UCD Officially Launches Dubai Global Centre

25 Jan 2019

University College Dublin has formally launched its fifth Global Centre this week, with the opening of the Dubai Global Centre. The Global Centre, which has been operational for the past 12 months, oversees all of UCD’s activities in the MENA region, including the establishment of new partnerships, the ongoing strengthening of existing partnerships, and the recruitment of international students.

UCD’s Vice-President for Global Engagement Professor Dolores O’Riordan was joined by HE Aidan Cronin, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, to officially mark the launch of the Dubai Global Centre.

Speaking about the launch, Professor O’Riordan said, ‘the launch of our Dubai Global Centre is another major milestone in UCD’s Strategy for Global Engagement, and it further reinforces our reputation as Ireland’s Global University. The Dubai office joins our portfolio of already-established Global Centres that are located in New York, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, and Beijing. We will be working hard over the next few years in the region developing our partnerships, recruiting students, and connecting with the many UCD alumni who are based in the region.’

The UCD Dubai Global Centre will hold regular networking events and cultural celebrations, and provide vital support for students in the region who are considering UCD as a study destination. The Centre currently has two full-time staff, Mr Kevin O’Brien and Ms Ethel de Souza, and is managed by Ms Aisling Tiernan, UCD”s Senior Regional Manager for the MENA Region.

Speaking about the launch, Ms Tiernan said, ‘the formal launch of the UCD Dubai Global Centre is a really exciting time for UCD. We have strong connections with the Irish Embassies in the region, and it’s wonderful that HE Aidan Cronin joined us here today to mark the occasion. I’m looking forward to working closely with our colleagues in Enterprise Ireland and the DFA, as well as the brilliant Dubai Global Centre team to ensure the Centre is as successful as UCD’s other Global Centres have been. Kevin and Ethel bring a combined 14 years of higher education expertise in the UAE, and we are already seeing a positive return on their activities with applications from across the MENA region increased 35% from this time last year.’

If you would like to contact the Dubai Global Centre, or the MENA team, you can email dubai@ucd.ie