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Salford’s Postgraduate Push Helping Drive Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision

University of Salford is launching 30 postgraduate courses in its Abu Dhabi global hub which opened up in May
UAE, November 03, 2014 – The University of Salford’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (International Priorities), Professor Amanda Broderick, is launching a wide-ranging portfolio of postgraduate and career professional development (CPD) courses in Abu Dhabi on Sunday 2 November.

The programmes being launched are all in academic areas where the University has an internationally recognised reputation. The portfolio has been developed to support sectors identified as priorities for growth in Abu Dhabi’s Economic 2030 Vision.
The courses will include postgraduate level qualifications in Construction Management and Building Information Modelling (BIM), a module-level course in Diabetic Foot Healthcare and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health. These new programmes embrace the Middle East’s Smart City agenda and aim to improve diabetic care, whilst helping meet the growing demand for highly trained healthcare professionals in the region.
Major infrastructure and construction projects are a key part of the economic vision. But whilst the Emirati’s construction industry employs more than 500,000 people, 98% of that workforce are ‘non-citizens’. Therefore up-skilling the domestic and regional workforce is a top priority. The introduction of the University’s expertise in Construction and BIM and new postgraduate courses will contribute to reducing Abu Dhabi’s overreliance on migrant workers.
 Hisham Elkadi, Head of the School of Built Environment at the University of Salford, said: “The University is offering a new global-leading Building Information Modelling (BIM) programme designed to develop in-depth knowledge of BIM and lean processes.
The new programme offers research-based teaching combined with the opportunity to learn from the world’s leading industrial experts through a series of integrated guest lectures. If you want to increase your knowledge of efficient multidisciplinary collaboration through the design and construction process and the life cycle management of assets with the support of BIM, this course is for you.”
As well as infrastructure, healthcare is a major area of growth in the region. Diabetes, in particular, is a serious issue in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. The University is already working closely with Mafraq Hospital. The relationship has led to a 38 per cent risk reduction in hospital mortality and major amputation rates for diabetic foot emergencies at the facility. The new Diabetic Foot Healthcare module will help continue that success and train home-grown medical professionals.
Mafraq’s former Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Professor Mo Baguneid said: “Complicated diabetic foot infections are common within the Middle East and in particular the outcome of late presentations is devastating. Much more needs to be done and continued collaboration with the University of Salford is important.”
Salford has developed the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health for Abu Dhabi as the overall healthcare industry in the Emirati has grown considerably in past 20 years. The sector now employs more than 50,000 people and is the second largest employer of women. Plus, there are now 900 healthcare centres in Abu Dhabi, with health tourism also becoming a growth industry. The region will need a highly-skilled work force to maintain such growth and Salford’s postgraduate courses will help sustain the expansion.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (International Priorities), Professor Amanda Broderick said: “Helping Abu Dhabi and the wider region up-skill their workforce in these specialist areas is a fundamental part of the University of Salford’s international priorities strategy. Maintaining an international context to the University for our students is imperative as the ME regional and global employability markets continue to diversify and grow.
“Salford has an excellent reputation in delivering industry-relevant postgraduate and professional level qualifications. These courses will enhance the University’s history of working with educational partners and industry across the UAE and wider Middle-East. Postgraduate and professional education is a key driver in Abu Dhabi’s quest to become a successful knowledge-based economy and the University of Salford is immensely proud to be a part of that vision.”


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Autodesk, ADVETI and STS Collaborate to Advance 21st Century Skills in Abu Dhabi

Autodesk 3D design software technologies will support students from science, technology, engineering, digital arts, or mathematics (STEAM) related subjects to solve real world challenges.
 Abu Dhabi, 05 August 2014 – Autodesk Middle East has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) to advance design education and 21stcentury skills between ADVETI Institutes, Secondary Technical School (STS) and Autodesk as Industry and Technology partners. STS is a technical high school within ADVETI, established to provide young Emiratis with a senior high school education that has a focus on technical and technology education.

