The Creative School expands education activities in United Arab Emirates
Toronto Metropolitan University and Canadian University of Dubai leaders sign a new agreement to expand long-standing partnership
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) expands its transnational partnership with Canadian University Dubai (CUD), marking a significant milestone in their six-year collaboration. This new phase brings expanded offerings, additional programs, and unprecedented international opportunities designed to empower students and equip them for influential roles in the creative industries. This alliance reaffirms both institutions' commitment to driving innovation, fostering cross-cultural creativity, and cultivating the next generation of leaders in the global creative economy.
“Expanding our partnership with Canadian University Dubai is a pivotal moment for The Creative School and our students. This expansion not only enhances our global impact in creative education but also reinforces our commitment to fostering cross-cultural creativity. By equipping students with diverse skills and international experiences, we are preparing them to lead and thrive in the global creative economy,” says Charles Falzon, dean of The Creative School.
Toronto Metropolitan University staff celebrate the signing of new agreement with Canadian University in Dubai to expand creative program offerings
Preparing students for the global creative economy
Since its launch in 2018, the Creative Industries program at CUD has given students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a unique integrated learning opportunity in both the creative and business sectors within a single degree. The program has grown steadily, now enrolling over 100 students, with a continued growth in enrollment each year. The program offers students a unique curriculum focusing on entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation in creative fields while fostering connections throughout the UAE and the broader MENA region. Through partnerships with influential organizations such as the Dubai Museum of the Future, EXPO 2020, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, MAXPRO Fitness, MBC Studios, and World Art Dubai, the program provides invaluable learning experiences, enabling students to engage in real-world applications of their studies. Additionally, the program offered cross-disciplinary opportunities for students from both institutions to collaborate on projects and gain international exposure.
“Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is proud to be at the forefront of establishing one of the first Creative Industries programs in the Middle East,” says Evangelos Moustakas, Dean of the School of Creative Industries at CUD. “Through our collaborative creative work with TMU in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we build strong relationships between artists, producers, festivals, curators, and entrepreneurs in Canada and their UAE counterparts. We also curate a significant number of innovative interdisciplinary projects in creative industries.”
Toronto Metropolitan University and Canadian University in Dubai leaders sign agreement in 2017 to launch the Middle East's first undergraduate degree program in Creative Leadership
Toronto Metropolitan University and Canadian University in Dubai leaders sign agreement in 2017 to launch the Middle East's first undergraduate degree program in Creative Leadership
The partnership expansion includes adding new specializations within the Creative Industries program at CUD including Professional Communication, The Fashion Industry, Media Business, The Music Industry, and Event and Live Entertainment. New programs in areas like Fashion and Professional Music are also being considered for future offerings at CUD. These new offerings are expected to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving creative sector in the UAE and provide students with an extensive suite of skills for emerging global markets. TMU and CUD are also planning the introduction of TMU’s renowned Master of Digital Media program, which would expand graduate-level opportunities for those pursuing advanced knowledge in digital media and related fields.
In Spring 2026, a travel-intensive program titled Dubai Experience: Creative Strategies will offer 50 students from TMU a two-week immersion in Dubai’s thriving creative ecosystem. This course will allow students to explore the UAE’s dynamic creative industries with an entrepreneurial focus, studying in one of the world’s leading nations on the Global Entrepreneurship Index. This unique learning experience is designed to broaden students’ perspectives on global industry practices and cultivate a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
Students from Toronto Metropolitan University and Canadian University in Dubai celebrating their collaboration on a creative branding project for Dubai Expo 2020
Future-proofing the next generation of creative leaders
The expanded partnership between The Creative School at TMU and Canadian University Dubai represents a bold step forward in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. By integrating comprehensive programs and innovative curricula, both institutions are committed to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the global creative economy. The collaboration not only enhances educational offerings but also fosters invaluable industry connections and cross-cultural exchanges, ultimately preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving landscape. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to create lasting impacts, empowering students to become dynamic contributors to the creative sectors in both Canada and the UAE.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.