Future Ready: Middle East Partnerships
To the Wentworth Community and Friends:
I had the privilege recently of traveling to the Middle East, where a group of us embarked on a journey aimed at fostering collaboration and forging next-generation partnerships. Joined by Vice President Crate Herbert, Associate Vice President Aamir Suleman, and Dean Sedef Doganer, we caught up with some of our amazing alumni, and we laid the groundwork for future endeavors with industry leaders in the fields of technology and construction.
Our journey took us to Dubai, a hub of innovative growth, and an embrace of AI and sustainability that pairs well with our academic offerings and industry trends. In discussions with the American University of Dubai, University of Sharjah, and Ajman University, we created a foundation for potential collaborations through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at joint programs, research initiatives, and academic exchanges.
We were honored to reconnect with our esteemed alumni in the region, such as Ahmed'02 and Saif Al Sadah '02, who are playing pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of the Middle East. They are co-chairs of the Wentworth Middle East Alumni Chapter, which launched while we were there. The contributions and insights of our alumni in this region are invaluable as we work towards strengthening ties with our graduates and fostering a sense of community across borders.
Additionally, Faisal Al-Shawaf, ’94, ’95, Hon. ’18, and HRH Nourah Al-Faisal graciously hosted us and introduced us to new people. A distinguished leader in the architecture and construction world, Al-Shawaf is known for his vision and dedication to promoting cultural understanding with HRH Al-Faisal providing invaluable perspective.
As we reflect on this journey, I am filled with confidence that we have laid the groundwork for meaningful partnerships that will benefit our students, faculty, and alumni. Discussions are already underway for a Dubai global studio for our Architecture students in Fall 2024, with plans for future engagements in India and Bahrain.
These trips not only expand our global footprint but also reinforce the importance of alumni connections in driving progress and innovation. Our alumni are the embodiment of Wentworth's values and aspirations, and their success serves as a testament to the transformative power of our institution.
Warm regards,
Mark A. Thompson
President
Wentworth Institute of Technology
