, His Highness has demonstrated commitment to both social inclusion and developing new international relations, in harmony with the University’s own ethos."

His Highness Sheikh Saif added: "I am honoured to have received this honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton. It is a prestigious institution with whom we have developed a successful partnership over many years. It was a pleasure to welcome Professor Gipps and her delegation and I look forward to cultivating this association in the years ahead."

The ceremony took place in February and the University of Wolverhampton’s links with the Middle East continue to grow.

4th International Ajman Urban Planning Conference

In March this year, the University co-hosted a conference on urban planning and architecture in conjunction with Ajman.

The 4th International Ajman Urban Planning Conference was co-hosted by the University and Ajman Municipality in the UAE. The event examined architecture and urban planning around the world, and addressed various trends in the development of city waterfront around the world.

A total of 57 world-leading architects, urban planners and academics from 18 countries participated in the conference through research papers and architectural presentations.

Professor Sir Geoff Hampton, Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, presented one of the opening speeches.

Strengthening links in Adu Dhabi

In addition, the University’s focus on continued professional development in the region has also led to close working with Abu Dhabi Police. A meeting with Dubai Police Academy resulted in an agreement to establish a research programme. This will start with master-classes and culminate with a conference. The outcome of the research will be a multidisciplinary virtual security project.

There are also plans for collaboration with Abu Dhabi Education Council developing primary and secondary school teaching.

With projects such as these in the pipeline, the University’s reputation for international work is set to be further enhanced in the future.

For more information about the University’s International Centre and its work please see: www.wlv.ac.uk/international.