Ajman University & Dubai Judicial Institute Sign Cooperation Agreement

Monday, Dec 27, 2010
Ajman University & Dubai Judicial Institute Sign Cooperation Agreement

Ajman University of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai Judicial Institute. Representing the University was Mr. Thamer Saeed Salman, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, while the Institute was represented by its General Director, Dr. Jamal Al-Sumaiti. The signing of the agreement took place in the Judicial Institute Campus in Dubai in the presence of representatives from both parties.

At the event, Dr. Al-Sumaiti stated that the Institute has passed through several stages since its inception in 1996, the last of which was marked by the change of focus from a purely academic approach that was confined to academic certificates (for example for Diplomas and Masters programs), to professional and practical training in which priority is given to the practice and training of legal professionals via highly developed and customized training programs targeting lawyers, judges and workers in various fields of law. This new trend, added Dr. al Sumaiti, was accompanied by greater support of scientific research and more effort in disseminating judicial and legal awareness in the wider community. In addition he explained that the Judicial Institute provides a variety of facilities to legal students and trainees, including opportunities for creativity, information sourcing, training, and diverse methods of research and development. Dr Al-Sumaiti stressed, however, that the branches, disciplines, curricula and methods of teaching law in the Arab world need to be reviewed in order to address various shortcomings.

For his part, Mr. Salman stated that the College of Law at Ajman University of Science & Technology greatly valued the signing of this agreement with an institution which has proven its efficiency and professionalism; he considered that cooperation with the Judicial Institute will add value to the University. He stated that H.E. Dr. Saeed Abdullah Salman, President of the University Network, has promoted the slogan, "What is taught is practiced," since the inception of the University in 1988, as he was aware very early on that there is a gap between what is taught theoretically and what is applied practically. This agreement is a first step which will be followed by other steps with the aim of narrowing this gap by using existing legal resources, as well as information and various research and teaching methods that are under development. He noted that in this context all courses taught in the College of Law will soon be delivered electronically through the Moodle E-Learning system. Mr. Thamer added that this will lead to the development of training methods and policies of financing scientific research in general and legal research in particular in the UAE and the Arab world, in line with legal system standards that are globally established. Mr. Thamer concluded by inviting all members of the Institute to visit the University's College of Law and to attend some lectures given to law students. He also welcomed Dr. Jamal Al-Sumaiti as a new member of the Advisory Council of the College of Law in the University. He commented that the profile of the council, which acts as an "Elite House of Law," would be boosted by this new qualitative membership.

Dr. Shehabi Al-Sharkawi, Dean of the College of Law, stated that this new agreement is unique, being the first of its kind in which a distinct governmental entity will train law students. Dr. Al-Sharkawi stated that a joint seminar on "Job Ethics" will be organized soon, which is intended to enlighten law students on the importance of ethics, and to help them perform their duties more skillfully and professionally and join the labor market confidently.

The signing of this agreement is in line with the vision of the two parties to promote practical training and disseminate legal culture and knowledge locally, regionally and internationally. The two parties agreed to exchange scientific and research resources and to participate in specialized conferences and workshops. In addition, Dubai Judicial institute will provide training for College of Law students for periods of eight hours per week for eight weeks. The training will be supervised by Institute personnel and University representatives.