Last night, GROHE, the world leading German manufacturer in sanitary fittings, and The American University in Dubai (AUD) celebrated the official signing of their memorandum of understanding (MOU) at an exclusive event at AUD’s campus.
This year saw GROHE and AUD partner together on the University’s 2016 Spring Semester Wellness and Spa Course– an advanced Interior Design course focusing on wellness centers analysis, planning and design.
The event also celebrated the culmination and winner of the “WATER & SAND” Design Atelier – a collaboration between GROHE, AUD, and ALSERKAL Cultural Foundation. During the unique design atelier, also part of the Wellness and Spa course, students developed a wellness project located in a wind tower house in the cultural area of Al Fahidi District- Dubai using a GROHE Spa range. Prof. Albert S. Fakhoury and Interior Design Professors Annamaria Lambri and Jasmine Shahin led students through this challenging and exciting journey alongside Ms. Lina Varytimidou, Director PR and Head of GROHE SPA in the East Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa who played an instrumental role in this collaboration.
The official event was attended by Mr. Simon G. Shaya, the General Manager and President for East Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa for GROHE. From AUD, in attendance were AUD senior spokespeople including the President Dr. Lance De Masi, AUD’s Provost Dr. Jihad S. Nader, the School of Architecture, Art and Design Dean, Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, the Chair of the Interior Design Department, Prof. Albert Fakhoury, and the Director of External Relations, Mrs. Peggy Awad.
Students from the Wellness and Spa Course attended the MOU signing event and were awarded certificates for their work and efforts during the course. The overall winner of the final assignment was announced, and Maha Boulfelfel was given the grand prize of a highly competitive internship at the GROHE office in Dubai.
President de Masi opened the event with a welcome speech where he emphasized the successes of the relationship with GROHE, and the importance of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GROHE and AUD. He continued to highlight the strong value exchange for both partners and most importantly, the students.
During the event, guests were given the opportunity to view the students’ work which was displayed alongside GROHE’s latest and flagship products.
Mr. Simon G. Shaya commented on the occasion saying, ‘‘This strategic partnership with AUD showcases our dedication to education. The nurtured relationship with this prestigious institution has paved the way for future opportunities between both parties. GROHE is very happy with the exceptional work produced by the students and we are looking forward to welcoming Maha Boulfelfel to intern at the Dubai office as well as to future collaborations on the Wellness and Spa course.’’
President de Masi of AUD also spoke about the partnership saying, “The Interior Design Program at the American University in Dubai, the only independent one outside of north America to hold accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), aims to propel students who are driven, skilled and capable of combining design and technology to enhance the lives of consumers. By partnering with GROHE, we believe our students are more future-ready and inspired to take on the design industry.’’
Interior design companies and institutions as well as faculty members and the AUD community were also in attendance at the event.