Call for more Emirati legal specialists in domestic market to enhance capabilities in countryís legal system

• University of Dubai organizes first LLM Annual Forum to promote direct communication between students and legal experts

Dubai, September 3, 2015: The first LLM Annual Forum of the Faculty of Law, organized by the university in Dubai recently, called for more legal specialists in the domestic market, especially Emiratis with high academic qualifications capable of contributing to the development of the legal system in line with international best standards. The event was attended by Dr. Eesa M. Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai; Dr. Harold Koster, Dean of UD College of Law; H.E. Shamlan Al Sawalehi, Judge at DIFC Court; and Hikmat Beaini, UD Communications Manager, who moderated the forum, apart from a number of legal experts, lawyers and law students of the Masters programme at the university. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Bastaki said the first Annual Forum of the Faculty of Law is part of a series of events in the legal field, organized by the University of Dubai to strengthen direct interaction between students and faculty on the one hand and between judges, lawyers and legal experts in the country on the other. Such events would enable the students to gain practical information in the field of law rather than just academic perspective, he pointed out. Dr. Al Bastaki said apart from the annual forum, the university organizes specialized lectures and training programs for lawyers and judges. Stating that the Faculty of Law at the University has been witnessing a large turnout of Emirati students, Dr. Al Bastaki said the university is cooperating in this regard with key entities in the field such as the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, and the Financial Audit Department of the Government of Dubai and others. On the occasion, Dr. Harold Koster said the academic specialization in law is critical in view of its importance in every sphere of economic and social activity. With a specialization in law, students will be able to enter advanced levels in their careers and contribute to expanding relationships with other major sectors. He said the annual forum of the Faculty of Law will provide an opportunity for students to communicate directly with legal experts and benefit from their experiences. HE Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi described his experiences in the field of law, stating that the UAE labor market needs specialists with high-quality education in the legal field. HE Sawalehi commended the University of Dubai for its efforts in this area, especially through its Master’s programme, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 which aims to provide high quality education in all fields to achieve sustainable development. He said the LLM programme at the University of Dubai has helped the students to enhance their experience and enabled them to enter unique career opportunities. HE Justice Sawalehi encouraged more students to join the programme considering its contribution towards encouraging effective communications with major sectors.