UoDH demonstrates academic and community leadership at IGCF 2025

Strengthening ties with the community

Dr Aisha Ahmed Bu Shlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, spoke in a panel session held in collaboration with the Department of Suburbs & Village Affairs, where she underlined the university’s role in enhancing community communication. She stressed that Al Dhaid’s educational model is built on active partnerships with the community and its commitment to sustainable development through programmes that connect students with local initiatives.

Education with a social purpose

Dr Bu Shlaibi explained that the university translates its community role into action by working closely with the Department of Suburbs & Village Affairs to provide awareness campaigns, educational platforms, and volunteering opportunities. These initiatives encourage students to participate in health, environmental, and family-focused programmes, building civic responsibility and strengthening national identity.

Academic innovation for food security

Dr Melissa Fitzgerald, Dean of the College of Agriculture, highlighted the crucial role of higher education in supporting the national food security system. She revealed that the university launched a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Agriculture and is developing a new programme in Food Science and Technology to empower students with the skills to produce safe and nutritious food, thereby strengthening the country’s food supply chains. She also stressed the importance of hands-on training and industry partnerships to prepare graduates capable of advancing the UAE’s strategic goal of eradicating hunger by 2051.

Exploring digital food communication

In a scientific address titled “Food communication in smart governments”, Dr Samira Setoutah, Associate Professor at the university, discussed the integration of digital communication in food policies to build citizen trust and encourage public participation. She emphasised transparency, open data, and smart strategies as key tools for strengthening sustainable food practices, and she offered policy recommendations to enhance digital food communication.

Inspiring innovation through student challenges

Dr Abdullah Al Saadi, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Al Dhaid, served as a jury member for the "University Challenge" competition, organised by the United Arab Emirates University, which gathered more than 30 student teams from local and international universities. The competition showcased innovative projects linking government communication with sustainable food security solutions.

Reinforcing Al Dhaid’s role

These diverse contributions highlighted the University of Al Dhaid’s growing presence as a modern, socially engaged academic institution that integrates sustainability, innovation, and community development into its vision, ensuring its close alignment with both local and national priorities.