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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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HBMSU Rejuvenates Chinese Medicine Methodologies in Collaboration with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine

International cooperation with leading Chinese university to establish research & learning foundations for dissemination of best Chinese medicine practices in Arab world
UAE, April 17, 2016 – The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine (SICCTM) to establish strong research and learning foundations for Chinese medicine at the local and regional levels.
The MOU was inked at HBMSU’s premises in the presence of a delegation from the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai headed by Ms. Li Lingbing Consul-General, and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and Chairman of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) Governing Board. The signatories were Prof. Mustafa Hassan, HBMSU’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director, SICCTM.

Under the terms of the MOU, HBMSU and SICCTM will collaborate on strengthening international academic and professional communication, scientific research and development, and education and training on Chinese medicine. Their joint efforts will initially focus on Dubai and eventually expand to the entire UAE and wider Middle East region.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, said: “As a pioneer in various forms, areas and manner of learning, HBMSU has forged a partnership with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine to equip learners and practitioners with knowledge and skills culled from respected Chinese and Arabian experts in Chinese medicine.”
He pointed out that the bilateral cooperation with a leading Chinese university in Chinese medicine advances HBMSU’s new direction towards spreading knowledge about methodologies and practices that provide wider choices for enjoying a healthy and sound life, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to bring happiness to the people and ensure the well-being of the community.
“The partnership falls within the framework of HBMSU’s tireless endeavors to promote channels of knowledge transfer and export. We are confident that the move will be a quantum leap for us to establish the university as a pioneering Knowledge Center of Chinese Medicine, which is an old science that has proven exceptionally efficient in healing the sick by addressing their physical, spiritual, psychological and social aspects,” added Al Awar.
Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director of the Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine, said: “In recent years traditional Chinese medicine has gained more and more understanding worldwide, including in the Middle East, with its market share gradually expanding. The United Arab Emirates is the biggest and most open market among the Gulf countries. The MoU with HBMSU comes as a qualitative step in meeting the growing demand for supplying the regional market with qualified staff in accordance with the highest international standards to provide treatments based on reliable and integrated methodologies. Bilateral cooperation is important as it paves the way for us to spread the culture of Chinese medicine in the Arab world, as well as establish a solid foundation for integrating academic and research resources and professional and social aspects on the way to an innovative model that combines the best practices of Chinese medicine.”
We are honored to cooperate with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University which has a strong presence and modern educational resources and advanced technological innovations. We have strong faith and confidence that together with HBMSU the new innovated traditional Chinese medicine will benefit more people in UAE and across the Arab World,” Prof. Dr. Li Shang concluded.
Chinese medicine is an ancient science dating back to thousands of years. It is characterized by diversity and includes herbal medicine and acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition and others. Traditional Arabic medicine, an integral part of the cultural heritage of Arab and Islamic countries, combines herbal medicine and food practices and physical, mental and spiritual treatments and applied therapy, all of which have had a positive impact on the lives of people throughout the ages.