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Education Revolution a Top Priority for UAE Government, Giving Rise to Greater Public and Private Sector Involvement

Education 2020 intended to drive investment in education infrastructure and resources in the region 
 
UAE, January 5th, 2014 – The increased emphasis on Learning and Knowledge sharing in the UAE is creating a tremendous impact on how Education is delivered, marketed, administered and regulated, which in turn is spiking investment and encouraging discussion and networking within the UAE’s education fraternity.
 
Scheduled to take place from 29th to 31st January 2014 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in the UAE capital, Education 2020 will make its debut as a focused, industry-driven trade show catering to the thriving business element of the region’s education market.
 
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director of the organising company, International Conferences and Exhibitions LLC, commented on the booming education landscape in the UAE, “Currently, all eyes are on the UAE and the Arab World, where the discussion and focus on education has never been so prioritized.  The growth and emphasis for quality in education is presenting remarkable business opportunities to suppliers of general education resources, education technology, management and administrative solutions and edcuation infrastructure providers from all over the world. Abu Dhabi particularly stands out on the globe as one of the most aggressive economies for education today, as it implements the most ambitious education upgradation plans to date which is costing the emirate billions of dollars.
 
The objective of Education 2020 is to allow buyers, sellers, specifiers, contractors, investors, regulators and educators to test, network, engage with and be exposed to the resources that will drive Education into the next generation and vice versa.” 
 
The event will also feature the Education 2020 Conference, that will address regionally-based teachers and academic leaders on a diverse range of topics including the Reformation of Education, the Development of 21st century skills for the delivery of education, Multimedia and Mobile learning, the Effective use of Technology in Classrooms, Content and Language Integrated Learning and other issues pertaining to today’s learning environment. Supported by TESOL Arabia, this Conference will be hands-on and bespoke for the teaching community, and will equip teachers with techniques to train furture generations.
 
Valued at US$1.9 billion/AED 7 billion, the private education sector in the UAE is one of the largest in the world, even exceeding that of China’s. With the country’s expatriate population constantly on an uprise, more local and international players are setting up base in UAE to tap into this growing market. Education 2020 will feature a comprehensive display of suppliers, vendors and solution providers, who play an active role in the region’s education landscape and represent top-quality products & services that will dictate furture learning environments. The event will attract visitors from across the Middle East who will be at Education 2020 to examine products, discuss issues critical to education delivery and explore the dynamic education landscape in the region. 
 
For more information, please visit www.educationabudhabi.com



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HBMeU Organizes International e-Lecture on Universality of Arabic Language

In support of ‘Bel Arabi’ initiative & to commemorate World Arabic Language Day
Dubai, UAE, December 18th, 2013 – In response to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation ‘Bel Arabi’  initiative for reviving the role of Arabic as a universal language, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) has organized an e-Lecture in the presence of faculty and staff of different nationalities in addition to several international educational institutions via a live ‘webinar’ broadcast. The international lecture comes in conjunction with the celebration of World Arabic Language Day today (Wednesday, December 18, 2013) in a move to restore the soul of the Arabic language which has long been an important channel for enriching intellectual, humanitarian and cultural heritage.
Dr. Talal Mohammed Al Darweesh, Head of HBMeU’s Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity (CAPI), delivered the lecture. He discussed the universality of Arabic language and its importance in terms of aesthetics, style, and powerful expression, as well as its literary and practical influence on the cultural renaissance. He also pointed to the remarkable global cultural contribution of the Arabic language, which forms part of the national identity of more than 400 million people around the world.
Dr. Al Darwish cited examples of the direct impact of the Arabic language in Europe and the world in terms of the development of science and literature as well as European and non-European languages starting from the fifth century onwards. He revealed the important facets and details of the language, referred to foreign quotes taken from Arabic, and talked about the impact of other existing languages on Arabic. 
Dr. Al Darwish added that the e-Lecture aims to highlight the importance of the Arabic language and its vital role in the development of education and scientific research. He noted that HBMeU is committed to leveraging the language as a tool for education and for enriching the Arabic library with major Arabized researches, studies and books via Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity. The CAPI program aims to spread modern knowledge and facilitate the learning of Arabic in line with modern developments under H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai vision of effecting real change in education as a key element of ‘UAE Vision 2021.’
For his part, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, explained how the importance of the Arabic language lies in its status as an authentic and vibrant language that copes with the present and the future. Al Awar pointed out that supporting the ‘Bel Arabi’ initiative is part of tireless efforts to promote the use of the language as an essential tool in education, scientific research, and the virtual world. He also stated that HBMeU has always been a model of embodying the aspirations of the wise leadership to guide the Arabic language away from traditional patterns which have had major influences in turning the new generation turning away from the mother language and abandoning the works of the Arabic minds works.
“HBMeU, through its Centre for Arabization and Program Integrity , is committed to maintain and protect the Arabic language as a reflection of our national identity. We aim to uphold the valuable contribution of the language in enriching global intellectual, scientific and humanitarian movements. We will continue to work hard in order to enhance the role of our language in supporting scientific research, an essential driver of human knowledge, and to strengthen its presence within regional and global scientific and knowledge forums in order to embody the ambitious aspirations of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed to make the UAE a global center of excellence in the Arabic language,” concluded Al Awar.




