HBMeU Board of Governors underlines value of Dubai Crown Prince initiative to launch academic scholarship in his name

Board of Governors calls for better understanding of its academic programs
July 10, 2012
Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has recently concluded the fourth meeting of its Board of Governors for the academic year 2011-2012, touching on various matters such as the adoption of the previous meeting’s proceedings.

The Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, has expressed its gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, for launching an academic scholarship in his name. The scholarships will be awarded to 20 excelling high school students in the UAE who may pursue any undergraduate program at HBMeU. The members of the Board emphasized the importance of the generous initiative in enhancing the position of the university as a pioneer in e-learning and as the premier academic choice in the UAE and the Arab world. Recipients of the new academic scholarship will be chosen based on their GPA and their academic performance in high school.

H.E. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief and Chairman of the HBMeU Board of Governors, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for launching the academic scholarship, which supports the aspirations of the University’s Board of Governors to consolidate the role of the university in shaping the future of education, and contributing to professional and human development, based on best practices adopted in the field of e-learning and distance learning. His Excellency also lauded the university for its pioneering position through the continued support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, in his belief in the need to achieve excellence in education and to make the young generation ideally qualified to be competitive in the global job market, and ultimately nurture a generation that is able to continue to lay the foundations of growth and development, and contribute to the UAE’s overall progress.
In response to the last meeting’s directives of the HBMeU Board of Governors to promote better understanding of the University’s programs by intensifying field visits to public and private institutions across the country, the University presented an elaborate report on the visits and the response they have generated from government departments and private institutions in Dubai.
The Board of Governors has further called for a better demonstration and promotion of the University’s academic programs in Arab countries to spread the University’s message on a much larger scale. It also recommended conducting four meetings throughout the entire academic year to support the University’s focus on excellence.
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university, which is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.


The Open University of China discusses means of collaboration with Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University

OUC, the largest open and distance education system in the world, ties up with HBMeU to exchange knowledge

A delegation from the largest open and distance university in the world, The Open University of China (OUC), recently visited Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, to discuss means of collaboration between the two universities on various levels

. The Chinese delegation included the Vice President of the university, Professor Yan Bing, Director of Party Committee Office, Professor Wang Yini, Director of Human Resources Department, Professor Guo Hongyang, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs Department, Li Song, and Associate Researcher at the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Huang Danqing.

The Open University of China, established in 1979, carries out distance educational activities using an integration of three networks, including a satellite TV network, computer network, and people’s network. With over 5 million students and 80,000 faculty members, OUC is the largest open and distance education system in the world.

       
Dr. Mansoor al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, led the discussion accompanied by Dr. Narimane Hadj Hamou, Assistant Chancellor for Learning and Academic Development and several administrative and academic faculty members.
Add caption
The topics discussed revolved around exploring opportunities for collaboration between the two universities in the areas of research and development, establishing a virtual research center, offering specialized training courses for the faculty of OUC, co-operation with HBMeU’s publishing house, and academic exchange mechanism.       
HBMeU and OUC share similar primary objectives, one of which is to provide opportunities of higher education for professionals in different industries and enterprises and other members of the society; to conduct non-degree education through on-the-job training and training for practical skills; and providing educational services for people from all walks of life to update their own knowledge and to learn new skills.
As part of the visit, the OUC team toured the HBMeU premises, including the auditorium, virtual video studios, class rooms, computer labs, and library, and met with several academic faculty members. The OUC team praised the efforts of HBMeU management, particularly highlighting its commitment to ensure education for all members of the society.   
Towards the end of the visit, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar thanked Professor Yan Bing for approaching HBMeU to collaborate and exchange knowledge between the two universities in the areas of mutual interest. From his side Professor Bing extended an invitation to Dr. Al Awar and his team to visit OUC and meet with the rest of the management team in China.  
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.    
-Ends-


Dubai Judicial Institute honours its strategic partners

Move reaffirms role of partners in strengthening UAE’s increasing footprint in international legal affairs
 In line with its strategy to promote a culture of excellence, innovation and creativity, Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), a leading centre for legal studies and judicial training in Dubai and a member of the General Network for Government Communication, today (Thursday, May 24, 2012) organised a special ceremony to honour its strategic partners whose contributions enabled DJI to successfully achieve its strategic plan for 2011. The plan focused on promoting the ongoing training and development programs, leveraging the best judicial practices and establishing agreements and partnerships with key local, regional and global institutions and authorities to serve the Emirati community. 

Held at the DJI premises, the ceremony reflected the Institute’s commitment to reward partners from the media, governmental bodies, academia and the business community for their support towards various training initiatives undertaken by DJI. The training programs are aimed at boosting efficiencies at the national level by emphasizing on the highest standards of integrity, while reaffirming the role of law in achieving comprehensive development, which in turn positively impacts the community as a whole.

