ABU DHABI // Just a month into the job, the new head of Paris Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi is already looking four years ahead.
Prof Eric Fouache was brought in to replace Prof Jean-Yves de Cara as executive director by the Sorbonne's newly elected president, Prof Barthélémy Jobert.
By 2016, when the French university's 10-year deal with the Abu Dhabi government is up for renewal, he needs to more than double student numbers, from the current 700 to 1,500. That deadline is already pressing. "In 2016 we have to be evaluated, though we do this every year and even month to month," said Prof Fouache.
"If we respect the timetable it's quite quick so my main challenge is to reach that target of 1,500."
He described the university's success in recruiting Emiratis, who make up a third of the total, as "something we are very proud of".
But he believed the Reem Island university, which opened in 2006, must reach out better to the community and be more open.
"In the past we were maybe not open enough but we will be more so." That will mean public events, conferences and debates. "I want Emiratis to know us and be able to better connect with us."
Eissa Al Raeesi, an Emirati who has worked at the university since 2007 as head of student affairs, agreed. "We need more cooperation between [university] departments and campaigns for students from overseas, especially those in the GCC and further afield."
Recently the university has visited countries such as Russia, Spain and Kazakhstan in its bid to widen recruitment, though its focus remained firmly on the UAE.
"We focus primarily on the UAE and its schools," he said, though he admitted that to reach target numbers, the UAE alone was not enough.
More courses should help. In 2013 a bachelor's in maths will the first of several science-based courses planned for the next two years.
mswan@thenational.ae
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Results
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Al Baher, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Talento Puma, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,950m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Stakes Listed (TB) Dh500,000 1,950m; Winner: Mark Of Approval, Patrick Cosgrave, Mahmood Hussain.
4pm: Conditions (TB) Dh125,000 1,400m; Winner: Dead-heat Raakez, Jim Crowley, Nicholas Bachalard/Attribution, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Jebel Ali Sprint (TB) Dh500,000 1,000m; Winner: AlKaraama, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,200m; Winner: Wafy, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Super heroes
Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue
Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate
Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues
Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking
Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses
Thor
He's a god
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh100,000 (estimate)
Engine 2.4L four-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 184bhp at 6,400rpm
Torque 237Nm at 3,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.4L/100km