Ajman University Explores New Avenues of Academic and Research Cooperation with the Consulate General of France
As part of Ajman University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international partnerships and enhance academic and research collaboration, the University welcomed a delegation from the Consulate General of France in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, headed by H.E. Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of the French Republic in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The visit aimed to explore new areas of cooperation and advance academic and cultural relations between the two sides.
Dr. Karim Seghir, chancellor of Ajman University, welcomed the French delegation and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding its global network, supporting student exchange programs, and fostering research collaboration with leading academic institutions in France—efforts that contribute to enhancing educational quality and developing students’ skills. The meeting was attended by Dr. Khaled Assaleh, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Victoria Winter, Director of the Office of International Academic Affairs; and Mohsen Abubaker, Director of Masar Career Excellence.
The French delegation included Guillaume Routier, Deputy Counsellor for Cultural Cooperation and Action at the French Embassy; Miryem Oukas, Head of Marketing & Communications, Trade Department (Business France); and Sophiane Youssef, International Volunteer in Administration (VIA), in charge of Education and Higher Education, French Embassy.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed several areas of mutual cooperation, including strengthening academic partnerships through student and faculty exchanges, developing joint academic programs, and expanding internship opportunities. Discussions also addressed ways to support education and innovation by integrating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, as well as adopting innovative pedagogical approaches that enhance academic outcomes.
Both parties also explored mechanisms to strengthen collaboration with Campus France, the official French agency responsible for promoting higher education in France and overseeing international student mobility. The discussions further covered Ajman University’s participation in Vision Golfe, the largest annual economic and commercial event supporting cooperation between France and the GCC states, in addition to exploring opportunities to attract French students to AU and provide them with comprehensive academic and career support.
The meeting also examined ways to reinforce Ajman University’s position as a preferred destination for French students by offering high-quality academic programs and strong career development pathways, along with enhancing employability through the Masar Career Excellence and AU’s partnerships with over 600 French companies.
In the field of research and innovation, the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation through participation in Horizon Europe, the European Union’s largest research and innovation framework program, which offers extensive funding opportunities across diverse scientific fields. AU’s engagement in this program is expected to strengthen its research capabilities, expand international collaboration for its scholars, and provide access to advanced research infrastructure and leading European networks. The discussions also included the possibility of developing bilateral research projects that contribute to producing impactful knowledge and driving joint scientific advancement.
The visit concluded with an affirmation of the importance of continued coordination between the two sides and advancing collaborative efforts to higher strategic levels, reinforcing Ajman University’s presence on the global academic stage.
