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Thirty free audio stories for children from David Walliams

Comedian and children’s author David Walliams is releasing daily audio stories for children to listen to for free from 24 March to 23 April, 2020.

Every day an audio version of one of David William’s World’s Worst Children is made available to entertain children at home.

The World’s Worst Children book series features short stories about badly behaved youngsters.

Just click on this link https://bit.ly/AudioElevenses every day for a new free audio story from “The World’s Worst Children” book read by David Williams.

The stories are being posted via the SoundCloud channel of publisher HarperCollins.

Visit David Walliams’s website https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/ for activities, clips, books and more.

Thank you, David Walliams!



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Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center launches 2nd Intellectual Property Expert Diploma program

Course held in cooperation with Dubai Courts in line with EIPA’s continuing efforts to strengthen UAE’s IP structures

UAE, October 22, 2018 – Following the success of the first Intellectual Property Expert Diploma program, Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center, which operates under the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), announced that it recently launched the program for a new batch of participants which will be held until January 22, 2019 in cooperation with the Dubai Courts.

The 2nd Intellectual Property Expert Diploma program aims to develop a new set of accredited experts in the field of patenting, registered trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property rights, in line with EIPA’s continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s IP structures and enhance the knowledge and skills of national human resources in IP laws in accordance with international practices.

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Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority unveiled details of Sharjah Light Festival 2018

Held under the patronage of
HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority unveiled details of
Sharjah Light Festival 2018

— Illuminated shows inspired by science, beauty & knowledge to decorate 18 leading locations for 11 days

— Annual festival celebrates Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage

UAE, January 30, 2018 – Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the details of the 8th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival, which will be held with the participation of an exciting lineup of top internationally renowned artists during its 11-day run, in 18 locations under the theme “Culture in Sharjah” from February 7 to the 17th, 2018. The details were unveiled during a press conference held (Monday, January 29, 2018) at Al Hisn Fort Museum in Sharjah. 

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e-Learning in the Middle East to Witness Annual Growth Rate

e-Learning in the Middle East
to witness annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent
till 2023, say report
Orient Planet Academy announces new course dates for 2018
January 29, 2018 – The Middle East’s online education is forecasted to experience continuous growth thanks to the rising government investments and increasing popularity of e-learning especially among professionals. According to a report by Research and Markets titled the ‘Middle East Online Education & E Learning Market Size, Demand, Opportunity & Growth Outlook 2023,’the regional online education and e-learning market is seen to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8 percent during the forecast period.
Saudi Arabia holds the biggest share in the regional market and is expected to earn USD 237.1 million by 2023. The UAE market is expected to follow closely with a CAGR of 10.3 percent over the forecast year, said the report.

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Curriculum Diploma Program in the Arab Region

In continuation of the successful launch of first-of-its-kind program in
Arab Region in support of UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
 
 
HBMSU & UNESCO inaugurate second batch of
‘Curriculum Diploma Program in the Arab Region’
 
 
Mansoor Al Awar: ‘The program is an intellectual & systematic tool for delivering high-level education characterized by equality, innovation & quality’
 
The development of curricula that ensure the delivery of high-level & inclusive education is a strategic priority and a core value
 
 

UAE, January 17, 2018 – Within the framework of the Convention on International Cooperation in the Implementation of Modern Educational Programs, the second batch of the ‘Curriculum Diploma in the Arab Countries’ hosted by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in cooperation with the International Bureau of Education (IBE) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been launched.

Continue reading “Curriculum Diploma Program in the Arab Region”




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Academic Cooperation

Mansoor Al Awar discusses prospects for academic cooperation with President of Drexel University Online

UAE, December 12, 2017- Dr Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), recently discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas supporting the development of smart learning as one of the basic pillars of manufacturing and ensuring a brighter future during a meeting with Dr Susan Aldridge, PhD, President of Drexel University Online.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) with Dr. Susan Aldridge, Ph.D., President of Drexel University Online
Al Awar emphasized the importance of enhancing channels for exchanging best practices and successful experiences with the best academic institutions and universities in the world. This, he explained, would help optimize the use of the latest technological innovations to facilitate smart education and distance learning according to the highest standards of efficiency, excellence and inclusiveness. He affirmed the commitment of HBMSU to explore new horizons for forging fruitful strategic partnerships with the international academic community to continue the process of excellence in reshaping the future of learning across the Arab World through technology, innovation, and scientific research.




