Three Students Defend Master’s Theses with Focus on Seismic Capabilities

ALHOSN University grooming advanced Building Engineers to support UAE’s construction & property rebound
Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 17th, 2013 – With the UAE’s construction and real estate sectors witnessing a steady recovery as of late, ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education,  has been focusing on the preparation of highly qualified talents who can help sustain the trend. Of particular focus is seismic design in light of the spate of seismic events witnessed in the region and around the world.
Three students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering at ALHOSN – Israa Hammouda, Ahmed Mohamed Moussa and Ahmed Al Ghazali – recently defended their respective theses at the university’s Male Campus. The panelists included the adviser of all three students, Prof. Mohamed Sobaih, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Sciences, External Examiners from UAE University in Al Ain and the American University in Dubai, and Internal Examiners from ALHOSN. 
The works deliberated on were ‘Seismic Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Frames in the Harsh Environment Using Pushover Analysis’; ‘Seismic Evaluation and Strengthening of Existing School Buildings in Abu Dhabi’; and  ‘Evaluation of Regular Multistory Buildings Using IBC2009 Code & ESEE Regulations by Pushover Analysis Method.’
“The recent incidents of earthquakes have made nations take a serious look at how well-built their structures are and if they do indeed have the right manpower to develop buildings and facilities that are not only functional but resilient as well. ALHOSN University desires to contribute to the upswings seen within the UAE’s construction and property sectors by preparing talents for the unique needs of a changing building engineering landscape,” said Prof. Raymond Tennant, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor, ALHOSN University.
ALHOSN University was founded in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing local demand for high-quality, value-based educational institutions. It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences. ALHOSN accepts students of all nationalities and also accommodates youths with special needs. All its programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
ALHOSN University is one of the few universities in the UAE that offers a Master Degree in Building Management, complementing its reputation as a seedbed for exceptional technical, scientific and engineering professionals.
About ALHOSN University:
ALHOSN University is a leading private university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education under the slogan “Global Knowledge with Local Vision.” The Abu Dhabi-based institution is owned and supported by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company and is fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
ALHOSN University manages accredited programs (12 undergraduate and 7 graduate) in three faculties, all of which were developed by top North American educational experts. Undergraduate academic degrees are offered as four-year programs and taught in English, except for the Arabic education component.

The University’s City Campus includes the Men’s Campus, the Women’s Campus, the Engineering Lab Building, the Library Building, and the Lectures Building, all located at the heart of Abu Dhabi. A main campus with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities will soon be constructed. ALHOSN is open to students from all nationalities



MoE sends school experts to UK for advanced course as part of School Leadership Programme.

Dubai, London, 17 June 2013: The UAE Ministry of Education and Pearson, the world’s leading education company, have announced that an elite group of 30 school principals, vice principals and teachers from across the UAE will visit the United Kingdom to participate in an advanced residential course in School Leadership. The course will allow participants to implement international best practices in teacher leadership in their schools on their return.

The course is an extended option for participants of the School Leadership Programme (SLP), an initiative of the national Ministry of Education that the Pearson Group is helping to roll out across the country. Pearson enjoys the reputation of being the world’s best known and respected education organisation.
The SLP is a programme of national significance that will see over 700 Emirati school teachers, supervisors and principals acquiring new skills and knowledge necessary to improve the standard of leadership in their institutions.
Her Excellency Fawzia Hassan Ghareeb, Assistant Undersecretary for education operations, UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) said the course forms part of the ministry’s drive to develop local human resources and raise the quality of teaching skills to international levels as well as upgrade the levels of leadership and managerial competencies in the education field, through global training opportunities.
HE Fawzia Hassan added that eight international training firms had pitched for this project, out of 19 invited to participate in the technical and financial proposal. The competencies of all bidders were meticulously analysed before selecting the most suitable company.
HE Fawzia Hassan hailed the School Leadership Programme as a significant five-year  international program aimed at developing leadership skills of over 700 education leaders from UAE public schools through 400 training hours.
Pearson’s President for the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Christine Ozden, said the UK and the UAE shared a special, mutually beneficial relationship when it comes to education. “The residential programme offered through the SLP is another way Britain and the UAE can learn from one another with the end goal of producing teaching and learning environments that allow students in each country to achieve their learning potential. This programme aims at raising the education standards in line with the development process being witnessed by UAE schools, thanks to the initiatives and plans beings implemented by the MoE”.
Pearson operates in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages. The company’s legacy in education goes back to 150 years.
-ENDS-
About Pearson:

Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com


ALHOSN University heightens learning experience with ‘Treasure’ stage play.

June 9, 2013
ALHOSN University’s Department of Education recently staged a play entitled ‘Treasure’ as part of its efforts to use school dramatization as a means to enhance the learning process.
Inspired by an Arabic lesson taught in the 6th Grade, ‘Treasure’ brings to life the legend of a group of children who share their dreams with a genie that emerges from a magic lamp they find in a desert cave.

Representatives from distinguished educational and cultural organizations were on hand to lend support to the play, including Dr. Maryam Al Ali from the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Prof. Talal Al Fulaiti from the Khalifa Award for Education, and Prof. Hanafi Jayel from Sultan Bin Zayed’s Culture and Media Centre.
Among those present from ALHOSN’s side were H.E. Khalifa Mohamed Rubaya Al Muhairi, Chairman of the ALHOSN Board of Trustees; university guest Prof. Alaa Abdul Bari, Dean of Student Affairs at the Arab Academy for Maritime Transport, Alexandria; ALHOSN Provost Prof. Raymond Tenant; Prof. Hassan Mustafa, Dean of the  Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Mohammed Kashef, Dean of Student Affairs; Prof. Munther Momany, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Ahmed Al Awadi, Adjunct Professor.
A high-profile group of journalists and media representatives, other faculty members, Abu Dhabi-based teachers, parents and students from primary schools attended the event as well.
H.E. Al Muhairi commended the outstanding work of ALHOSN’s Education Department, citing the significant educational value of school dramatization and the exceptional efforts of participating students in terms of performance, decorations and preparations. He underscored the important role of ALHOSN in promoting public communication through such types of events, which he said reflects the university’s varied roles that go beyond teaching and scientific research. Al Muhairi wished the Education Department and the whole university further success.  
Prof. Mustafa pointed out that extra-curricular student activities are catalysts for enhanced academic knowledge and student skills. He explained that school dramatization encourages interaction and creativity at both the theoretical and practical levels.
“This year’s play was a great success thanks to the outstanding performance and efforts of our students. School dramatization can be an effective educational tool – in some cases even better – compared to traditional approaches if used properly. It can significantly enhance the educational, artistic and creative skills of students,” said Dr. Mohammed Saeed Hasab Al Nabi, Chair of ALHOSN’s Education Department and supervisor of the play.

ALHOSN University was established in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing demand for high-quality educational institutions in the UAE. It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Business, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. ALHOSN caters to students of all nationalities and those with special needs. The University engages its students in various curricular and non-curricular activities as part of its holistic approach to professional and personal development.