Al Qasimia University (AQU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Media Academy, part of Dubai Media Incorporated, to enhance cooperation in education, training, media development, and academic research.
The agreement was signed by Professor Dr. Awad Al Khalaf, Chancellor of Al Qasimia University, and Mona Bousamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, in the presence of several academic and administrative officials. The MoU aims to implement joint academic and training programmes, organise workshops and seminars in media and communication, facilitate faculty and expertise exchange, and foster research collaborations to prepare qualified media professionals for both local and global markets.
Professor Dr Awad Al Khalaf said the agreement aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and Founder of Al Qasimia University, to support quality education and strengthen national partnerships linking academic institutions with media organisations. He said the partnership reinforces the university’s role in serving the community and empowering students with modern media skills.
He added that the collaboration will open new horizons for applied and research-focused work in media and communication, enhancing integration between university education and professional media practice.
Mona Bousamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, said the MoU represents a strategic step to strengthen the link between academic education and practical training amid rapid developments in the media industry. She said the partnership supports students in acquiring future-oriented skills and reflects the Academy’s vision to cultivate an innovative generation capable of using modern technology to produce impactful content that showcases the UAE’s cultural message.
Following the signing ceremony, Mona Bousamra delivered a lecture titled “Modern Trends in Media” to students of the College of Communication. The session was attended by Professor Dr. Hisham Abbas, Dean of the College of Communication, faculty members, and moderated by Dr. Wadad Haroun.
The lecture explored key transformations shaping the contemporary media landscape and examined the role of digital technologies in evolving media environments and content creation. It also underscored the importance of artificial intelligence competencies, as well as critical and creative thinking, to meet the demands of today’s media sector.
Bousamra presented an analytical overview of the future of media in the digital era, outlining the role of Dubai Media Academy in preparing the next generation of media professionals, empowering national talent, and addressing the evolving job market in the UAE and the wider Arab region. She also highlighted the opportunities emerging from digital transformation, the growing influence of technology on communication, and the exemplary role of Emirati women in media as a symbol of leadership and excellence.
She concluded by emphasising the importance of equipping graduates with advanced communication and technical skills to keep pace with the rapidly changing media landscape.
(Inputs from WAM)
