Boston to the Middle East: A Journey of Collaboration
Wentworth Institute of Technology officials recently cast an academic net across the Middle East in a trip focused on fostering collaboration.
A group consisting of Wentworth President Mark A. Thompson; Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations Crate Herbert; Associate Vice President of Advancement, Industry, and Government Relations Aamir Suleman; and School of Architecture and Design Dean Sedef Doganer embarked on a whirlwind tour aimed at uniting minds across borders and setting down roots for future collaborations with industry leaders at the forefront of technological and construction advancements.
Thompson notes that the Middle East region has a great need for talent to work on a number of initiatives, and their industry’s desire for talent directly corresponds to the skills that Wentworth students are establishing.
“The trip was quite significant,” said Thompson. “Of all the areas in the world, the Middle East has the clearest sense of their strategic direction, and they have the resources to move forward on infrastructure and construction.”
The goal, says Herbert, is to be a part of the process.
“There are projects underway in that region that are at the forefront of innovation,” she said, “and Wentworth has the students and the alumni base to play a key role learning from and helping drive that innovation.”
United Arab Emirates
President Thompson admires Dubai’s growth and notes that its rise and ambition is like that of Wentworth.
“It’s a very progressive city with an aggressive plan for growth,” he said. “And they are truly embracing AI and sustainability, similar to what we’re doing with our academic offerings, and what we’re seeing across industry.”
Herbert and Suleman held talks with the American University of Dubai (AUD) prior to the trip and both sides indicated an interest in working together. Together with AUD’s provost, dean of architecture and design, and director of the Research Institute, Wentworth signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pave the way for identifying and pursuing collaborative projects and programs.
Positioned as one of the top three institutions in the UAE, the University of Sharjah is renowned for its expansive public institution status. UoS and Wentworth also signed an MOU to explore opportunities for joint programs, research collaborations, and academic exchanges that leverage the strength of both universities.
Additionally, an MOU was signed between Wentworth and Ajman University, one of the UAE’s first private universities. Dean Doganer shared more about Wentworth’s Architecture and Design programs with officials, identifying potential areas for partnership.
Alumni are playing a strong role in UAE and the Wentworth contingent caught up with a number of them.
“The Middle East trip presented a chance to reconnect with cherished and highly accomplished alumni who are doing very impressive work,” said Suleman.
Among them are Ahmed Bukhash ’02 and Saif Al Sadah ’02, who co-chaired in Dubai the inaugural meeting of the new Alumni Middle East Chapter. President Thompson related key developments at the university, and Suleman and Herbert hosted a round table discussion, laying the groundwork for future collaborations that can benefit both alumni and the broader Wentworth community. Al Sadah and Bukhash are working with Wentworth’s Alumni Relations team to further engage alumni in the region.
Saudi Arabia
One of the most enterprising cities in the world today, Riyadh is home to nearly eight million people. But they are just getting started on their growth. As part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, there are plans to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons and transform the city into a major hub for economic, social, and cultural actives through a capitalization of $2.7 trillion.
Wentworth dignitaries specifically discussed with Riyadh officials the NEOM project, a $1.2 trillion futuristic city to be built outside of Riyadh that will need architects, construction workers, and other industry professionals.
Additionally, Faisal Al-Shawaf, ’94, ’95, Hon. ’18, and HRH Nourah Al-Faisal graciously hosted the Wentworth group at the famed Saudi Cup. A distinguished leader in the architecture and construction world, Al-Shawaf is known for his vision and dedication to promoting cultural understanding with HRH Al-Faisal providing invaluable perspective. Together, they have been gracious partners and thought leaders, sharing insight into the region, and extending their kind hospitality through giving to Wentworth. In not only exposing the Wentworth delegation to Saudi culture through an invitation to the Saudi Cup but also through making numerous connections with other influential organizations in the region, they facilitated a truly enriching experience for the visitors.
Post Trip
Thompson left the area confident that great strides had been made to bolster partnerships and help provide an increased experience for the Wentworth community, including discussions already underway to arrange a Dubai global studio for Wentworth Architecture students in Fall 2024.
“The agreements signed with these institutions allow us to better explore opportunities for our students and others,” he said, citing faculty exchange in architecture programs and engaging in critiques of student projects, as well as eventually moving to students working on joint projects and a possible student exchange program as a few examples.
Thompson also sees such trips as a way to further expand Wentworth’s scope, bolstering the university’s reputation and visibility internationally. A similar trip is planned for India in August, while a return to the Middle East with the addition of Bahrain is currently in the works.
Buoyed by the positive reception in the Middle East, Thompson emphasized the importance of alumni connections.
“The interactions with our alumni were amazing,” Thompson said of the Middle East trip. “Our alumni are incredibly successful. They are highly regarded individuals who are helping to drive progress in the region.”
Find more photos from the trip below or on our Flickr channel.
