ALHOSN University strengthens ties with Ireland with opening of new Irish resource center

March 17, 2014: ALHOSN University, an academic institution delivering high-quality, value-based education, yesterday (Sunday, March 16, 2014) unveiled its new resource center called the ‘Irish Corner,’ which showcases Ireland’s rich history and culture. The opening, which coincided with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, was opened by Minister Phil Hogan, Irish Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government who flew to Abu Dhabi to celebrate St. Patrick’s day and inaugurate the center. He was accompanied by H.E. Patrick Hennessy, Irish Ambassador to the UAE, University officials and other high-ranking government executives.

Aside from Ireland’s history and culture, the ‘Irish Corner’ also features the country’s best practices in the education and business sectors. It serves as a good source of information for ALHOSN students of various nationalities and the greater Abu Dhabi community to learn and better understand the country, which is Europe’s third largest island.

Prior to the unveiling of the Irish Corner, The Irish Business Council hosted a special lunch for the prominent members of both Irish and Emirati communities at the Beach Rotana Hotel. The guests, led by Minister Hogan, then proceeded to the university to officially open the resource center. Minister Hogan has been a public servant for more than 21 years and was appointed as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in March 2011.

Minister Hogan said, “The opening of ALHOSN University’s ‘Irish Corner’ is testament to the strong relations between the UAE and Ireland. This could not have come at a better time as our country celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that demonstrates true Irish culture at its best. I am hopeful that this new section of the school will help students learn more about our country and maybe in the future, encourage them to come visit us and experience our own brand of Irish hospitality.” 

“The university is known for maintaining productive partnerships and exchange programs with some of the world’s leading educational institutions. Our collaborations with them are firmly rooted to our belief that global knowledge combined with local traditions is vital in shaping the lives of our young students. We teamed up with the Irish Government because we believe Ireland shares our commitment. The newly opened Irish Corner is the first major step towards establishing ties and collaborating with different professional and civic organizations in Ireland in various academic, economic, and social projects,” Prof. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University concluded.

Named after Abu Dhabi's historic ALHOSN Palace, ALHOSN University was founded in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing local demand for high-quality, value-based educational institutions. The university offers 18 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate degrees under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences. ALHOSN accepts students of all nationalities and also accommodates youths with special needs. All its programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.