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British Council hosts tour of UK academics to connect with UAE’s booming real estate & construction sectors.

Tour to highlight need for customised university programmes to further professionalise the sector
Dubai, UAE, 24 October 2013: Academics from leading UK universities with expertise in the construction industry will be in Dubai on Saturday (26 October) at British Council office and on Sunday (27 October) at Centro Capital Centre Hotel in Abu Dhabi to highlight graduate and postgraduate programmes for students looking for specialisations in real estate and construction in UK universities.
The visit comes at a time when the UAE real estate market is continuing its steady climb, boosted by increased investor confidence, says Marc Jessel, Country Director, British Council, United Arab Emirates.
“The British Council is organising this tour to enable UK academics from leading UK universities to connect with decision makers from the booming UAE real-estate and construction sectors. The tour will focus building on the existing professionalism in these sectors by offering the region’s students tailored graduate and postgraduate programmes,” he added.
He said: “On the back of dramatic growth of the UAE construction and real estate sectors in recent months, interest in construction-related postgraduate degrees is on the rise. Moreover, the UAE government has identified the construction and real estate industries as two key drivers of diversification of the nation’s economy and, eventually, reducing dependence on the oil and gas sectors.”
Jessel added that the UAE government demonstrates strong commitment and vision to improve education amongst all sectors, including real estate and property.
“Our aim is to introduce the visiting delegates to representatives from scholarship agencies, education agents, educational institutions and potential students with the goal of helping them understand the structure and content of various programmes, opportunities for postgraduate study and career prospects.”
British Council said the tour demonstrates the commitment of the UK education sector to support skills development in the real estate sector in the UAE by developing programmes in direct response to the needs of the UAE construction industry.
“This event will bring together internationally renowned academic experts from the fields of property & construction management, quantity surveying, construction cost management, sustainable construction, construction project management, real estate management & development and facilities management,” Jessel said.
Panel speakers at the event include Professor Joseph H.M. Tah, Head of Department and Professor in Project Management, Oxford Brookes University, Dr Abbas  Elmualim, Associate Professor in Sustainable Built Environment, University of Reading, Professor Tarek Hassan, Professor of Construction Informatics, Loughborough University, Dr Ian Smith, Head of the School of Engineering & the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, and Andrew King, Senior Lecturer, College of Art & Design and Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University.

