The Department of Mass Communications at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) organized a lecture entitled ‘A Step towards Creativity’ on Monday 4^th May 2015. It was delivered by Dr. Khalifah Suwaidi, Assistant Professor in the College of Education as part of the female students ‘Creative Youth’ graduation project.

Dr. Aisha Al Nuaimi, Associate Professor in the Department of Mass Communications, said that such lectures are important in stimulating student involvement in the creative process. Such events provide an unconventional and unofficial classroom where students can benefit from the experience of experts and acquire skills. This is in line with UAEU’s desire to provide an innovative working environment and is part of the university’s drive towards developing innovation, initiative and excellence in areas of national importance.

Dr. Suwaidi said in his lecture that, “humans can be creative but some creative abilities remain latent because of negative influences such as a lack of guidance. Creativity makes one productive and able to fulfill the needs of the community.” He cited the achievements of the UAE in terms of innovation.

The graduation project, ‘Creative Youth,’ aims to uncover young talent at UAEU, support it and promote self-confidence in order to utilize this talent in the creation of innovative ideas that can serve the university in terms of the media. This includes areas such as photography, press releases and radio and television. This will be achieved through workshops, lectures and competitions for innovative students that will create a distinctly competitive environment.