University Of Dubai And ORA Group Sign MoU To Boost Student Employability And Industry Collaboration

The University of Dubai has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with ORA Group, creating a strategic partnership that targets student employability, executive education, and closer industry links. The agreement sets a framework for internships, jobs, and training that connect academic learning with market expectations.

Signed at the University of Dubai campus, the MoU formalises cooperation between Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, and Lana Naguib Sawiris, Global Chief Commercial Officer of ORA Group. The partnership provides structured access for students and alumni to practical opportunities across ORA Group operations.

The collaboration centres on internship placements, graduate recruitment, and participation in University of Dubai career fairs. ORA Group will engage with students through industry-led workshops that highlight real project challenges. These activities are designed to help candidates build skills aligned with current corporate needs.

The agreement extends beyond immediate employability, covering executive and professional education programs developed jointly. These offerings will reflect evolving market requirements and support continuous learning for working professionals. ORA Group and the University of Dubai plan to tailor content to specific sector skills gaps.

Under the MoU, ORA Group employees and their first-degree relatives will receive tuition discounts on University of Dubai programs. They will also gain access to academic and professional services at the university. This benefit structure aims to support knowledge development within ORA Group’s wider community.

The understanding also promotes industry advisory involvement, giving ORA Group a role in academic discussions. The company may contribute voluntary support to the UD Alumni and Friends Financial Aid Program. Such engagement links corporate insight with student support mechanisms at the University of Dubai.

Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, said, "At the University of Dubai, we are intentional about partnering with organizations that share our vision for developing future-ready talent." This statement underlines the university’s focus on aligning with employers that value long-term talent pipelines.

Lana Sawiris, Global Chief Commercial Officer at ORA Developers, said, "At ORA Developers, we see talent development not as a program, but as a responsibility. By embedding real-world experience into education, we bridge the gap between learning and leadership. Our partnership with the University of Dubai reflects our commitment to shaping future professionals, equipping them with the skills, exposure, and mentorship needed to drive progress in a rapidly evolving global environment."

Amina El Marzak, Director of the Internship & Career Development Center and Alumni Relations at UD, added, "This partnership goes beyond a traditional academic agreement and translates into real opportunities for our students and alumni." The arrangement therefore positions the University of Dubai–ORA Group partnership as a long-term channel for careers, training, and financial support initiatives.

With inputs from WAM