Prestigious honour presented in the United Arab Emirates

Senior staff from the University visited Abu Dhabi to present an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science to His Highness and to meet officials from the UAE.

The award was presented in honour of His Highness’ considerable contribution to urban development, in particular his leading role in designing security and safety measures for the protection of residents of, and visitors to, the UAE.

A formal ceremony was held at Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters on Monday (February 15).

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps, said: “It has been a particular honour to be able to present this award in Abu Dhabi. As a leader, His Highness has demonstrated commitment to both social inclusion and developing new international relations, in harmony with the University’s own ethos.”

His Highness Sheikh Saif said: “I am honoured to have received this honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton. It is a prestigious institution with whom we have developed a successful partnership over many years. It was a pleasure to welcome Professor Gipps and her delegation and I look forward to cultivating this association in the years ahead.”

Michael Elliott, Chairman of the University's Board of Governors, said the University was delighted to honour His Highness and his achievements.

The University of Wolverhampton’s links with the Middle East are growing. Later this year, the University will be co-hosting a conference on urban planning and architecture in conjunction with Ajman. This follows on from a successful event last year organised in partnership with Ajman Municipality.

The University’s focus on continued professional development in the region has also led to close working with Abu Dhabi Police. A new Policing degree course was also recently launched at Wolverhampton, one of a select few available in the UK.

In May 2009, His Highness was named Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and he continues to this day to hold the portfolio as Minister of Interior.

His achievement in the realms of Police and Security include founding the Ministry of Interior’s centres for rehabilitating persons with special needs in 2002, launching the Community Police Project in 2003, and founding a pioneering social support centre in 2004.

Further information

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.