The Emirates Diplomatic Academy, EDA, the UAE’s leading institution for international relations and diplomacy education, executive training and research, today announced the launch of its Master of Arts, MA, programme in Diplomacy and International Relations. The announcement came during a press conference, at the academy’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education, the programme equips holders of EDA’s Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations with specialised knowledge of global and regional issues, particularly those relevant to the UAE and the wider Middle East. With a focus on international relations and diplomatic thought, the curriculum enables students to hone their research, communication and critical thinking skills.

The new MA programme will include a variety of courses, such as trends in European foreign and security policy towards the Middle East, American foreign policy in the Middle East, international relations and diplomacy, the Middle East peace process, foreign policy and extremism.

Bernardino Leon, Director-General of EDA, said, "Since its inception, EDA has evolved into a leading national platform for education, training and research in the field of diplomacy and international relations, and is today a strategic resource for the country and its government. The academy is mandated to equip the UAE’s diplomats with the skills and expertise they need to support the UAE’s foreign policy objectives, address the challenges and leverage the opportunities the country encounters on the global stage, while continuing to break new ground in international diplomacy."

Leon said that he was pleased to announce the launch of the new academic programme, adding, "I am extremely proud of the speed with which our accreditation was completed, it is an unprecedented achievement. Emirati diplomats play a crucial role in cementing the UAE’s global standing through their service on the frontlines of diplomacy, and we are confident that our continuing Master’s programme will enhance their preparedness for this mission."