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Regional Education 2020 Forum Debuts in Abu Dhabi

Expo, TOFE to facilitate state-of-the-art learning environments in Middle East
Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 29th, 2014 – The Education 2020 Conference & Exhibition, a holistic education showcase event catering to growing education and training sector needs in the Middle East, makes its debut today (Wednesday, January 29, 2014) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in the UAE capital. Running until January 31st2014, the much-anticipated event offers an ideal business-to-business platform for education leaders and academic professionals, suppliers, vendors, and solution providers, to bring a positive change in the educational landscape of the region.
The Education 2020 Conference will be held in conjunction to the exhibition and it 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, the Conference will provide hands-on experience to the teaching community to equip them with techniques to educate future generations. 
Education 2020 will also host a dedicated section on ‘Industry-Ready Education’ under the banner Technical, Occupational and Further Education (TOFE) for students who are looking for affordable and certified study options. This segment will highlight the importance of occupational education in developing talent and enhancing expertise at the workplace.
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: “The UAE is poised to develop a state-of-the-art educational infrastructure to professionally equip and groom its youth for the dynamic job market of the country. The growing economic prosperity of the UAE along with the upcoming World Expo 2020 will create abundant job opportunities in the next decade. This will require a workforce that is appropriately qualified to take up the challenges of new jobs and vocations. Education 2020 and TOFE will showcase Education in the New Age and spotlight educational programs and courses for students as well as technology-driven means of delivering education for education providers, all in all promoting the dynamic education landscape of the UAE.” 
Education 2020 is expected to attract visitors from across the Middle East who will visit the show to examine products, discuss issues critical to education delivery and network with the region’s education fraternity. For more information, please log on to http://www.educationabudhabi.com/and http://www.tafeuae.com.  


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Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) – Satellite Systems Assessed as Safe & Ready

DubaiSat-2 successfully passes JAXA’s Propulsion System Test
UAE, January 29, 2014 – DubaiSat-2 has successfully passed the tests conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), on the satellite’s Propulsion System, in addition to the other examinations ordered to ensure its safety and readiness. The visiting JAXA delegation of high-profile experts and professionals was received by a group of EIAST’s top engineers who gave a detailed presentation on DubaiSat-2 activity and successful results since its launch on November 21, 2013.
The propulsion system is designed to support and align the satellite position in orbit, allowing the control of satellite altitude above ground level and modifying it automatically in the event of any deviation through a set of predetermined and saved commands sent from the control station.
Mohammed Al Harmi, Director of Ground Services Department, EIAST, said: “The tests were conducted to ensure the satellite’s technical readiness and safety of equipments, including all technical features and technologies. The postive assessments reflect the high qualifications and efforts of EIAST’s team of engineers to launch and activate DubaiSat-2, which represents a key milestone of the UAE’s excellence and leadership in the regional as well as international space industry.”
“We are delighted to have collaborated with JAXA and appreciate their efforts to verify safety and proper functioning of all DubaiSat-2 systems, including the propulsion system. The visit offered a great opportunity for our engineers to exchange expertise and learn about the latest technologies and features in the space industry,” Al Harmi added.
DubaiSat-2 is equipped with an electro-optical camera to provide higher resolution space imagery from all over the world throughout its lifetime to be used for various applications including environmental projects, urban planning, infrastructure and and provide specialized reports. The satellite can also take multiple images of the same area, as well as receive and process them from anywhere in the world within one day. It completes one full orbit around the earth in 96 minutes with 60 per cent of its time facing the sunlight.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. 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.


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HBMeU to Discuss Latest Technology & Quality Frameworks at 6th Conference on e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East