Based on the agreement signed Autodesk Middle East will collaborate closely with ADVETI faculty, STS and its curriculum development departments to facilitate the following:
  • Technology access: Provide access to Autodesk Academic Resource Center which currently offers Autodesk’s professional 3D design software and creativity applications for use in all ADVETI classrooms, workshops and labs at no charge.
·         Curriculum development: Develop discipline-specific curricula and courseware to enhance students’ knowledge and application of advance industry concepts and workflows including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Prototyping, and Digital Entertainment Creation.
·         Facilitating project-based learning: Implement project-based workshops utilizing professional Autodesk 3D design software technologies to support science, technology, engineering, digital arts, or mathematics (STEAM) related subjects to solve real world challenges.
·         Training model: Conduct professional develop and excellence programs and validating faculty skills through Autodesk Certification
·         Immersive learning experiences: Encourage students to participate in national design competitions organized by Autodesk to showcase their design skills and interact with peers from different states
Today’s students are tomorrow’s creative leaders who will shape the future of our economy. By imparting industry-relevant knowledge and 3D design skills to the future workforce, the collaboration between ADVETI Institutes, STS and Autodesk seeks to prepare tomorrow’s generation to take full advantage of opportunities in a new global environment,” said Louay Dahmash, Head of Middle East, Autodesk.
“3D Design technologies today are becoming critical to solve some of the most pressing challenges related to urbanization, sustainable construction, efficient manufacturing and infrastructure planning. It is important for students in the region to master these skills and apply them meaningfully for overall development of the economy. With the partnership with Autodesk, we hope to provide our students and faculty access to the best of design technologies and immersive learning experiences and contribute towards building a skilled workforce in Abu Dhabi”, said Dr. Khodair Abid, Director of Schools – ADVETI.
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About Autodesk
Autodesk helps people imagine, design, and create a better world. Everyone from students and hobbyists to engineers, architects, design professionals and digital artists uses Autodesk apps, software and services to unlock their creativity make better products and solve important challenges. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.
Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Autodesk is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
Free Autodesk software and/or cloud-based services may only be used for educational purposes and are subject to acceptance of and compliance with the terms and conditions of the software license agreement or terms of service. Details and restrictions available at http://usa.autodesk.com/legal-notices-trademarks. 
© 2014 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. 


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ALHOSN University Opens for New Registrations Today

Abu Dhabi, 5th August 2014 – ALHOSN University Abu Dhabi is now open for new admissions for the Fall 2014 – 2015 semester. Starting today, ALHOSN University will be accepting admissions for its 18 Undergraduate Programmes and 11 Postgraduate Programmes under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences.


A member of the Association of Arab Universities (AAU), all the University’s programmes are accredited by the Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) in the UAE and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan. Moreover, several of its Engineering programmes have received accreditation from the American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), and ALHOSN University is the first private University in the UAE to receive such accreditation.

Dr. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University said, “ALHOSN University is a local learning hub that welcomes all those who are interested in pursuing their further studies. We offer flexibility to our students to suit their personal learning requirements, as it is our vision to build a community of learners with strong career skills as well as life skills.”

Besides its extensive academic programmes, ALHOSN University also offers students a wide range of extracurricular activities. In addition to social clubs and sporting events, ALHOSN University provides a platform for students to learn more about the art, business, culture and education in Ireland and the USA through the Irish Corner and the American Corner.

To apply to the University and register for the upcoming Fall semester, students may visit the Admission and Registration (A&R) Office at ALHOSN University, where they can apply for admission, register for courses, find details about tuition fees, as well as gain information about financial aid. The A&R Office can also direct prospective students to an advisor if they would like additional guidance in deciding what programme to study and for further advice about their studies.

For further information, contact the A&R Office at ALHOSN University on +971 2 4070700 or visit www.alhosnu.ae 

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About ALHOSN University
ALHOSN University currently consists of 3 Faculties: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which includes the Department of Education, English Department and Social Sciences Department; Faculty of Business, which includes the Departments of Business Administration, Accounting  and Management Information Systems; and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which includes the Departments of Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Interior Design, Software Engineering, Mathematics and Natural Sciences  and Urban Planning.

ALHOSN University is in Al Musalla, Abu Dhabi, it was founded in 2005. It follows a segregated learning system with separate study buildings for men and women. Since its conception, ALHOSN University has introduced exciting programs in a variety of disciplines that are in great demand nationally, regionally, and internationally. 


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Space Experts Highlight the Role of Dubai Sat-1, Dubai Sat-2 & Khalifa Sat in Country’s Progress

EIAST successfully holds workshop at RTA to promote outer space technology in UAE
UAE, July 14, 2014 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), successfully conducted a workshop at the head office of the UAE Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently as part of its strategic initiatives to promote the institution and its milestones as well as raise public awareness of outer space technology. The workshop was held at the RTA Auditorium and was attended by officials and employees from RTA’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Center.

