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HBMSU & Paris Dauphine University sign MoU to Cooperate in Islamic Finance Education and Training

  
UAE, November 10, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Paris Dauphine University (UPD), a renowned French public research and higher education institution, have entered into a landmark agreement to extend cooperation in Islamic Finance education and training. Both parties will work closely to design programs and initiatives in Islamic Finance tailored for the GCC and MENA regions. They will also jointly develop curricula that will give full credit for courses taken in either of the institutions.

Serine El Salhat, HBMSU’s International Cooperation & Corporate Communication, Assistant Chancellor, and Prof. Arnaud Raynouard, UPD’s Vice President for International Affairs, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a brief ceremony at the HBMSU campus.  The joint venture is timely given the growing global influence and popularity of Islamic finance. HBMSU and UPD provide excellent facilities for masters and research students to specialize in the field. Their world-class curricula and renowned faculty members help learners develop advanced and structured analytical and research skills to work in a wide range of Islamic Finance specialties.

 
Serine El Salhat, HBMSU’s International Cooperation & Corporate Communication, Assistant Chancellor, and Prof. Arnaud Raynouard, UPD’s Vice President for International Affairs, during the signing of the MoU.
The two institutions will also collaborate on other student and faculty exchange programs and jointly conduct faculty research. UPD’s Masters in Islamic Finance students will present papers before well-respected international academicians in HBMSU’s annual Innovation Arabia 8 conference, where UPD faculty and students can exchange ideas with their HBMSU counterparts and meet industry leaders and representatives. HBMSU learners, on the other hand, will join UPD students in their annual international trips. Since 2009, UPD has been offering the Masters in Islamic Finance degree locally and to other French-speaking nations. 


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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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EDUKEX 2014 to Take Place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in Early November

 
26 universities exhibiting at Le Royal Meridien – Abu Dhabi on November 3, and 4 at Dubai World Trade Centre on November 4 and 5
 
Dubai, UAE, 12 October 2014 – British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, will be holding the 13th edition of the Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX 2014) through separate shows in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the first week of November.
 
The exhibition will be inaugurated by HE Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to UAE on November 3 at Le Royal Meridien Hotel – Abu Dhabi and HE Edward Hobart, British Consul General in Dubai on November 4 at the Multaqa Ballroom at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Dubai exhibition will run until November 5.
 
The annual event targets UAE students through showcasing world class education opportunities in selected renowned UK universities. The Abu Dhabi event, open from 6 pm to 9 pm, will feature 26 universities, while the Dubai show will see participation of 41 education providers between 5pm and 9pm over two days.
 
EDUKEX will also allow students to get detailed information about educational programmes, through dedicated sessions at both venues, while highlighting relevant information on visa requirements, studying and living in the UK and types of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as information regarding scholarships and financial aid, for the benefit of students and parents keen to pursue UK higher education.
 
The 13th edition of EDUKEX is expected to attract record number of visitors, as a large number of exhibitors will showcase their special offerings, including Kingston University, University of Kent, University of Aberdeen, University of Plymouth, University of Westminster, Loughborough College, Middlesex University, London Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, University of Bradford, University of West London, University of Greenwich, University of the Arts London, The University of Law, University of Bristol, The University of Reading, Queen Mary University of London, University of Surrey, The Royal Wolverhampton School, University of Ulster, Norwich University of the Arts, University of Leeds, The University of Manchester, Loughborough University, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Warwick, City University, Anglia Ruskin University, Bangor University, University for the Creative Arts, De Montfort University, The University of York, University of Greenwich, York St John University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Regent’s University London, Liverpool John Moores University, BPP University, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Derby, University of the West of Scotland and Manchester Metropolitan University.
 
Marc Jessel, Director of the British Council in the UAE said: “awareness of UK higher education and application procedures has grown rapidly in the UAE. We are delighted to see EDUKEX expanding every year and achieving its goal of promoting the prestigious UK education system in the UAE.”
 
“Through the exhibition guide, we will help students draw full benefit from their visits by meeting with the participating universities. As a result, visitors will be able to find the right people to talk to and obtain the right information with ease,” said Jessel.
 
British Council organises EDUKEX as one of its initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and educational relations between the UAE and the UK.
 
Jessel added: “The main objective of EDUKEX is to raise awareness of the high quality of UK education and the extensive choice of courses and institutions on offer at every academic level.”
 
EDUKEX provides UAE students with the opportunities to obtain UK qualifications and return to the UAE to contribute to the economy with their ideas and skills.
 
From accountancy to zoology, visitors to the exhibition will be able to gather information on hundreds of courses being delivered by institutions across the UK.
 
The Gold Sponsor of the 13th edition of EDUKEX is The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the world’s proven English language test that is available through more than 900 test centres and locations in over 130 countries.
 
More than 2.2 million tests were taken globally last year alone, IELTS has cemented its position as the world’s most popular high stakes English language test by providing a reliable measure of a candidate’s ability across the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.



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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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6 out of Every 10 Students from UAE Who Study Abroad Choose the US

Referrals to US universities begin at home, says Consultancy’s MD
Dubai, UAE, 15 July 2014 – Carian College Advisors, an American education consultancy based in Dubai, has revealed that 6 out of every 10 UAE students currently studying in the US were strongly encouraged by one of their parents or siblings to pursue their undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in America.
The consultancy says that these students have their hearts set on studying in the US; that is their foremost concern, deciding which institution is secondary. In most cases, the choice has a lot to do with the opinion of parents or elder siblings who convey their first-hand experience and thereby inspire the students follow in their footsteps.

“The most desirable study options among UAE students this year are Business and Management, Engineering, and Math and Computer Science”, explained Peter Davos, Managing Director, Carian College Advisors.
Davos said: “Among UAE nationals, we see a definite trend of choosing the US for higher education, influenced by their parents or siblings. This is clear evidence that many of the referrals to universities begin at home and this is a direct endorsement of the US education system.”
He added: “It is remarkable how older UAE students (parents or siblings) maintain connections with their peers even after they leave universities or reconnect through social media. Most of them retain an emotional attachment to the place where they studied many years ago and take pride in referring their children to same university or state.”
Commenting on criteria for choosing the US as an education destination, Davos said: “Based on recommendations from fathers or siblings, UAE nationals look at quality of education as a main factor when selecting their destination of study as well as the prevailing cultural milieu.”
With over 4,000 degree-granting institutions of higher learning in the US in 50 states, Carian College Advisors caters to the varied needs and preferences of UAE students. Davos’ consultancy offers a range of admission counseling services for UAE students targeting the US for further studies.
Davos stated: “There is strong emphasis in the US on the holistic development of the individual and this is passed on to aspiring students by their parents who endorse that US education sharpens students’ personalities, broadens their views, and widens their vision and perspective on life.”
American universities encourage self-exploration and self-development and view them as an inherent part of an undergraduate education. Students at American universities are allowed to choose a minor, double major, or triple major of their choice, as long as they fulfill the stipulated course requirements. It is this freedom of choice that most attracts students to study in America.
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Editor’s Note:
Carian College Advisors is a specialist US education consultant that offers a range of admission counselling services for students in the UAE. Headed by Peter Davos (MSt Oxon, MDesS Harvard), Carian College Advisors is one among the few education consultants in the country that specialises in offering admission-counselling services for universities exclusively in the United States. Carian College Advisors can assist with the entire or specific parts of the application process, such as college list creation, the submission of a personal statement, supplemental essays, letters of recommendation, summary list of extracurricular activities, description of past summer experiences, and the completion of a college interview.




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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.