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EIAST Honors Winners & Participants of Dubai Sat 2 Logo Contest

UAE, August 27, 2013 –The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) recently held an awards ceremony to honour the participants of the Dubai Sat 2 logo making contest. Seventeen-year-old Aliaa Ahmed Sayed from Al Khaleej National School emerged as the overall winner for her use of the image of a falcon and the colors of the UAE flag to reflect the culture and history of the UAE. EIAST will place the logo on the satellite, which is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Winners from the different age groups who garnered the highest scores from the judging panel of EIAST were also honored. They included Mohammed Iqbal Eshaq, Aisha Hamid Sultan, Huda Ahmed Darwish, Khalifa Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Ahmed Abdulla Al Habsi. Five-year-old Asma Ahmed Al Suwaidi received a special honor for being the youngest contestant.

The ceremony was attended by EIAST Director General H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, EIAST engineers and employees, and relatives of the winners. Al Shaibani emphasized the Institution’s full commitment to developing the abilities of students and youths in general and providing them with all the support to develop and harness their talents.
 
“The participation of students in such competitions promotes capacity building and develops the spirit of innovation. Contests also foster a spirit of competition that results in solutions and innovations that can be of great help to the community. They represent an opportunity to introduce students to technical and scientific achievements in their own country that can become a source of pride for them,” said H.E. Al Shaibani.
Alia Ahmed El-Sayed, the winner of the competition said: “I found out about the contest through an advertisement placed in our school. I told my mother I wanted to join since I like drawing logos, and she encouraged me to do so. I wanted to design a logo that best reflects the spirit of the UAE. I have drawn a number of logos but only one of them has won. I am very proud and happy that my logo will be placed on the satellite and fly into space.”
The contest was opened in January 2013 to students in schools and universities in the UAE. It was organized in coordination with the Ministry of Education, education districts, public schools and universities. The competition was divided into five age groups: 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-20 years, 20-24 years, and 24 years and above.
Dubai Sat 2 is a joint project between EIAST and the Satrec Initiative of South Korea. The satellite will provide high-quality images for governmental departments working in the field of infrastructure, such as Dubai Municipality and RTA, as well as local, regional and international bodies. It will also support the research projects of universities and academic entities.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal to promote a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and to enhance UAE nationals’ capacity in technological innovation and attaining leading scientific levels. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; manufacture of satellites and development of systems; space imaging; and ground station services and support to other satellites.




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New business disciplines to be introduced to address market needs

ALHOSN University set to welcome 500 new students in AY 2013-2014
July 3, 2013
The UAE has taken solid steps towards transforming itself into a knowledge-based economy, supported by its strategy of encouraging infrastructure development, economic improvement, and optimal investment in human capital and modern technology. The government considers education in particular as a pillar for progress, as reflected by a job market that is expanding at a CAGR of 8.4 per cent. ALHOSN University has announced the launching of new business disciplines in response to evolving local, regional and international market requirements.

ALHOSN has also opened the registration of newly-admitted students to additional undergraduate disciplines, including HR Management, Marketing, Accounting, and Finance and Business Management. This follows up on the success of the Department of Mechanical Engineering which was established under the Faculty of Engineering during the 2011-2012 academic year and currently offers exclusive scholarships covering 50 per cent of tuition fees for female students.
As part of preparations to welcome a larger number of undergraduate and masters students across the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences this 2013-2014 academic year, the university campus has been expanded to accommodate more classrooms and well-equipped state-of-the-art laboratories. The number of student applicants is currently at around 300 and is expected to rise to 500 by the beginning of the first semester to account for a 10 per cent increase over last year’s population.
Dr. Prof. Raymond Tennant, Provost of ALHOSN University, pointed out that the surging demand for Baccalaureate and Masters degree programmes among students of various nationalities in the UAE prompted the University to introduce new academic disciplines and undertake an expansion plan to accommodate the growing number of new students who represent important additions to the current community of 1,600. 
He added that the University maintains a solid footprint in the local educational landscape as a leading academic institution dedicated to high-value education under the highest standards of quality and excellence in accordance with its motto of ‘Global Knowledge with Local Vision.’
Dr. Tennant explained that ALHOSN University is committed to offering the best certified academic programmes. He said that the exceptional supervision of veteran and highly competent faculty raises the bar for imparting theoretical, analytical, practical, and leadership skills across various disciplines among students to help them effectively integrate into the highly competitive job market. Dr. Tennant noted that around 400 students graduated from the University last year.
“We have achieved remarkable success over the past few years in terms of equipping the local job market with the best competencies in different disciplines such as Business Management, Engineering and Education which are attracting great interest from students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. A key factor is ALHOSN University’s year-long open admission policy which allows students to enrol in their preferred curriculum in any semester. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote educational excellence, we offer a wide range of scholarship programmes covering academic excellence whether from high school or for current schooling, female Engineering students, the financially troubled, and many more,” Tennant concluded.

