The Open Univeristy Partnership
As a new institution of open learning in the Middle East and Gulf region, it was important to have a close relationship with an institution recognised as a world leader because open learning is little understood in the region. Consequently, the AOU started its English language teaching programmes with courses licensed from the UKOU. At the same time it sought institutional accreditation and validation from Open University Validation Services so that the university could demonstrate a commitment to quality by accepting UK norms for academic and operational performance and service to students. Furthermore graduates from the university would receive an internationally recognised UK qualification to go with their Arab Open University degree.
The AOU received initial institutional accreditation and validation in December 2003 .
