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In a bid to expand its professional course offerings in risk management, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM). Based in the United Kingdom but with a growing branch of members in the UAE, IIRSM is an educational charity and professional body for those managing risk in all its forms.

As part of the collaboration, ADU students will benefit from new courses and training programs, as well as regular visits from industry leaders, thanks to the combination of ADU's strong academic framework and IIRSM's connected network across risk and safety sectors. The MoU will improve academic cooperation and knowledge exchange between ADU and IIRSM, in addition to providing advanced learning opportunities in risk and safety management for ADU’s student body.

In a virtual ceremony, Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of ADU, and Phillip Pearson, CEO of IIRSM, signed the MoU in the presence of ADU team represented by the Provost Prof. Thomas Glas-Hochstettler, Dr. Nisreen Alwan, Acting Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Michele Cherfane, Chair of the Environmental and Public Health Department, Dr. Rahaf Ajaj, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Safety and IIRSM team represented by Ms. Dina Khalidi, Director of Partnerships and Engagement and Mr. Tim Walsh from the Media and Communication Department.

ADU and IIRSM are set to initiate their mutual collaboration by enabling the academic and professional development of students through enrolment in the IIRSM membership program. The program will allow students to be directly involved in the IIRSMs’ emerging risk leadership network, which will facilitate a variety of guest lectures and webinars from IIRSM members to supplement their development.

ADU and IIRSM will work together to organize events that will highlight risk and safety management among students and in communities. The two parties will also encourage attendance of IIRSM webinars and conferences to further student knowledge on such matters.

Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of ADU, said: “We are keen to work with IIRSM to educate and create deeper awareness around risk management across the board. We are eager to provide a framework for advancing risk, safety, and sustainable business practice research to improve risk and safety management on a global scale.”

Professor Waqar added: “Abu Dhabi University endeavors to work closely with its strategic partners in the public and private sectors to ensure that ADU continues to offer internationally accredited academic programs that meet the evolving needs of partners, employers and the wider market.”

IIRSM Chief Executive Phillip Pearson said: “We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Abu Dhabi University that will enhance opportunities for future leaders in risk management in Abu Dhabi and support the region’s ongoing commitment to risk management excellence. The University is a highly regarded institution and we look forward to working with it and providing many learning and networking opportunities to its students.”

By participating in leading innovative projects and solutions, ADU aspires to become a premier educational institution in the MENA area. Frameworks will be put in place to develop research in this area because of the strong partnerships formed with entities that focus on risk and safety. To contribute to this endeavor, ADU is ensuring that emerging talents are provided with the appropriate tools necessary to become a future leader in risk management.

ADU offers its students a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety which covers major environmental issues including sustainability, renewable energy, water quality and management, pollution monitoring, and hazardous materials operations and awareness.