During the workshop, space experts Ammar al Muhairi, Mohamed Bin Neshooq, Hessa Al Matrooshi, Eman Al Tunaiji, and Ghariba Salem made presentations about EIAST, its space programs, and its two fully functioning satellites – the Dubai Sat-1 and Dubai Sat-2. Their discussions revolved around various topics such as the remote sensing change detection, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Dubai Sat-2’s image specifications, image classification, and EIAST’s image enhancement and analysis tool. They also shared the 3D images captured by the satellites with the audience.
Further, the delegation tackled EIAST’s ongoing Khalifa Sat project, which is being developed by a team of Emirati engineers. Khalifa Sat will be launched into outer space in 2017. At the end of the workshop, an open forum was held to enable EIAST personnel to address questions and clarifications from the participants.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, EIAST, said: “The recently concluded workshop staged at the RTA was one of the many initiatives that we plan to do to raise public awareness of space science and technology. At EIAST, we want to educate the public about the role of space science in their everyday lives and how crucial it is in Dubai’s overall development and progress. During the event, our delegation did not only tackle EIAST’s landmark achievements but also how RTA could use and apply the data being captured by Dubai Sat-2 in its operations. Through this workshop and future events, we hope to generate the interest of the general population, especially the young Emiratis, to join us in our ultimate goal to position UAE as a global leader in the field of science and technology.”
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 to encourage scientific innovation and technological progress in Dubai and in the UAE. It also aims to develop the scientific skills and knowledge of Emiratis. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites.


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University Partners with University of Madrid to Host Lectures on Architecture

 Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4thJune, 2014 – ALHOSN University hosted delegates from the Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM) for a series of 3 lectures on architecture. The knowledge-sharing event was the first of its kind since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two universities in October 2013. Students and faculty had the opportunity of sharing with world-renowned Spanish professors and architects in-depth lectures, seminars and discussions of major academic interest.
The event opened on Monday afternoon with a talk on The Modernity of Al Hambra by Dr. Miguel Jaime, Assistant professor of the Department of Architectural Engineering, ALHOSN University, he said, “The Islamic Palace of Al Hambra is a masterpiece of architecture. The Alhambra is part of the lost history of the contributions of Islamic culture to western modernity. Owen Jones, the founder of British design, was so obsessed with the palace that he derived the principles of modern design from it. Le Corbusier based his famous “Architectural Promenade” on Arabic architecture and it is at the Alhambra that this inspiration is clearest. In Spain, La Alhambra inspired the reinterpretation of modern international style giving birth to some of the best contemporary Spanish architecture”
Professors from UEM followed Dr. Jaime with their seminars on recent developments in the sector of architecture and education. Dr. Pedro Pablo Arroyo, Academic Director of Architecture, Building Engineering and Civil Engineering UEM conducted a talk on Building the Cities of the Future: Contemporary Golden Age of Spanish Architecture. It was followed by a seminar on Metacities and the Education of the Future by Dr. Jose Luis Esteban Penelas, Chair and Professor UEM & Director of the AIR Labs Research Group, and Nestor Montenegro, Assistant Professor UEM, Director of the Tricontinental Masters in Integrated Architectural Projects.
ALHOSN University is honoured to have the opportunity to host these acclaimed professors of UEM. They have many awards and achievements to their name. “The topics for the seminar are pertinent and a reflection of the growth in industry. The sessions have been of great benefit to our students as they develop a deeper understanding of architecture from a multicultural perspective This is the first step of many to further to the relationship between the two universities, and a prelude to many more mutually rewarding opportunities.
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About ALHOSN University:
ALHOSN University currently consists of 3 Faculties: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which includes the Department of Education, English Department and Social Sciences Department; Faculty of Business, which includes the Departments of Business Administration and Management Information Systems; and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which includes the Departments of Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Interior Design, Software Engineering, and Urban Planning.
ALHOSN University is in Al Musalla- Abu Dhabi, it was founded in 2005. It followed a segregated learning system with separate study buildings for men and women. Since its conception, ALHOSN University has introduced exciting programs in a variety of disciplines that are in great demand nationally, regionally, and internationally. 
About the speakers from Universidad Europea de Madrid:
Dr. Pedro Pablo Arroyo: Director of the Department of Architecture, UEM. Educated in Spain, Argentina, Japan and UK (2 PhD degrees + Postdoc), Dr. Pedro Pablo has professional practice offices in Shanghai and Madrid. Has published and exhibited his work in in USA, Japan, Italy (Venice Biennale) and Spain. His research has focused mainly on bridging the gap between art and architecture, public housing, CAD, and heritage. His practice has received several awards in China, Spain and USA.


