Ajman University (AU) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the UAE’s largest and the world’s first Islamic bank, aiming to strengthen career pathways for Emirati students and enhance their readiness for the workforce.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, and Rafia Al Abbar, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources at DIB. The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s national development priorities and underscores a shared commitment to building a knowledge-driven, future-ready economy.
Under the MoU, DIB will provide internship and employment opportunities to Emirati graduates from Ajman University. These placements will offer practical exposure to the Islamic banking and financial services sector, supported by immersive learning experiences such as site visits, industry workshops, and mentorship programs led by senior executives at DIB.
The partnership also involves DIB’s active engagement in AU’s career development programs, including its role as a strategic industry partner helping shape students’ early career journeys. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations, equipping students with real-world skills and insights.
In return, Ajman University will offer exclusive educational benefits to DIB employees and their families. These include tailor-made workshops and development sessions designed to enhance leadership capacity and strengthen professional skills, reflecting AU’s mission to promote lifelong learning and talent development across all sectors.
Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, explained that, “As a non-profit university, our mission extends beyond academic excellence to preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference. This collaboration with DIB brings academic inquiry and industry practice into closer dialogue, giving our students the opportunity to grow intellectually, develop professionally, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”
Rafia Al Abbar, SVP at DIB, said that, “Our collaboration with Ajman University reflects our enduring commitment to nurturing Emirati talent and shaping the next generation of leaders in Islamic finance. Through practical training, mentorship, and structured career paths, we aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and the real-world expectations of today’s financial industry. This partnership reflects our broader strategy to empower youth with the skills, tools, confidence and insight to thrive, while advancing the UAE’s national vision of building a competitive, knowledge-based economy.”
The agreement marks another milestone in Ajman University’s ongoing efforts to align higher education with labor market needs, supporting the UAE’s strategy of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic resilience.