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3rd Community Safety Conference

Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center
to organize
3rd Community Safety Conference
to help combat local & global counterfeiting 
UAE, December 06, 2017 – Under the patronage of Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai and Honorary President of Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), the Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center will host its 3rd Community Safety Conference at the Dubai Police Officer Club on December 12, 2017 under the theme ‘Combating counterfeiting through standardization and meteorology.’
To be held in collaboration with EIPA, Dubai Police, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the international safety testing, certification and inspections company, the conference will provide high-profile participants and local and regional stakeholders with an effective platform to discuss systematic ways to fight counterfeiters and enhance community safety in the UAE and the wider region.
Among the high-ranking attendees who are expected to take part in the gathering are Major General Rashid Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defense; Warren Macinnis, Anti- Counterfeiting Operations Director, UL; and Abdulla Al Muaini, Executive Director – Conformity Scheme Services, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.
Commenting on the event, Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Dubai Police’s Quality and Excellence and Chairman of EIPA’s Board of Directors said: “The 3rd Community Safety Conference will be held against the backdrop of rising fraudulent activities worldwide and in light of the growing need to protect our communities from these threats. This is the time to engage both the public and private sectors to meaningfully tackle counterfeiting and piracy as a major societal scourge that needs to be addressed quickly and efficiently.”
 
Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Dubai Police’s Quality and Excellence and Chairman of EIPA’s Board of Directors
 
For his part, Dr. AbdelRahman Al Obaidly, General Secretary of the conference added: “The UAE aims to be one of the world’s top countries in the IP protection sector by 2021. EIPA looks forward to collaborating with strategic partners and concerned entities to increase awareness and create a better understanding of IP—including activities like the signing of MoUs and participation in IP protection initiatives. This move demonstrates the country’s steadfast commitment to combat IP-related crimes. The conference is a perfect opportunity to share how else we can better address the problem and contribute to ongoing international efforts.”
Three panel discussions will take place during the conference. The first panel will comprise Dr Hussam Al Saghir, Head of Commercial Law Department and Director of the Regional Institute at Helwan University; Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Baker, Advisor to the President of the Federal Authority of Legal Affairs; Colonel Salah Juma Buosaibah, Director of the Anti-Economic Crimes Department at Dubai Police; and Ahmed Mustafa Al Daboosi, Assistant Professor of Commercial Law – Sharjah University. The topics to be discussed include ‘Imitation and Piracy and their impact on the National Economy;’ ‘The Role of Customs in Protecting the Community;’ ‘A Safer Society Without Counterfeiting;’ and ‘Protecting the market from the Electronic Promotion of Counterfeiting Goods in Accordance with IP Rights.’
The second panel will focus on ‘Innovation and its impact on Society from Cybersecurity Point of View’ and ‘Impact on Public Safety from Counterfeiting of Fire and Life Critical Products.’ The speakers will consist of Mohammad Bushlaibi, Research and Electronic Directories Analyst- Telecommunication and Regulatory Authority (TRA); Hassan Omar, COO, Ducab; and Captain Taher Hassan AlTaher, Head of Company Approval, Dubai Civil Defence (DCD).

Lastly, the third panel comprising Jonathan Fonzalez, Technical Lead Engineer, UL Middle East; Moutaz Abdullat, Legal Manager at Ferrero; and Hadi Y. Alkanani, Regional Brand Protection Manager, P&G, will discuss ‘Risks of Counterfeiting in Gas Directors and Sprinkles;’ ‘Parallel Imports in Foods Products;’ and ‘P&G Experience with Counterfeits: Is it Safe for Consumers?’




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‘Hackathon’ competition

Mansoor Bin Mohammed
honors outstanding winners of 
‘Hackathon’ competition

4 young Emirati talents win the title of ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’
International jury evaluates creative applications in line with UAE’s national policies
Local contestants demonstrate high-level skills in programming, computer thinking systems, digital applications, & electronic games

‘Emirati Programmer’ gives young local talents an opportunity to join global programming competitions

UAE, November 12, 2017– H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored the ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’ winners of the ‘Hackathon’ competition organized by the Emirates Talent Association and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU). The recognition marked the culmination of the successful first batch of the ‘Emirati Programmer,’ the first-of-its-kind national initiative in the UAE launched to enhance the skills of Emirati programmers in programming languages, computer thinking systems, the basics of digital application and electronic games development.

