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Emirates College for Management & Information Highlights UAE’s Higher Education Growth Path at Oxford Summit of Leaders 2016

Increasing number of international schools and student mobility present unique opportunities for education sector
UAE, December 25, 2016 – The UAE is increasingly gaining global importance as an ideal destination for investments in higher education as the Gulf nation gives top priority to education as a means to achieving economic success and development, said Prof. AbdulSattar A. Al-Alusi, President and CEO of Emirates College for Management & Information (ECMIT), during a presentation held recently at the Oxford Summit of Leaders 2016 in Oxford, United Kingdom.
ECMIT, a leading private higher educational institution based in Dubai, participated at the summit held under the theme ‘Investment in Science and Education: Investing in the Future.’ Oxford Summit of Leaders 2016 is an annual event for education, scientific research and business.
During the summit, Prof. Al-Alusi noted: “The UAE Government envisions an exceptional system of higher education based on innovation, academic excellence and scientific research. Its policies and regulations, programmes and initiatives are all formulated to meet its overarching goal of building a knowledge-based economy. The results of such efforts are visible in the growth and internationalization of higher education in the country.”
Data shows that the UAE has invested AED 10 billion into the education sector – equivalent to a 22 per cent increase in governmental spending on education, both general and higher.
“The UAE Government’s higher education strategies have attracted international student mobility to the country, which has exponentially grown to more than 37 branch campuses within the last 10 years – the highest number among 200 worldwide higher education providers. This has been achieved by providing the platform for the construction of state-of-the-art campuses, investor-friendly regulations and policies, world-class support services to migrating students, and a wide array of degree specializations that meet current job market requirements,” he added.
Prof. Al-Alusi further explained that in order to ensure excellent access to both public and private higher education for citizens and residents, the UAE adopts several measures and guidelines including promoting educational institution leadership in the areas of R&D, creativity, innovation and competitiveness; ensuring the sustainability of a quality control system based on learning outcomes and academic integrity; strengthening partnerships with industry to align educational outcomes and labor market needs; promoting a culture of continuous learning and providing smart learning opportunities; supporting community service and social responsibility; optimizing financial resources and the complementary role between public and private education sectors; and enhancing international cooperation and creating an attractive learning environment for international students.
“The main drivers of growth for higher education in the country lie in policies and infrastructure, and quality and standards. It is evident that the rise of higher education institutions is not random but rather a focused move to boost the economic growth of the country,” he further stated.
Oxford Summit of Leaders 2016 was participated by a wide group of decision makers, education leaders, scientists, and representatives of academic institutions, universities and specialized companies from more than 50 countries around the world. Organized by the European Business Association in Oxford, the session focused on the most important issues and aspects in the areas of education and scientific research. The Summit discussed the latest developments and emerging trends on integrating the education, business and science sectors and highlighted the best practices and cutting-edge tools in the field of learning management.


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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.