University supports National Agenda’s goal of transforming conventional education into smart learning
Dubai, UAE, January 27, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) has announced that it will be hosting the 6th Conference on e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East taking place as part of HBMeU Congress 2014 running from March 3 to 5, 2014 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, under the theme “Leading Transformation to Sustainable Excellence”.
The 6th Conference on e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East is being organized with the theme “Leadership, Design, and Technology for XXIst Century Learning,” and it reflects HBMeU’s full support for the implementation of the UAE Vision 2021 development agenda which prioritizes the transformation from conventional education to smart learning.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, notes that the upcoming Conference on e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East is a key addition to support the National Agenda that gives special importance to adopt the concept of smart learning. He explains that UAE Vision 2021 supports smart learning as an effective means to develop a high-level educational system based on the latest smart systems and state-of-the-art devices.  The goal, he says, is to enable learners to leverage modern technologies and keep pace with rapid changes within the knowledge society to hasten the country’s comprehensive development.
“HBMeU is firmly committed to offering the necessary elements to shape the foundations of e-learning.  We intend to facilitate the creation of an educational environment that keeps pace with rapid technological development. This will foster a highly-qualified generation that will promote the nation’s growth and help position it among the leading countries of the world by 2021,” said Al Awar.
“The event provides an interactive platform for researchers, academics, e-learning experts, senior government officials, business leaders and international representatives to discuss the best online practices for promoting the use of modern technologies and techniques in education. It will also highlight the latest and best strategies for integrating advanced technologies into the learning setting to promote educational efficiency. This will help achieve sustainable e-learning excellence in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” he added.
The e-Learning Excellence Conference will include two discussion panels on “Cloud Campus/Social Online Learning” and “Benchmarking Best Practices in Technology-Enhanced Education.” It will also feature a series of workshops on key topics such as “Quality in e-Learning”, “GCC e-Learning Initiative”, “UNESCO Project on ICT in Primary Education” and “Publishers Material Integration.”
HBMeU has received several research papers on subjects related to e-learning for inclusion in the conference. They cover Teaching, Design and Quality; Quality Frameworks for Online Institutions; Social Online Learning; Cultural Integration of Open Educational Resources (OERs); and Educational Leadership and Technological Innovation, among others. The papers will be reviewed by an international technical committee in compliance with highest standards of transparency and objectivity, with the best submission to be included in the Conference Proceedings.
Distinguished participating entries at the 6th Conference on e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East will be nominated for the ‘Best Paper’ Award and will be published in one of HBMeU’s refereed journals. 


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UAE Ministry of Education and Etisalat Partner to Launch First Technology Hub in UAE

A joint initiative by UAE Ministry of Education and Etisalat in corporation with Microsoft

A state-of-the-art educational technology center

To provide a hub for R&D and experimental educational tools

UAE, 27 January, 2014 – The UAE Ministry of Education today launched the ‘Etisalat Education Technology Center’, a major initiative in smart education as well as the first state of the art educational technology hub in the country to focus on R&D and experimental educational tools. This launch is a result of the strategic partnership between the UAE Ministry of Education and Etisalat, leading telecom operator in UAE, and in association with the technology giant Microsoft.
At a press conference held today, the official launch was made in the presence of H.E. HumaidMohammed Obaid Al Qattami, UAE Minister of Education, H.E. Marwan Al Sawalih, the Ministry Undersecretary, Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat UAE and Khalil Abdel Massieh, Academic Program Manager, Middle East and Africa, Microsoft Gulf among other senior officials from the ministry, Etisalat and student fraternity.
The Etisalat technology center is one of the projects executed by the UAE Ministry of Education and Etisalat. The association with Microsoft brings global educational expertise to the technology center. The technology major will provide an annual training programme for educators to enable them to use technology and help them develop the skills of students in UAE for work and life.
This is the second project executed in partnership with Etisalat after the recent announcement of Duroosi Youtube channel, a first-of-a-kind online educational tool developed by Etisalat under the ministry’s supervision offering self-learning options with visual aids providing easy access to students of Grade 11 and 12 to develop their skills.
H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid AlQatami, UAE Minister of Education said: “The ministry today is witnessing tremendous changes in the educational process in the country. Education plays a major role in achieving sustainable development in the country. The UAE government vision is to provide the highest level of modern education that is up-to-date in curricula, technology and environment. We want to provide the best infrastructure, facilities and services for the education sector that is accompanied with best teaching methodologies and expertise.
“The current center will be a hub for smart education, R&D and experiential educational tools that is located at the UAE Ministry of Education offices in Dubai and across the country connected over Etisalat network. The center with its state-of-the art equipment is in line with our direction towards the implementation of digital schools and smart learning.”
Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat UAE said: “Our role is to utilise the best technology available in the world to provide the best to our people and especially the student community. Etisalat is proud to work with the Ministry of Education again as well as technology partners enabling government initiatives and smart education in the country.
“Etisalat has is proud of its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, we worked closely with the ministry in identifying the exact requirements and in building the centre with the latest educational technology solutions. This initiative is in line with our overall CSR goals of providing all the right tools to the UAE youth to boost their skills and knowledge. Etisalat has already a standing relationship with Google and will now repeat the success with Microsoft bringing global technology leaders and solutions to the local market.”
Khalil Abdel Massih, Academic Program Manager, Middle East and Africa, Microsoft said: “Microsoft is proud to be part of this initiative that aims to enhance the learning outcome of students and prepare them for ‘Work and Life’. We believe that empowered educators, supervisors and school leaders will help bring innovation in teaching and learning to the students inside and outside the classroom and enable them with 21st century skills for lifetime employability and entrepreneurship. The Microsoft in Education, partners in learning program assets will be utilized fully to meet the vision and the goals of the ministry of education.”
The hub is equipped with massive touch screens that can work as demonstration units for technology solutions and smart education tools. The whole centre is equipped with video conferencing capability that will enable up to 60 people to have a live session and connect all future technology hubs together.
The centre also has a multimedia production room that will be used for making of tutorials and videos which can be shared via the internet and social media immediately upon completion of the filming. The multimedia room is equipped with an electronic white board that is used to create electronic content.
This room also supports the recently launched Duroosi Youtube channel, helping the making of the content and electronic distribution on different platforms as a link. Content creation as well as revision classes will be broadcasted on the Duroosi Youtube channel. 