Moreover, DJI also honoured the authors and researchers for their intellectual work in the fields of law and justice, which enabled DJI to bring out 16 new publications, along with 83 research and study papers in various fields of UAE law.
During the event, honorary plaques were presented to prominent media and government bodies, including the Dubai Attorney General, Dubai Police, Dubai Courts, Department of Economic Development, DIFC Courts, Dubai Customs and Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development. Several judges, DJI employees, volunteers from Ajman University and members of DJI’s Scientific Council were also honoured for their supporting role and excellent performance.  
Dr. Jamal Al Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute,said, “Honouring our strategic partners reaffirms our total commitment to the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed of enhancing government integration and ensuring closer collaboration between government, private, educational and media institutions to achieve national goals and comprehensive development. We would like to thank our strategic partners and underline our ongoing quest for excellence in order to provide the judicial community with the necessary knowledge resources, while also guiding the Emirati community towards a better future. The emphasis will be on building a legal culture, research, training and habilitation programs for the development of human resources in the areas of law and jurisdiction, under the best international practices.”
The Dubai Judicial Institute was established in 1996 to help educate and train aspiring judges, prosecutors and their assistants, legal experts and lawyers. DJI also offers habilitation programs for public prosecutors to enhance their efficiency. The Institute provides training and consultancy services to various public and private sector agencies and institutions and conducts local, regional and global research and studies on all areas of law and jurisdiction.

For more information about DJI, please visit www.facebook.com/dubaijudicial, www.twitter.com/dubaijudicial. Video clips about DJI are also available on www.youtube.com/dubaijudicial.


HBMeU to raise awareness about its programs in UAE and across the region

HBMeU visits schools, educational exhibitions, school events in UAE, Jordan, Oman
May 13, 2012
Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has started to receive primary and secondary education students in its premises and has conducting field visits to other schools and educational events in the UAE, Jordan and Oman, in line with the directives of the university’s Board of Governors to create greater awareness about HBMeU and its programs among private and government sectors in the UAE and across the region.
The program also complements the university’s learner recruitment program, and is also designed to introduce the concept of e-learning and the flexibility it offers for learners to pursue other areas of interest while finishing their academic studies.
The visits are held in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education, educational districts and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai. The university has hosted a number of delegations from different schools such as Omar bin Al Khattab Model School, Al Yahr Secondary School, Sharjah Model School Boys, Al Bayan Boys School, Al Laseeli School, Humaid Bin Abdulaziz Boys School, Sir Bani Yas Boys School, Muzaira’a Girls School, Islamic Institute – Boys School Dubai, School of Modern Skills Private Dubai – Boys, School of Modern Skills Private Dubai – Girls, and Um Al Momeneen Girls School.
As part of the program, HBMeU has also visited educational exhibitions in different countries, including GETEX in Dubai, Global Higher Education Exhibition in Oman, and the 16th Annual Jordan Education and Training Exhibition in Amman, Jordan.
The university has also attended more than a dozen school exhibitions organized by various schools across the UAE such as Al Nahda Schools in Abu Dhabi, School of Modern Skills in Dubai, and the Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Dubai and Fujairah Campuses of Applied Technology Institute, among others.
Through such visits and participations, HBMeU aims to raise awareness among schools and students about its programs, the scientific researches it conducts, the training courses it organises, and its educational and informative services that are based on the principle of providing education anytime, anywhere. HBMeU is also keen on highlighting its learning environment that leverages the power of information and communications technology (ICT).      
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, said: “This program emphasizes the university’s commitment to apply the directives of the Board of Governors which aim to raise awareness about the university and its academic programs. These visits are an ideal way to introduce an unconventional educational environment offered by the university, based on the use of ICT in education and training. It also reaffirms the quality of HBMeU’s academic programs that comply with the highest international standards, which contribute towards building a generation of qualified young people with a high level of competency, experience and competitiveness.”
The program is the result of the fruitful cooperation between HBMeU and the UAE Ministry of Education in cultivating a culture of excellence and quality among the education and academic community,” he added.  
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university, which is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.
-Ends-


Universities in Dubai: Szabist University

SZABIST today is identified as a major university comprising of four campuses (including one foreign campus) three diploma centers, three intermediate colleges and one research center. Over 3000 degrees have been awarded by SZABIST to date.

 
The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) is a fully Chartered Institute established through a Legislative Act of the Sindh Assembly (Sindh Act No. XI of 1995) and is approved and recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, as a degree granting institution.
SZABIST has campuses in Karachi, Islamabad, Larkana and Dubai (UAE). SZABIST is a registered member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), Paris; Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), London; Federation of the Universities of Islamic World (FUIW) Rabat; Asia University Federation (AUF), Seoul; and the Association of SAARC Universities (ASU).

 

Business Week, the leading international business magazine, has listed SZABIST among the best business schools of the world for five consecutive years (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006). SZABIST is one of the top 20 business schools from Asia recognized by Business Week. Only two business schools from Pakistan are listed in Business Week.

Asia Inc, a leading Asian Magazine, has ranked SZABIST among the top MBA Schools of South Asia in its Asia’s Best MBA Schools Survey for two consecutive years (2003, 2004). SZABIST is one of the top 15 business schools from South Asia ranked in Asia Inc.