Applicants to the ALHOSN undergraduate programmes must be holders of a high school degree from the UAE or its equivalent from other countries, with an average not less than 60 per cent, and achieve a TOEFL score of 500 or an IELTS score of 5.0. Applicants to the masters programme must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 per cent or higher and a TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS of 6.0. 




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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.
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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




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GETEX Spring 2013 provides direct access for corporations and individuals to take advantage of world-class professional development programs.

Growing demand for customised executive education attracts international corporate training institutes to the Middle East
April 13, 2013
GETEX Spring 2013, the leading education and training event in the Middle East and Asia, will be showcasing a comprehensive range of training and professional development programs for undergraduates, postgraduates, working professionals and adults, in response to the fast-growing demand for executive education courses in the UAE and across the Middle East. Organizers of GETEX further revealed that corporate training institutes taking part at the exhibition will be providing specialised courses catering to mid-to-senior management levels and junior levels.

Professional development courses being showcased at GETEX cater to diverse study areas such as Aviation, Business Management, Communication, Design and Media, Computing, Engineering, Hospitality, Humanities, Information Technology, Law, Medicine, Science & Technology, Education, and Tourism. Corporate training institutes originating from various countries, including the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Greece, South Korea, Lebanon, Cyprus, China, India, and Turkey, among others, will be present at the show.
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), organizer of the event, comments: “GETEX channels some of the most renowned professional development and corporate training providers from all over the world to a very eager audience of learners that we have in this region. These programmes are dictated by the demands of the diversifying workforce in the Arab World and they are meant to help students and the youth achieve their career objectives. These also greatly benefit both corporate organizations that are building their human capital as well as professionals who are looking to increase their net worth in the job market. It is the vision of GETEX to provide education and training solutions that transcend conventional practices, while leveraging new technologies and techniques.”
GETEX Spring 2013, which marks the 25th silver jubilee edition of the event, will run from April 17 to 19, 2013 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering more than 35,000 visitors from all over the region. Visitors at the show will be exposed to multiple options of studying abroad, scholarship opportunities, financing education, sports education etc. and will be openly talking to student counsellors for specific course guidance.




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Young delegates make once-in-a-lifetime visit to Microsoft, Boeing & Costco offices, University of Washington

ALHOSN University’s MIS students fly off to US on 10-day education & industry tour
March 11, 2013
Affirming an institutional commitment to  the philosophy of ‘global knowledge with local vision,’ the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department  at ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education,  sent nine of its students (a male and 8 females) on a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day trip to Seattle, USA, to learn about America’s educational and industrial practices.

