Dubai, February 9, 2015: University of Dubai has said it received great support over the last year from major companies and agencies in the UAEís private sector, reflecting the role of the sector in supporting higher education as a key pillar of growth and development of communities. The list of partners and sponsors include prominent names, which have collaborated with the university at various levels, including activities and funding programs for scholarships and support for financially challenged students. Among the most important partners, City Financial Group has provided through its City Social Foundation grants to outstanding students and support for businesswomen training programs. Ghenej Jewellery was behind the success of the Charity Gala Suhoor event held by the university in cooperation with Beit Al Khair Society during the last Ramadan to raise funds for financially challenged students. Intercoil Company and Epson also supported the universityís various activities during the year. Commending the private sector, Dr. Eesa M. Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, said: ìThe huge support shown by our sponsors for the various events of the University of Dubai during the past year highlights the key role of the private sector in the development of higher education in the UAE and the extend of the corporate social responsibility of these entities.î He added: ìWith the continued support of our partners, the University of Dubai will be able to achieve its objectives to provide top class academic programs of global standards to keep pace with the rapid development in the higher education sector. Through its cooperative initiatives, the university aims to harness technology in the knowledge transfer process, the latest of which is the Smart City Center announced in partnership with IBM. The Center will be a location for companies, universities and city managers to test and develop future smart solutions for cities. Mrs. Muna Al Haddad, Director General of Ghenej Jewellery Company said: ìOur support for the activities of the University of Dubai comes as part of our social responsibility, particularly with respect to education issues and the right of every student to obtain academic opportunity for a better future. Based on this, we have keenly participated in the Gala Suhoor charity for the benefit of students who were finding it difficult to pursue their education due to financial problems.î Mr. Karim Saifuddin, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Citigroup, said: ìWe have succeeded in partnership with the University of Dubai to provide scholarships to outstanding students, and design a training program to enhance the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in the country. The objectives of this initiative is consistent with the objectives of Citigroup and the efforts made by the Citi Foundation to support financial education and small enterprises projects in collaboration with educational centers. Our program has so far succeeded in supporting more than 300 women in business throughout the UAE.î Amina El Marzak, Director of Student and Alumni Affairs of the University of Dubai, expressed appreciation for the companies that supported the students and the programs of the university. ìThe work of the universities and academic institutions requires the attention of all sectors and groups in the society, particularly the corporate sector and institutions working in the fields of trade and economic development. The moral and financial support of this sector is part of the comprehensive national task to make every student aware of his or her right to obtain quality education,î El Marzak said.