In a joint press conference between Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai and MBC Group, a memorandum of agreement was signed to announce a strategic cooperation between both parties.

Following the welcoming note delivered by Ali Jaber, Dean of Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai, Mr. Jaber stressed the importance of this strategic alliance with MBC Group, to help bridge the gap between higher education and the labor market.

He elaborated, "We are in dire need to provide our students the chance to experience firsthand what the job market has to offer, as the theoretical part of their education is far different from the practical work environment experienced on ground."

He further asserted, "Our agreement with MBC Group will allow our students great exposure to the best practices in the industry. Our students in return will be a source of fresh ideas for the Group, as it is important for such a giant Pan Arab media conglomerate in the region to stay in touch with the pulse of the young generation."

From his part, Ali Al Hedeithy, MBC Group General Director, emphasized the importance of this cooperation in contributing to building economies of knowledge in our region through investing in our most valuable resource, and that is Arab human capital, and through cross-linking and engaging of the curricula with the labor markets requirements, especially in the media sector which is considered as one of the main pillars of the content industry and a key engine of the economic cycle.

Al Hedeithy further added, "This cooperation proves once again the trust MBC Group ties to Arab talented and educated youth, and the organizations' belief in their various potentials that require continuous nurturing, refinement and care accentuated by the basic elements covered within this cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai."

Al Hedeithy concluded with the strong emphasis on both the respect and appreciation of MBC Group towards the United Arab Emirates, and the great insight of the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and reaffirm the Group's loyalty to this majestic city of Dubai and it's remarkable people in making it the centre of civilization, economic achievements and a haven for international and Arab media alike as the best incubator for such.

The main terms of this agreement are summarized by granting students from Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai full access to studios and other media production facilities at MBC Group; in doing so, allowing the students to gain hands-on experience in Media & Journalism; MBC Group to promote Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai initiatives and activities across its multi platforms; MBC Group to provide scholarships to a number of outstanding students from Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai, as a contribution in determining their professional disciplines and guide them in their graduate studies; thus help them to engage in the labor market following graduation. And finally, MBC Group to organize and engage the students of Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai in workshops and lectures within the fields of Media and Journalism, moderated by MBC Group's distinguished media figures.