Canada Day scholarship winners set for home-style education at Canadian University Dubai

Dubai, August 31, 2015: Canadian nationals Khalil Boukhris and Isra Tawfiq Elagib, recipients of two academic scholarships from Canadian University Dubai (CUD), are to benefit from a home-style education here in the UAE.

The Bachelor of Architecture students have been selected for this year’s Canada Day scholarships, awarded by CUD in coordination with the Canadian Embassy and the Consulate General in Dubai.

Established in 2013 to celebrate the University’s bonds with Canada, the scholarships provide recipients with the opportunity to embark upon an accredited degree program at CUD, which bases its programs on Canadian curriculum and education principles.

This year’s recipients were awarded their scholarships by Canadian Consul General, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Kamarianakis, and President and Vice Chancellor of CUD, Dr. Karim Chelli, at a ceremony that also welcomed a new batch of undergraduate students for the 2015-16 academic year.

Having completed high school in Montreal, Khalil was fascinated to discover a Canadian university in the UAE, and is looking forward to starting out on his degree. He said, “Studying architecture at Canadian University Dubai is an exciting opportunity for me to experience a home away from home and be inspired by some of the world’s most iconic architectural creations; I am very thankful for the opportunity this scholarship has given me.”

Isra, meanwhile, who hails from London, Ontario, is embarking upon a new life in Dubai following her high school studies in Oman, and says that the scholarship is a huge motivation for her to excel.  She says, “As a Canadian citizen I’m very proud to have been awarded this scholarship in honor of our national day, and it will be a great encouragement for me as I take on the challenges that lie ahead.”

Welcoming all the new students to CUD, Dr. Chelli urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities that University life will offer them in preparing for their future responsibilities in society. He said, “Our role as educators is to enable you to act, innovate, and reach your full potential as leaders in your chosen field. At CUD you will benefit from Canadian perspectives of learning, delivered in harmony with the values of UAE society, creating a student-centred approach that allows every individual to shine.”