Latest news with #AmericanUniversityofRasAlKhaimah
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Several finance degrees on offer from AURAK
Against a global shortage of finance professionals, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is addressing the issue by pursuing a vision of molding competent modern-day finance specialists through specialised programmes. While the demand for finance professionals has been growing dramatically, driven by data analytics and fintech, as reflected in the rising enrolments at universities, talent shortage has been a matter of concern. According to global recruitment agency Omega Hire, the global finance industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals across sectors, including accounting, banking, investment management, insurance, and fintech. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success, and Provost at AURAK, says: 'The finance industry plays a pivotal role in the modern global economy, driving businesses, managing risks, and shaping strategic investments. With a dynamic job market and diverse opportunities, the finance sector continues to thrive, even amid technological disruptions and global economic shifts and talent shortage. We at AURAK have crafted a programme that molds professionals to join this booming industry and build a satisfying career for themselves.' The AURAK BSBA Major in Finance follows an American-style curriculum, accredited by international recognised bodies like SACSCOC and AACSB. The programme is also accredited by an international professional accountancy body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK, to ensure that the AURAK graduates are internationally recognised in the accounting profession. Additionally, it is affiliated with the CFA Institute. 'We have designed this programme to equip graduates with versatile skills applicable across industries, especially valuable in our interconnected global economy,' explains Prof. Vazeer Jan Begum, Associate Dean/Professor, School of Business, AURAK. 'The world of finance is evolving, and practitioners are challenged to keep pace with disruptive developments triggered by AI, Blockchain, and emerging technologies. This programme addresses all these issues and keeps students at the top of the game.' AURAK's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration BSBA (major in Finance), launched in 2020, has been updated to meet the challenge of talent shortage. Its graduates are trained to pursue career opportunities in booming fields such as investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, asset management, and consulting.
Web Release
12-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Talent Shortage in Finance a Serious Issue, says AURAK; Stresses Need for More Focused Programs
Talent Shortage in Finance a Serious Issue, says AURAK; Stresses Need for More Focused Programs Against a global shortage of finance professionals, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is addressing the issue by pursuing a vision of molding competent modern-day finance specialists through specialized programs. While the demand for finance professionals has been growing dramatically, driven by data analytics and fintech, as reflected in the rising enrolments at universities, talent shortage has been a matter of concern. According to global recruitment agency Omega Hire, the global finance industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals across sectors, including accounting, banking, investment management, insurance, and fintech. A report by Cooper Fitch's Salary Guide UAE 2024 highlighted a significant talent shortage in the UAE. This is because the rapid pace of technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving business models require a workforce that is agile, skilled, and up to date with the latest industry developments. However, talent shortage is not just a local issue but part of a global trend. According to a PwC report, 92% of financial services leaders around the world report difficulties in hiring the talent they need. Universities like AURAK are responding to the market need by designing tailored programs. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration BSBA (major in Finance), launched in 2020, has been updated to meet the challenge of talent shortage. Its graduates are trained to pursue career opportunities in booming fields such as investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, asset management, and consulting. Graduates are encouraged to use entry-level positions as a gateway to advanced roles, such as pursuing advanced certifications like CFA and CPA. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success, and Provost at AURAK, says: 'The finance industry plays a pivotal role in the modern global economy, driving businesses, managing risks, and shaping strategic investments. With a dynamic job market and diverse opportunities, the finance sector continues to thrive, even amid technological disruptions and global economic shifts and talent shortage. We at AURAK have crafted a program that molds professionals to join this booming industry and build a satisfying career for themselves.' The AURAK BSBA Major in Finance follows an American-style curriculum, accredited by international recognized bodies like SACSCOC and AACSB. The program is also accredited by an international professional accountancy body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK, to ensure that the AURAK graduates are internationally recognized in the accounting profession. Additionally, it is affiliated with the CFA Institute. 'We have designed this program to equip graduates with versatile skills applicable across industries, especially valuable in our interconnected global economy,' explains Prof. Vazeer Jan Begum, Associate Dean/Professor, School of Business, AURAK. 'The world of finance is evolving, and practitioners are challenged to keep pace with disruptive developments triggered by AI, Blockchain, and emerging technologies. This program addresses all these issues and keeps students at the top of the game.' Graduates acquire competencies to take up challenging roles in banks, Big 4 accounting firms, multinational (fast-moving consumer goods) FMCGs, tech giants, export/import firms, manufacturing, logistics, retail, consulting firms, tech scale-ups, and family businesses expanding abroad. The BSBA program can lead to a highly lucrative career path. Based on the latest available data (2023–2024) from UAE government sources, recruitment agencies, and salary surveys, the average monthly salary range for fresh Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) graduates in the UAE starts at between AED 6,000 and AED 12,000; and could grow to AED 15,000 in two years.