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EIAST Honours Outstanding Employees & Dubai Sat-2 Team

Institution recognizes scientific innovation & organizational excellence at annual award ceremony
UAE, January 21, 2014 – As part of its efforts to consolidate a culture of innovation and organizational excellence, the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) celebrated its annual award ceremony. The institution recognized the scientific innovation and organizational excellence of the Dubai Sat-2 team of engineers and staff as well as outstanding employees who made invaluable contributions to support EIAST’s vision to transform the UAE into one of the leading global centers in the space industry.
During the event, EIAST presented honorary shields to the Dubai Sat-2 team in recognition of their vital role in the successful launch of the satellite which represents one of EIAST’s finest achievements in the fields of space and advanced sciences. The team which supervised the launch, operations and testing of Dubai Sat-2 was also honored.
Furthermore, as part of its intensive efforts to improve internal performance and develop the capacities of Emirati citizens, EIAST bestowed Hamad Al Jazeeri with the ‘2013 Distinguished Employee Award’ for his contribution towards improving the performance of his department by developing operational plans and administrative systems that match the skills of the staff. In addition, Saeed Al Mansouri was awarded under the ‘Outstanding Scientific Innovation’ category for his success in developing a watermarking technique for the protection of intellectual property rights for space images taken by Dubai Sat-1.
Finally, in the ‘Extra Miles’ category, Ghariba Salem was honoured for her entrepreneurial and volunteering spirit, willingness to lend a helping hand to others, teamwork skills and continuous commitment to support work teams of different departments. The ‘Outstanding Employees’ were chosen based on the ‘Bravo’ program – an integrated methodology based on the principles of transparency, excellence and innovation.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said: “The annual award ceremony is part of our strategy to develop UAE nationals as well as strengthen their capacity for scientific, technical and organizational excellence. This will enable us to aspire for higher achievements to enhance the position of the UAE in the space industry as a leading hub for satellite manufacturing. EIAST is keen on developing and investing in the human element which is part of the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a global leader.”
“We organized this event to express our gratitude to our teams for their intensive efforts towards the success of our research initiatives and vital projects covering aerospace, energy, water and the environment. The team that supervised the operations and launch of Dubai Sat-2 was the highlight of this year’s award ceremony. The success we achieved collectively gave us a massive boost to continue to work hard to play an integral role regionally and globally in the aerospace field. We are very proud of the high levels our National talents have reached and are confident that they are 100 per cent ready and qualified to develop Khalifa Sat, the first satellite to be fully developed by Emirati engineers on UAE soil,” concluded Shaibani.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. 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.


