The American University in Dubai (AUD) renewed its longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MillerKnoll, reinforcing a strategic partnership that supports innovation, academic excellence, and industry engagement within the Interior Design program.

This continued collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bridging academia and professional practice by creating meaningful opportunities for students and faculty while contributing to the advancement of the design industry.

Held at AUD campus, the signing ceremony was attended by President Dr. Kyle Long, Stacy Stewart, MillerKnoll Senior Regional Director MEA; Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, Dean of AUD School of Architecture, Arts & Design (SAAD); Professor Annamaria Lambri, AUD Chair of the Interior Design Department;Nichola Harrison, MillerKnoll A & D Manager MEA.

Under the renewed agreement, AUD and MillerKnoll will continue to collaborate on a range of academic and industry-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning experiences, supporting faculty engagement, and strengthening connections between academia and professional practice within the field of Interior Design.

The partnership has consistently provided valuable opportunities for students to engage with leading industry professionals, gain exposure to contemporary design practices, and develop a deeper understanding of the evolving workplace, hospitality, and interior environments shaping the future of design.

The renewed MOU further strengthens AUD’s mission to provide students with an internationally oriented education that integrates academic rigor, creative exploration, and real-world industry engagement. It also reflects the Interior Design Department’s long-term vision of cultivating partnerships that contribute to innovation, research, and the future of the design profession.