BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
A new partnership between Al Ain University and Appolonia and Synergy Dental Holding Group aims to strengthen medical education in the UAE by linking academic learning with practical healthcare experience.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed at Emirates Palace on Tuesday, will focus on dentistry training while supporting the country's growing demand for specialised medical talent.
Under the guidance of specialists and consultants, the university's Bachelor of Dental Surgery students will gain hands-on experience at Appolonia Group facilities and Synergy dental centres, giving them exposure not only to diverse clinical cases but also to advanced healthcare technologies.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Ghaleb Awad El Refae, President of Al Ain University, said: "Such collaborations help students engage more deeply in their field by enhancing hands-on experience and clinical practice."
The university recently launched its dentistry programme, enrolling 25 Emirati and expat students in the first cohort. All of them will take part in the partnership's training programmes, Dr El Refae said.
He noted that the new college is equipped with advanced laboratories and modern technology, familiarising students with the latest developments in the field of dentistry and medical sciences.
According to Dr El Refae, Al Ain University currently serves around 5,000 students across all programmes and places strong emphasis on maintaining high academic standards.
"Our top priority is the quality of education and the quality of our programmes," he said. The university's growing focus on medical education reflects its strategic direction to address community needs.
Al Ain University currently offers four majors, including pharmacy, nutrition, nursing and dentistry. "The expansion into medical disciplines aligns with the institution's commitment to supporting the healthcare sector and responding to market demand," Dr El Refae added.
Dr Yasser Haj Hamid, Founder and Chairman of Appolonia and Synergy Dental Holding Group, said the collaboration also highlights the importance of linking higher education with national development priorities, particularly in healthcare, workforce readiness, and community service.
The university's programme is the first dedicated dentistry college in the emirate. Dr El Refae noted that its establishment addresses the growing demand for dental education in Abu Dhabi, where families previously sent students abroad or to other emirates to study dentistry.