Agreements between institutions and companies in Israel and the United Arab Emirates have been popping up like mushrooms after the rain, thanks to the Abraham Accords signed 15 months ago. Now the University of Haifa and Zayed University of the UAE have signed an agreement for academic cooperation, focusing on joint research and the exchange of faculty and students. 

The agreement was signed by the UAE minister of culture and youth and the president of Zayed University Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi and Ron Rubin, the president of the University of Haifa. 

The signing ceremony was held virtually in the presence of the Ambassador of Israel to the United Arab Emirates, Amir Haik, and the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Israel, Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja.

“In the face of the common challenges of all humanity and the effects of climate change, this kind of academic cooperation is our way of preserving the home of us all – the planet,” said Rubin.

“This partnership will create cross-border opportunities for students, faculty and the community as a whole. I believe that together we can lead innovations in the areas of food and water security, marine sciences and natural resource management,” said Al Qabi.

Rubin, who served for about a decade as a representative of New York University’s branch in Abu Dhabi, opened his remarks with greetings in Arabic and said the signing of the agreement is closing circle for him. He also congratulated the UAE, which will mark the 50th anniversary of Zayed University next month. “Next year we will also celebrate the 50th year of the University of Haifa, and I hope that by then we can all meet here on our campus on Mount Carmel,” said Robin.

According to the cooperation agreement, the two academic institutions will share knowledge in a variety of fields, including marine sciences, education, natural resource management and more, and will even conduct a joint research project in these fields. In addition, they will carry out student and faculty exchanges and hold seminars, conferences and joint seminars.

Over 18,000 students from a wide range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are enrolled at the University of Haifa, the largest research university in northern Israel and the most pluralistic institution of higher education in the country. Founded in 1963, it received full accreditation in 1972 and since then has created and developed a world-class institution dedicated to academic and research excellence

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Through an accelerated growth strategy, the University of Haifa has established Israel’s first “Multiversity” – a multi-campus institution that promotes extensive interdisciplinary studies and partnerships. This is designed to improve access to higher education in northern Israel, better prepare students for a dynamic job market and serve as a catalyst for economic expansion and strengthening Israel’s northern region. It comprises six faculties, 59 departments, 10 schools and 57 research centers and institutes and has gained an international reputation in a variety of fields including public health, security studies, Holocaust research, cancer research, neurosciences, bioinformatics, marine sciences, education and epigenetics. The university also offers 18 international graduate programs taught in English and a Study Abroad program.

Zayed University is the UAE’s national and regional leader in educational innovation. Founded in 1998, it proudly bearing the name of the Founder of the Nation – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today, it has two modern campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that welcome both national and international students.

It is globally recognized as the leading university in the Gulf region for excellence in educational innovation, research, and student leadership development that serves the changing needs of the nation in economic, social and cultural advancements

Zayed University offers diverse and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs whose alumni are prepared to contribute to and promote the social and economic wellbeing of UAE society and the professions. Through research, scholarship, creative activities, outreach and continuing education services, it provides educational leadership, expands opportunity, and disseminates knowledge to local, regional, and global communities.