DCU welcomes delegation from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau
Thursday 28 April 2005

Professor Maria Slowey, Vice-President Learning Innovation / Registrar, Ibrahim Al-Obaidi, Postgraduate Association, Hamza Garatly, Assistant Cultural Attache, Prof Albert Pratt, Deputy President, Dr. Mohammad Dhia, Academic Advisor to the Saudi Arabian Embassy, Prof Saleem Hashmi, Head of the School Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (back row) Mr Martin Conry, University Secretary and Dr Claire Bohan, Dean of International Studies

Dublin City University today welcomed a delegation from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau who visited the university as part of a ‘fact-finding’ mission. The guests included Ibrahim Al-Obaidi, Postgraduate Association, Hamza Garatly, Assistant Cultural Attache, and Dr Mohammad Dhia, Academic Advisor to the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

The guests met with Deputy President, Professor Albert Pratt as well as Deans of the Faculties of Science and Health and Engineering and Computing. The purpose of the visit was to explore ways of establishing mutual cooperation in terms of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, both taught and by research.

The delegation also met with representatives of DCU’s national research centres, Dr Patrick Gammell, National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Professor Robert Forster, National Centre for Sensor Research and Professor Miles Turner, National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, to discuss opportunities for DCU to collaborate with them in the possible setting up of similar research facilities in Saudi Arabia.

DCU Secretary, Mr Martin Conry, and the Dean of International Studies, Dr Claire Bohan, accompanied the visitors on a tour of the campus to view the facilities which includes the library, student accommodation and the newly opened Sports Club. This facility includes a 25m swimming pool and a fully-equipped health and fitness centre.

DCU also provides a system of supports for its Irish and international students and include a health centre, accommodation service, careers service and personal tutor system. The International Office has a dedicated team whose aim is to make sure that each individual international student’s stay in Ireland is as rewarding and problem-free as possible.

To visit the International Office webpages, please click here: http://www.dcu.ie/international/