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All-Female Team of Emirati Students from Zayed University Grabs Top Prize at Business for Better 2014

    Shamma Alfahim and Sumaia Alharthi’s business plan of Multi-Gym facility for pregnant and elderly women wins AED 90,000 worth of scholarship
Teams from Manipal University and Abu Dhabi University stood second and third place respectively,  2014 edition introduces three new categories–‘Most Innovative Idea,’ ‘Most Socially Responsible Business’ and ‘Best Presentation Skills’

 

UAE, June 3, 2014 – An all-female team of Emirati students from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi won top honors at this year’s Business for Better competition for their business concept of a Multi-Gym facility for pregnant and elderly women. The winning team, comprising of Shamma Alfahim and Sumaia Alharthi took home AED 45,000 worth of scholarships each. The competition, which is organized by Western Union, a leader in global payment services, and Al Ansari Exchange, a UAE-based foreign exchange and worldwide money transfer company, held the awards ceremony recently at the Address Hotel, Dubai Marina. The winners were determined after 13 shortlisted teams that represented various reputed universities from the UAE, presented their business concepts to a panel of judges earlier in the day.
The 13 student teams made detailed presentations of their plans for sustainable business. Judges reviewed the presentations based on the criteria of ‘Originality of the Idea,’ ‘Business Concept and Description,’ ‘Proposed Implementation and Methodology,’ and ‘Financial Planning and Corresponding Budgets.’ Aside from Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President, Western Union, and Kamal Asif, Head of Business Development, Al Ansari Exchange, and the judging panel comprised of Imad Ghandour, Founder & Managing Director, CedarBridge Partners and Lisa Labonte, Founder & Chief Executive Office, Arab Youth Venture Foundation.  
Rashed Ali Al Ansari, General Manager, Al Ansari Exchange, said: “We are very proud of the students who have joined this year’s ‘Business for Better 2014’ competition, whose entries have demonstrated creativity, potential and key marketability. Al Ansari Exchange has remained true to its commitment of implementing CSR initiatives. This year’s competition has allowed us to work closely again with our partners at Western Union to provide practical guidance to all participating students to help them shape their entrepreneurial skills and try to make a difference in the UAE’s education and business sector. We congratulate all the winners and wish them great success in theor academic and professional careers.”
Hatem Sleiman said: “All the participants in ‘Business for Better 2014’ competition presented viable business plans and it was a tough call for the judges to select the three winners. The winning team had successfully identified the need for a specialty gym with a focus on expectant mothers and elderly women. They presented their business concept effectively, covering all aspects of a thriving business such as the implementation of the idea, marketing plan, and a well thought off revenue model.”
“At Western Union we understand that education is one of the surest paths to financial inclusion. The Business for Better competition which we have organized for the 3rd year with our Agent Al Ansari Exchange demonstrates our commitment to support education, grow young minds and to create opportunity for all. We are proud of the achievements of the UAE’s students and thank all the participating universities and their students for their enthusiastic engagement with the competition. We congratulate all the winners for a job well done” Sleiman continued.
Eight universities, including the American University in Sharjah, the American University in Dubai, Zayed University, Heriot Watt University, Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, Amity University and Manipal University participated in the ‘Business for Better 2014’ competition. Beside the shortlisted teams and judges, the family and friends of the students, university representatives, and senior executives from Western Union and Al Ansari Exchange, also attended the award ceremony.
The winning concept was the business proposal for a multi-gym especially for pregnant and elderly women along with teenagers and children. The proposed gym offers fitness programs, including yoga, aerobics and weightlifting for expectant mothers in order to keep them fit and healthy all through their pregnancy. In addition, there are specially designed Wii game programs for children and teenagers suffering from obesity. Other special features include exercises for elderly ladies to help fight age-related ailments such as arthritis and osteoporosis, fish pedicure, and a child center.
Grabbing second place was the team composed of Ahmed Abdur Rahman, Abdul Jabbar and Muhammed Anas from Manipal University, who were awarded AED 30,000 each as the prize money. The Abu Dhabi University’s team of Israr Ahmed, Muhammed Abdulla and Waleed Ihsan was placed third in the competition and received AED 20,000 each. The judging panel also handed over special awards for ‘Most Innovative Idea’ to the team of Khaled Gaber and Ahmed Elsayed from the American University of Sharjah, ‘Most Socially Responsible Business’ to the team of Nikhil Kumar, Meghna Nambissan and Shyair Ganglani from American University in Dubai and ‘Best Presentation Skills’ to the team of Yasmeen Rwaished and Mohanad Rwaished from American University of Sharjah. Participating students were presented with Certificates of Participation and Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts. 


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ALHOSN University Accepted in the Association of Arab Universities

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 1stJune, 2014 – ALHOSN University proudly announces its acceptance in the Association of Arab Universities. Members of the board, staff and fraternity take pride in the achievement as the Abu Dhabi based education institution attained its rightful recognition. A total of 240 universities from 22 countries are members of the association, working to support and connect universities in the Arab world, and to enhance cooperation among them. The recent honour for ALHOSN University marks the continued efforts it has made in the education sector.

