The University of Dubai (UD) welcomed on board a delegation from the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom headed by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of the UK Lord David Wolfson. The delegation undertook a campus tour around UD’s green and sustainable building after meeting with its President Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, Chief Operations Officer Dr. Nasser Al Muraqqab, Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Mohamad Rababa, Director of Graduate Programs Dr. Washika Saheem in addition to UD students, staff and faculty members. 

In an introductory speech, Dean of the College of Law at UD Dr. Rababah extended his deepest gratitude to Lord Wolfson and the delegation for their visit to UD. Dr. Rababah explained the important role that the College of Law plays in equipping students with the knowledge and skills that prepare them for a dual qualification in the UK and the UAE.

In welcoming the delegates, Dr. Al Bastaki emphasized  the importance of this visit  in reinforcing social justice and promoting the protection of constitutional rights among UD students, staff and faculty members. “We always aim to inform and educate our Law students about the critical role of the Ministry of Justice in monitoring, supervising and regulating the administrative and financial affairs of the federal government courts in our country,” Dr. Al Bastaki said. “In a cosmopolitan country like the UAE, understanding the international approach to judicial concerns and practices has nowadays become crucial for students and teachers,” he added. 

In the speech he delivered, Lord Wolfson shared  how he started off his career as a barrister before becoming an international arbitrator and now a Minister in the UK Government.  Among other topics he briefly tackled were the legal services of Dubai’s trade mission and the significant role of the legal services in facilitating businesses   as well as international trade and investments. Moreover, Lord Wolfon explained to attendees how English law supports international legal work and underpins innovation as he highlighted the benefits of being dual-qualified (i.e. holding qualifications from two jurisdictions, such as the UAE and the UK) in supporting a flourishing international legal career. In the end of his speech, he focused on the relationship between the UK and the UAE governments in terms of legal services and practices. 

His speech was concluded  with a lively Q&A session with UD students. In his closing remarks, Dr. Al Bastaki handed over a token of appreciation to Lord Wolfon for his insightful comments and valuable visit to the University of Dubai.