WAM Abu Dhabi, April 15th, 2012 (WAM) -- Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has participated in the Universities Fair - Al Gharbia 2012, to boost enrollment of Emirati students from the Western Region.

Organised by the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and administered by both WRDC and the Ministry of Higher Education '&' Scientific Research (MOHESR), the fair was held from 8 to 11 April in both Madinat Zayed and Gayathi City.

With students from public and private secondary schools as well as various government entities visiting the Fair, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi intends to promote its portfolio of courses - Bachelor degrees in French and Master degrees in English.

Al Gharbia 2012 was developed in response to the strategic objectives outlined in the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and the Al Gharbia Vision 2030 where the key priority sectors emphasised include Tourism, Food, Petrochemicals and Energy.

Dedicated to assisting the government in creating a workforce that complements these ambitions, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers students uniquely designed degree programmes specifically related to some of these key sectors.

This is the first time the university participates in the Western Region with the intent to meet and connect with Emirati students keen to pursue their career goals at a globally acclaimed university here in Abu Dhabi.

Prof. Dr. Jean Yves de Cara, Executive Director of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said, "We are pleased with our participation at Al Gharbia 2012 for the first time which resulted in a substantial number of enquiries from enthusiastic Emiratis passionate about their careers and fulfilling their national objectives. Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi is a UAE university offering exceptional French education and we work in tandem with the government objectives of creating a knowledge-based society. It is imperative we visit the various parts of the country and our recruitment team was delighted with the level of energy and interest from prospective students. Since our campus was established in 2006, we have observed a remarkable rise in the number of Emirati students with robust career aspirations representing more than 30% of our students body. We hope, in due course, these numbers will increase further to accommodate the future requirements of the UAE." In the forthcoming weeks, Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi will participate in GETEX Spring in Dubai from 19 to 21 April 2012 and will also host a Master's Open House on Sunday, 6 May 2012 at the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi campus from 6 to 9pm.

WAM/AM