Heriot-Watt's Dubai Campus was delighted to welcome the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Environment Richard Lochhead MSP to the official launch of its new Water Resources MSc programme.
The launch event, held at the Dubai Campus, was attended by industry leaders as well as Heriot-Watt academic staff and students. Professor Ammar Kaka, vice-principal of Heriot-Watt University and Head of Dubai Campus, opened the event with a welcome. This was then followed by a speech from the Cabinet Secretary and Professor Gareth Pender, Head of School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh addressed the attendees about the programme offered and water issues in the Middle East.
Comprehensive overview of sustainable water resource issues
This is a significant addition to the Dubai Campus, especially as the need for efficient and forward thinking water resource management in the region continues to grow
Professor Ammar Kaka, Head of Dubai CampusThe Water Resources Programme, taught on campus, provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable water resource issues. It is designed to develop knowledge and skills for planning and management to meet the needs of the built and natural environment, all within the context of climate change. It builds on the success of Heriot-Watt's UK-based programme and covers topics such as a water and wastewater treatment, international water law and sustainability.
Opportunities for unique research projects
Professor Ammar Kaka, vice-principal of Heriot-Watt University and Head of Dubai Campus, said: "This is a significant addition to the Dubai Campus' School of the Built Environment, especially as the need for efficient and forward thinking water resource management in the region continues to grow, with considerable career opportunities for unique and compelling research projects."
Building further economic & cultural ties
I am delighted that the university has decided to launch this new masters and diploma course on such an important concern as the sustainable use of water resources
Richard Lochhead MSP"We are delighted to welcome the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead to the campus, which was officially opened in November by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond."
Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Environment in the Scottish Government, said: "As we seek to build further economic and cultural ties, education is at the forefront of Scotland's relationship with the UAE.
"I am delighted that the university has decided to launch this new masters and diploma course on such an important concern as the sustainable use of water resources. The global environment does not recognise international borders so I very much welcome and support the need to promote greater awareness and understanding on issues which will affect us all."