 

The closing ceremony held at HBMSU’s campus saw world-class young Emirati talents and innovators recognized for their competitive programming abilities. Dignitaries attended the event were headed by H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of HBMSU’s Board of Governors, and Chairman of the Emirates Talent Association, H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, H.E. Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Majid Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, member of the National Federation Council and Chairman of Union Coop’s board of directors and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Attendees applauded the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative for laying a solid foundation for human capital development and investing in the country’s human resources to build a future generation capable of driving economic growth driven by modern technology, knowledge, and innovation in line with UAE Vision 2021.
An international jury chose the winners based onset criteria, including the ability to link the creative programming projects to national policies and initiatives such as adopting a competitive and knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.
The four winners of the ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’ title bagged the Golden Award in four categories. They were Hamdan Al Maqoodi, ‘Developing Game – Kudo Category’ for age group 7-10; Saud Ahmed Al Hosani, ‘Developing Game – Kudo Category’ for age group 11- 15; Shaikha Khalid Al Ali, ‘Developing App – Bloxmob Category’ for age group 7-10; and Saif Adnan Al Marri, ‘Developing App – Swift Category’ forage group 11-15. The four were among the 12 finalists of the ‘Hackathon’ competition, which served as a platform to put the spotlight on the global programming talents.
H.E. Tamim said: “We are proud to honor young talents with enormous creative potentials who have shown thirst for knowledge and strong interest to be part of the development process for a more advanced and prosperous future. Furthermore, the ‘Emirati Programmer’ has pushed young people to be creators of a bright future for all using their talents and achieve the highest international ranks. This success has further inspired us to excel in preparing a generation of qualified, innovative, and creative local and international young programmers. ”
“The strong partnership between the Emirates Talent Association and HBMSU has been recognized as a model for constructive cooperation among national entities for youth development. It is also aligned with what H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said, ‘The youth is the future and hope of our country.’ We are undoubtedly taking proactive steps to provide the world of programming with creative talents who have confidence, knowledge, determination, and leadership to guide the economy towards the highest levels of innovation and creativity,” H.E. added.
Aside from the Gold Award, Silver and Bronze Awards were also given across the four categories. The international judges comprised technology professionals led by Lewis Hall, English as Medium of Instruction (EMI) Manager, Apple Distinguished Educator; Rayan Karaky, Head of DoubleClick MENA & Turkey, Google; Ahmed Ebrahim, Microsoft Gulf Teacher Engagements Manager; and Hanan Hasan, Head of Technology Development at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, Apple Distinguished Educator.
Hall said: “As a jury member, it is an honor to witness the creativity and innovative skills of young Emirati talents, who have exhibited strong potentials in programming. I am glad to see their eagerness to develop applications relevant to local society and have the potentials to address future challenges. We are also confident that the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative was a step in the right direction to build a generation capable and qualified to develop applications supporting the progress of the UAE and the rest of the world.”
Karaky thanked the Emirates Talent Association and HBMSU for the opportunity to be one of the judges. He said: “It is inspiring to see the youth using their imagination combined with their capabilities to master programming languages, which play a major role in the modern era. We are looking forward to seeing more talented Emirati entrepreneurs, application developers, and programmers in the future. Allow me also to announce that we are turning Shaikha’s proposal into a reality by putting her application in our application store. Additionally, I will continuously follow the projects and innovations of other promising talents to instill creativity and innovation in the UAE.”
After the ceremony, the winners presented their applications and projects at the ‘Coding Expo.’
The winners in the ‘Developing App – Bloxmob’ (7 to 10 years old) category are Shaikha Khalid Al Ali – Diabetes Learning Bag (Gold); Sarah Saeed Al Awar – Read-ester (Silver); and Wid Hamad Al Awar – Slime Angle (Bronze); and in the ‘Developing App – Swift’ (11 to 15 years old), Saif Adnan Al Marri – Discount Me IN (Gold); Abdulla Al Jawi- Discover Dubai (Silver); and Mohammed Alowais – Family Hub (Bronze). 
The victors in the ‘Developing App – Swift’ (7 to 10 years old) are Hamadan Al Maqoodi – Road Kill (Gold); Zayed Saif Al Zaabi – Death Road (Silver); and Ali Saif Al Zaabi – Save Water Save Life (Bronze); while Saud Al Hosani – Star Fires (Gold); Hind Saad Abbas – Mars Rock On (Silver); Fahad Al Awadi – Dodge and Race (Bronze) won in ‘Developing Game – Kudo’ (11 and 15 years old) category.
Student Shaikha Khalid Al Ali, Gold Winner of ‘Bloxmob’ for 7 to 10 years old, expressed her happiness for being part of the successful competition. She added that the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative provided her with a unique opportunity to acquire key programming and smart application development skills which she used to create her simple and streamlined Diabetes Learning Bag app. She also thanked the Emirates Talent Association, HBMSU, and event organizers for supporting her in achieving her ambition and turning her idea into a concrete application.
About 96 graduates comprised the first batch of the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative, 46 of whom qualified for the semi-finals and 12 reached the finals. The participants received high-level training under the direct supervision of renowned instructors who specialize in the three-level ‘Lifelong learning model.’ The training ensured that the local contestants would excel in the “Hackathon” competition. The  ‘Emirati Programmer’ focused on providing talented youth with new knowledge and skills in computer language programming to design games and digital and electronic applications using multiple programming platforms such as Microsoft’s KODU Game Lab, Apple’s Swift, Google’s Blockly, and  ‘Cloud Campus.’
 