Gulf Today
31-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Female graduates outnumber males at AURAK event
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies, 13th and 14th, saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year programme that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of COVID-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honoured 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honour. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the COVID-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the Ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 metres into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community... because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' Robert Raines remarked. Dr David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.' Prof Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success/Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility.
Web Release
29-05-2025
- Science
- Web Release
AURAK Graduation Ceremony Sees Record Number of Female Graduates; AI Gains Prominence
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies (13th and 14th) saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year program that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of Covid-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honored 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honor. H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the Covid-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 meters into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community… because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' H.E. Robert Raines remarked. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.'. Prof. Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success / Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility. 'Learning is a lifelong process through which you can leverage your knowledge and skills to become leaders and entrepreneurs who can change the world for the better,' he added. The graduates received their degrees in the presence of the Chairman of the AURAK Board of Trustees and other board members; H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai; AURAK President David A. Schmidt; and administrative leadership team and faculty of the university. The Valedictorian Address was delivered by Mohammed Ayyub, the topper in Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with the highest CGPA of 3.95, on the first day. For the second Commencement Ceremony, there were two Valedictorians: Maryam Saeed Sanad Abdulla Alnaqbi (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), the first Emirati to earn the honor in recent years, and Leen Mohammad Jamal Zaid (Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology).
Web Release
19-05-2025
- Health
- Web Release
New AURAK research calls for wider awareness of Enteroviruses in Arabian Gulf
In a ground-breaking study, researchers at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) have highlighted the significant impact of enterovirus infections on public health in the Gulf region, particularly among children, through analysis of reports of cases in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area. The research investigated the characteristics of enterovirus and the mechanisms by which this virus infection leads to disease. In addition, it presented major diagnostic tools employed in enterovirus detection. Enterovirus and rhinovirus, also known as the common cold virus, belong to the same family of viruses that are a major cause of respiratory infections, particularly in children. The number of reported cases of enterovirus varies annually across Arabian Gulf countries. However, the reported cases demonstrate that enteroviral infections are highly common in children with serious illnesses such as brain inflammation or meningitis. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, said: 'Enteroviruses are known in this region to triggering major illnesses, but not much research has been done in this field. I complement AURAK researchers for venturing into this critical area and providing pointers to health authorities on how to combat these viruses that have the potential to develop into a major health concern.' The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Viruses, a publication that serves as an advanced forum for studies of viruses. Two AURAK biotechnology students, Mohammed Ayyub and Joshua George Thomas, co-authored the study, supervised by Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Associate Professor of Medical Biotechnology and Department Chair at AURAK. Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Associate Professor – Medical Biotechnology, said: 'Our study demonstrates that enterovirus infections in the Arabian Gulf countries have been associated with a wide array of diseases, ranging from mild symptoms to severe and life-threatening conditions, especially in infants and children. Reported cases demonstrate epidemic potential of the virus. We hope our insights are helpful to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in Arabian Gulf states working to battle viral infections.' According to Dr. Hodeify, in the presence of a normal immune system, most enterovirus infections are associated with mild or no symptoms. Some children can develop more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, inflammation of eyes, and gastrointestinal complications such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and mouth sores a rash on the hands and feet. In advanced stages, infection with enterovirus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord tissue leading to permanent damage in the brain and nerves which can lead to paralysis or death. As enterovirus infections being asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, these diseases may be unnoticed till more serious symptoms develop. The study provides an overview of various sensitive detection methods that can be used to ensure accurate identification of the virus. Based on the findings, the AURAK study provides several recommendations. First, communities, schools, and nurseries, should be educated on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of enteroviral infections. Second, policymakers, public health organizations, and governments should invest in additional infrastructure and real-time surveillance to identify and respond to viral outbreaks more quickly. Third, funding agencies and governments should increase funding for research at all levels including basic and translational research and vaccine development. Fourth, hospitals and testing centers should invest in sensitive, rapid diagnostic tools to detect enteroviruses early and accurately. Finally, healthcare facilities and public health organizations should implement better data sharing systems to identify and control outbreaks, monitor disease trends, and save lives.