SZABIST is also ranked among the best Science and Technology and MBA schools in Asia by the CNN-Time publication Asia week. SZABIST is also listed in the CNN Executive Education Schools. SZABIST thus has the unparalleled honor of being the only Pakistani Institute to be recognized internationally by Business Week, Asia week, Asia Inc. and CNN.

SZABIST has signed Articulation Agreements with the University of wales Newport, UK and the University of Northampton, UK. SZABIST has also signed MoUs with the State University of New York, USA; University of London, UK; Philippines Women University, Philippines; and the Asian Academy of Film & Television, India.

  •  
     

     



HBMeU launches three educational initiatives leveraging social networking platform

‘HBMeU Connect’ featuring HBMeU’s commitment to fulfilling its pledge of accessible learning anytime, anywhere
Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has announced the launch of three educational initiatives under the ‘HBMeU Connect’ media platform, which leverages the power of social networking. ‘HBMeU Connect’ was officially launched by Dr. Saeed Al Hassani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, at GETEX Spring 2012, the Middle East’s leading education, training and professional development event being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 19 to 21, 2012.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University has launched ‘HBMeU Connect’ in line with its commitment to fulfilling its pledge of accessible learning anytime, anywhere, recognizing the importance of flexible and accessible learning tools and resources. The HBMeU Connect media platform – which is comprised of HBMeU Podcasts, HBMeU Mobile App and HBMeU YouTube channel – enables current and prospective learners to stay up-to-date with the latest events at HBMeU and even watch live streaming videos of HBMeU events.
HBMeU Podcasts are produced by the HBMeU Learners’ Council, and are audio podcasts made by learners for learners. The HBMeU YouTube channel is a dedicated HBMeU channel on YouTube to promote and disseminate e-Learning in the Arab World, making HBMeU the first university in the region to do so. The first phase of the HBMeU Mobile Learning application, the first-of-its-kind initiative in the GCC and the Middle East that fulfils HBMeU’s commitment to provide accessible learning anytime, anywhere, will be available on iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. The application provides a convenient platform for learners to stay up-to-date with the latest events at HBMeU.
Professor Nabil Baydoun, Assistant Chancellor for Learners & Enterprise Development, HBMeU, said: “The launch of HBMeU Connect reflects our commitment to facilitate accessible learning anytime, anywhere, enabling learners to leverage the power of social networking and access our wealth of learning resources and programs. Every component of HBMeU Connect has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of current and prospective learners. The Mobile application for instance is an important breakthrough that sets a new standard in education delivery in the GCC and the Middle East, and complements our efforts to adopt global best practices in creating a comprehensive learning experience. We feel that GETEX serves as an ideal venue to launch HBMeU Connect as it gives us unprecedented coverage and reach across target audiences in the UAE and across the region.”
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university, which is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.




ALHOSN discusses ‘Critical Thinking in Higher Education’ at Region’s largest English as a Foreign Language Conference

Delegates from ALHOSN University’s English Department join 18th International TESOL Arabia Conference in Dubai
 
Dubai, UAE, April, 2012 – The English Department of ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education, recently fielded nine delegates to TESOL Arabia’s 18th  International Conference and Exhibition 2012 held at Dubai Women’s College.  The group included faculty members Hassan Mustapha, Hassan Belhiah, Mark Neville, Richard Baltus, Amanda Tinnin, Mongi Baratli, Chantal Mercier, Maha Elhami, and May Elhami.

Held under the theme ‘Achieving Excellence Through Life Skills Education,’ this year’s conference gathered over 1,000 delegates and offered participants a wide range of professional development opportunities including presentations by plenary and featured speakers, concurrent sessions, and specialized professional development courses. Delegates also availed of the opportunity to see the latest teaching aids and tools up close during the Innovative Materials Showcase as well as new books and other literary materials from international publishers and distributors displayed during the TESOL Arabia Exhibition.

Dr. Hassan Belhiah, Associate Professor at ALHOSN’s English Department, delivered a presentation titled ‘Thinking Critically in English: Challenges and Opportunities.’ In his presentation, Dr. Belhiah explained the process of launching new curricula that focus on problem-solving and critical thinking. The presentation walked the audience through the decision-making process involved in the development of the critical thinking component with a view to enabling participants to design effective critical thinking tasks taking into account their students’ proficiency level in English.  The audience had the opportunity to see the materials and resources used during the process, including exams, tasks, materials, and online references.
The presentation concluded with a set of recommendations on the effective integration of critical thinking into curricula that foster students’ expert thinking and promote the level of cognition needed in a globalizing economy and culture. 



“The International TESOL Arabia Conference is an inspirational annual event representing a must-attend forum for English Language Training professionals. We thank ALHOSN University for supporting the members of its English Department and encouraging them to attend this landmark conference,” said Prof. Hassan Mustapha, Chair of the Department of English, ALHOSN University.

TESOL Arabia is the regional arm of TESOL Inc., a US-based global professional organization for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL Arabia aims to provide a network of communication among professionals – mostly based in the UAE and Gulf region – who use English as a medium of instruction. It promotes and maintains excellence in teaching and administration.
Named after Abu Dhabi’s historic ALHOSN Palace, 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.

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.