Business students at American University in the Emirates (AUE) were in for a treat as Mohammad Saeed Harib, founder and producer of the Gulfs most popular Arabic cartoon Freej, took time out of his busy schedule to speak with the students.
He discussed the importance of education and having a true passion for what you do in life and encouraged the students not to be afraid to try something new. He spoke about how the idea from Freej came to him when he was in his early teens and how he first started to bring the characters to life when he attended the Northeastern University in Boston, USA. Harib told the students about his difficult journey of trying to pitch the idea of a cartoon about Arab culture to investors and sponsors and about the immense amount of hard work and perseverance it has taken to make the show the major success it is today.
Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah Omolewu, also gives lectures in the College of Business at AUE. After meeting Harib’s family and hearing the story of his inspirational journey, she felt it was essential to invite him to AUE to share it with her students. She stated, “I always try to bring in prominent guest speakers that the students can easily relate to.
Mohammad Harib is like a superstar to Emirati youth, he is a major role model for them and his story is just amazing. The students are motivated and find it very inspirational when highly successful Arabs take time out of their demanding schedules to share their knowledge with them.”
Dr. Muthanna Razzaq, President of AUE, stated: As part of the dedication to our vision of being among the top leading liberal universities in the region, we feel it is important for the students to have a practical learning experience that will prepare them to succeed both in their careers and in life. Having prominent guest speakers for the students to learn firsthand knowledge of the market is one of the ways we achieve this goal.”
Abdulla Abu Talib, a business student at AUE stated: “It was very inspirational to hear this amazing story from a fellow Emirati, we did not know that he went through so many tough times in order to make Freej the success it is today. It made me feel like I could do anything if I put my mind to it.”
About American University in the Emirates (AUE)
AUE is a licensed university by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The university offers various accredited academic programs with flexible course offerings. The conceptual framework of the liberal instruction resembles the American based system of education. The programs offered aim to equip students with knowledge and sharpen their professional skills to meet the requirements of the job market at a local, regional, and global level.
AUE’s vision is to be one of the leading liberal higher educational institutions, providing an integrated pathway for students to become creative, effective, and productive members of society.
For additional information contact:
Sarah Omolewu
Marketing and Communications Manager
American University in the Emirates
Sarah.omolew@aue.ae
+971 50 353 0593