Encouraged by University Vice Chancellor, the trip was meticulously prepared six months in advance by Dr. Fadia Hegazy, Associate Professor and Chair of the MIS Department,and Dr. Kamel Ghorab, Professor of MIS and strategic Management, who served as chaperons to the lucky participants.
The tour included a two-day visit to the offices of software giant Microsoft, where students participated in a series of workshops on Microsoft’s Program, Cloud Computing  and Source Control at social networking service company Facebook.  The delegates also paid a formal visit to Microsoft’s Visitors Center and Company Store where they learned about the evolution of the personal computer and its software applications.
Another highlight was the visit to the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Company. The students took a 4-hour tour of Boeing’s production plant in Everett, Washington, where they witnessed the preparation of 747, 767, 777 and 787 jets prior to assembly. They were exposed to various management systems, concepts and techniques such as Just-In-Time, Production Smoothing, In-Process Product Inventory Management, and Management by Objectives, among many others.
The young delegates also got the chance to visit Costco superstore, the famous wholesale club, where they learned about the company’s unique marketing model. Costco’s practices have been covered by many Strategic, Marketing and Business Management textbooks. A quick visit to Google was also scheduled.
To satisfy the academic curiosity of the delegates, ALHOSN’s MIS Department also arranged for a visit to the University of Washington (UW), one of the world’s leading research universities. Members of UW’s Information College  noted how the quality content and goals of ALHOSN’s academic programs were comparable to their own. Many of the visiting delegates voiced their interest to join UW for their future pursuit of a Doctoral Degree in MIS.
“Fun and learning typically do not mix, but at ALHOSN we follow a holistic approach to personal and professional development. While of course we wanted to expose our students to some of the best educational and industry practices in the US, we also included elements of fun into their trip. This balancing of work, play and socialization is something that we hope our students will bring with them as productive members of their respective communities. We intend to continue preparing impressionable activities such as this US trip to bring about future leaders who are aware of the world, their selves, and their relevance to society,” said Prof. Ghorab.
“Our trip to the US was a wonderful experience that taught us that the more we learn and acquire practical skills, the more opportunities we get to be recognized not only nationally, but internationally as well. The visit showed us that learning does not end in the classroom, but is rather a continuous process of development depending on how you embrace creativity and innovation,” said Aref Al Hammadi , a student participant.
Among the fun activities included in the delegates’ calendar were a sightseeing tour of Seattle, a cruise of Lake Washington, meals at The Cheese Cake Factory and Olive Gardens Italian Restaurant, and stopovers at the Southern Mall Center and The Square. Tour organizers were impressed by the discipline, respect and appreciation shown by the students.
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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.
For further information, please contact:
Wafa Mousa
Marketing & Events Manager 




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Ministry of Education honours Dubai Quality Group with ‘Knights of Communication Award’

DQG recognized for its contributions to the MOE’s ongoing development initiatives
Dubai, UAE – March 9, 2013 – The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) recently presented Dubai Quality Group (DQG), a non-profit organization that advances learning, promotes quality improvement and Business Excellence practices, the ‘Knights of Communication Award’, which recognizes strategic partners, collaborators and innovators that contributed to the Ministry’s ongoing development initiatives. Badriya Al Tamimi, Managing Director of DQG, received the award on behalf of DQG from H.E. Ali Mehad Al Suwaidi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, during a ceremony attended by H.E. Marwan Ahmad Al Sawaleh, Assistant Undersecretary for the Supporting Services, and department directors from the Ministry and educational districts.

The Ministry of Education has benefited from the support extended by DQG and other strategic partners in its continuing efforts to further enhance the standards of excellence in the delivery of education across the UAE. Moreover, DQG had previously signed a memorandum of agreement with MOE to collaborate in various quality-related projects.
Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Chairman of DQG, said: “The Ministry of Education plays a crucial role in training and nurturing the future leaders of the UAE. Education has certainly been one of the top priorities of the UAE as reflected by the extensive educational expenditure by the government each year. Dubai Quality Group shares the vision of the UAE Government to promote education as a major driving force behind the sustainable socioeconomic development of the country. We are therefore strongly committed to support the Ministry of Education in its continuing thrust to improve the quality of education and ultimately produce highly competent and deeply motivated graduates who will sustain the gains that the UAE has achieved as one of the most progressive societies in the modern world.”
Badriya Al Tamimi, Managing Director of DQG, said: “The ‘Knights of Communication Award’ clearly demonstrates the continuing success of Dubai Quality Group in pursuit of its mission to promote a culture excellence in the society. DQG has certainly maintained a highly productive partnership with the Ministry of Education. We aim to build on this very important milestone as we further expand our collaboration with the MOE.”
  
Dubai Quality Group is non-profit business organization set up by the Dubai Department of Economic Development under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Quality Group was established in 1993 to develop and promote Quality and Business Excellences practices in UAE.