The university is distinct in many ways. Further to the royal name that it derives from Abu Dhabi’s historic Al Hosn Palace, the university stays true to its name by giving the best to the students and the community. Since its inauguration in 2005 the university has become an acclaimed hub of knowledge sharing and growth. Respected for the high-quality, value-based education that it delivers, ALHOSN University currently offers 18 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences.
The motto of ALHOSN University, “Global Knowledge with Local Vision”, is much more than just a slogan. It is a philosophy and a firm belief in the values of global knowledge combined with local traditions which are steeped in history. Dr. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University said, “I think it is imperative for us as education providers to shift our focus. The most important objective of education should be to teach the students to know how to use, relate, implement, and expand their knowledge responsibly.  By sustaining the student in his process of acquiring the savoir-faire,  education will enable individuals to be valuable contributors to the economy as well as leading innovators differentiating as such their nations. Education should teach the students how to produce actions and reactions adapted to human society and the environment.”
Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University with Prof. Sultan Abuorabi Al Adwan Secretary General of Association of Arab Universities (AAU)

“We encourage thought and learning. Student activities like art, science and book clubs engage interaction and exchange of ideas. We want to strive to create in our students a fire to achieve. These youngsters are the future of our nation. While it is necessary to earn a living and common to aspire for the good things in life, education should be beyond that. It should expand the mind and foster values and beliefs that lead to a responsible world and life views. Our students are therefore being honed with deeper layers of knowing how to serve others, to discern if it is for the greater good, or to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of the society,” he added.

ALHOSN University believes in educating professionals to be leaders for a modern community. As an institution of higher education, it prides itself on being a creative agent for change and diversity. It pledges to emphasize a faculty-student learning community that promotes the value of service and research and employs collaborative educational strategies that develop teamwork, utilizes real-life experience, fosters caring, and prepares for the realities of the marketplace of the future. ALHOSN University envisions becoming internationally recognized as a university where all of its members are committed to producing graduates with a solid foundation of career and life skills. In order to accomplish this, AHU intends to create a community of learners, where a learner is an individual who is empowered, informed, and responsible. “The different committees and student bodies that we have are proactive in the frequent workshops and field trips that we conduct. The Services and Activities Committee (SAC) of the Faculty of Business organized two field trips to NEOPHARMA recently. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences arranged its first informatory lecture titled “Sustainable Development and Green Path” by Dr. Ali Al Amoudi, UAE Environmental Consultant and Senior Environmental Engineer at TAKREER – ADNOC. The Mechanical and industrial engineering Department invited Dr. Mabrouk O. Allagi, a nuclear energy expert and a radiation specialist to speak on the Nuclear Energy application in the UAE. These are all initiatives we take to give our students a fuller and more hands on understanding of how the industries on the ground work and what the pressing issues that need the attention of the next generation are,” said Dr. Marko Savic Provost for Quality Assurance and Development “For education to be complete, there has to be a holistic approach.   Students and graduates are more than employable minds whose corporate careers are the only yardstick for being successful.  They should also exhort themselves to learn and to grow towards responsible citizenship.  Therein lies the big difference – the former is merely what it means to be schooled, and the latter is how it is to be educated.”

AHU has been in close association with the Australian Council for Educational Research ( ACER)  on the recently conducted graduate destination survey for Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC). “This was the first of its kind study done in the region and the survey response rate from ALHOSN University graduates was 74.2% which is high above the mean (50.8%). This fact puts our results in a very high reliability range. Furthermore, the overall employment rate among our fresh graduates is 77.9% which is far higher than the overall or indeed our peer institutions average (overall mean is 60.8%, and private institutions mean is 69.9%). Building on the trust of our patrons we are currently inching forward with our expansion plans in Dubai. We want to develop and grow from the strong foundation of repute that has been established,” added Dr. Savic. “An awareness has to be on what is and can be. With the support of media and the community we can spread the word about our endeavors and ideology. A better know how of our system of education and administration will give higher appreciation for the progress that we are steadily making,” he concluded.
About Al HOSN University
ALHOSN University currently consists of 3 Faculties: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which includes the Department of Education, English Department and Social Sciences Department; Faculty of Business, which includes the Departments of Business Administration and Management Information Systems; and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which includes the Departments of Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Interior Design, Software Engineering, and Urban Planning.
ALHOSN University is in Al Musalla- Abu Dhabi, it was founded in 2005. It followed a segregated learning system with separate study buildings for men and women. Since its conception, ALHOSN University has introduced exciting programs in a variety of disciplines that are in great demand nationally, regionally, and internationally.