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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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UAE’s Largest Education, Training & Careers Exhibition to Showcase Latest & Best Higher Education & Employment Opportunities

ALHOSN highlights latest courses, recommended career options at NAJAH 2013
UAE, October 29th, 2013 – ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education, has announced that its latest programs and services and multinational educator profiles will all feature at NAJAH 2013, the latest edition of the UAE’s largest education, training and careers expo running from today (Tuesday, October 29, 2013) to October 31, 2013 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 
Held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development, NAJAH 2013 gathers students, parents, professionals, government personnel, and fresh graduates to discuss and explore the latest and best local and regional career, training, education and employment opportunities. 
ALHOSN University, the event’s registration and lanyard sponsor, will highlight its three latest programs catering to individuals interested in productive careers in Human Resources, Marketing and Finance at Stand J20 of the venue. It will also explain how its programs endorsed by the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) offer prime opportunities for engineering students and professionals. 
Moreover, the university will emphasize how its multinational educators from 25 different countries help students pursue higher education under the spirit of ‘global knowledge with local vision.’
“As one of the most highly anticipated education, training and career events in the country and across the region, NAJAH enables us to draw attention to our world-class programs and how they can benefit learners, graduates and potential employers alike. Over the past year we have made key enhancements to our services and course offerings which fit NAJAH’s message of educational and career excellence. We expect the same kind of enthusiastic, positive response that our university has enjoyed in our past participations at the exhibition,” said Prof. Munther Talal Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University. 
NAJAH 2013 is fully supported by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Abu Dhabi Education Council. During the event, Bayt.com, the leading online recruitment website in the MENA region, will hold a CV Clinic, while AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization, will conduct a series of workshops which registered visitors can attend for free. Complete event details are available at http://www.najahonline.com.
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. The university offers 18 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate degrees 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.




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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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Digital Poetry’ Bridging Gap between Youths & Traditional Literary Art Forms

ALHOSN University’s Reading Club hosts lecture by ADTA adviser Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi on the future of poetry
Abu Dhabi, UAE, September 30, 2013 – ALHOSN University’s Reading Club recently welcomed poet and critic Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi, an adviser for the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, who delivered a lecture on ‘The Future of Poetry in the World: Towards a Digital Horizon.’

Dr. Abdi gave a brief history of Arabic literature and explained the major impact that the dawning of the digital age has had on the development of poetry.  He also talked about the growing trend among young people to make ‘digital poems’ which he said can be of great help in maintaining interest in poetry among youths and empower them to express their thoughts and concerns.

The event was attended by H.E. Prof. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University; Dr. Adel Khleifi, Academic Provost; Dr. Mohamed Kashef, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Khalid Hayari, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Said Hasab Elnabi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the supervisor of the Reading Club; and Dr. Hassan Al-Samerrai, Associate Professor in Education. A number of faculty members, staff and students were also present.
“Poetry is one of the highest forms of literary art. It allows humanity to express its deepest thoughts and voice all its hope and dreams. It is a practice and a passion that we must preserve and uplift among our youths. We appreciate Dr. Abdi’s efforts to share the wonders of poetry to a new generation and show how modern facets of life such as digitization can help bring a better understanding and appreciation of literary works,” said Dr. Mohamed Saeed, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ALHOSN University.
Prior to the event, Dr. Elnabi guested in Abu Dhabi TV’s ‘From Abu Dhabi’ program to discuss the various activities of ALHOSN University’s Reading Club which has been active since 2010. He shared the club’s vision of hosting intellectuals, writers, poets, those interested in heritage and history, and talented kids and adults. He also touched on the future of poetry, saying that poetry is one of the finest creations of humanity. He particularly lauded the meaning, imagination, morality and creativity conveyed by Arab poetry. Dr. Elnabi added that today’s writers have to contend with a younger generation that is generally disinterested with poetry. He said that the Reading Club is trying to revive interest in poetry and reading and writing in general.
Dr. Abdi’s talk was followed by spritited discussions where Prof. Momany aired his concerns over the protection of the Intellectual Property Rights of poets on the internet, explaining that texts can be easily added or deleted to uploaded works and thus compromise original versions. He called for new safeguards for literary works and also compared the development of poetry to the historical evolution of architecture.
Prof. Djamal Eddin Laouisset from the College of Business also discussed the important role being played by the UAE in collecting and preserving literary and poetic heritage and presenting it to today’s readers.
Prof. Momany presented Dr. Abdi a plaque of appreciation from ALHOSN University for his valuable contributions to the literary arts at the end of the session. The Reading Club also gave Dr. Abdi a Certificate of Appreciation for enriching its activities.

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