 




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7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival

7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival to feature nearly a dozen exciting learning activities for kids at Al Ain Zoo
 
Kids Dig! New Waterlight Graffiti among expected crowd favourites
 
Abu Dhabi, November 07, 2017 – The Abu Dhabi Department for Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced that the 7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) to be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will include more than 10 exciting learning activities at the Al Ain Zoo, one of the event’s two venues.
Aside from the returning Kids Dig! and Splat! which drew huge crowds at the zoo last year, the latest edition of the Middle East’s premier science festival, running from November 9 to 18 2017, will feature new attractions such as Waterlight Graffiti and The Loony Gas show.
 
Sponsored by Dolphin Energy Limited, Kids Dig! introduces young students to the world of archeology by enabling them to dig up items using real tools used for archeological exploration and helping them interpret their finds.
 
On the other hand, participants can become mini-robot engineers, by attending Cubelets Robot Blocks sessions and creating their own unique robots from blocks and magnetic faces.

The debuting Waterlight Graffiti will bring out children’s artistry by allowing them to create dazzling interactive installations lit by thousands of LED lights from just a sponge, brush, water gun and water atomizer.
 
Engr. Sanad Humaid Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Innovation Committee at the Abu Dhabi Department for Education and Knowledge, said: “The Abu Dhabi Science Festival has made a significant mark as an educational activity that exposes children to disciplines such as archeology and engineering in a highly engaging and hands-on manner. This year we will once again balance the theoretical and practical aspects of learning through sessions that give students supervised access to the real tools of the trade while explaining to them the importance of the various scientific fields they encounter throughout the festival.”
 
Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, CEO, Dolphin Energy Limited, said: “Children can surprise us with their ability to absorb information and be creative even at their young age. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival provides an excellent learning-themed playground for us to arouse interest in various major scientific fields and inspire the next generation of archaeologists, robotics experts and even artists. We want today’s youths to be comfortable with science and realize that knowledge opens up limitless possibilities.”
 
The 2017 Abu Dhabi Science Festival will feature 71 unique activities. ADEK is coordinating with 15 universities and academic and scientific institutions nationwide for participation in the event. More than 1,000 volunteer higher education students will help deliver the workshops and shows in an engaging and distinctive manner.
ADEK is organizing the 7th annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival simultaneously at both Khalifa Park and the Al Ain Zoo in collaboration with major government and private entities such as Dolphin Energy (Presenting Sponsor), Mubadala and Emirates Transport (Affiliate Sponsors), Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Content Sponsor), Abu Dhabi Media (Exclusive Media Partner), Marina Mall and Dalma Mall (Mall Partners) and several local universities.

Interested parties can obtain festival information, book workshops and purchase tickets in advance electronically via ADSF’s website, www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae, or through a new downloadable official ‘ADSF’ mobile app. 




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UNESCO General Conference in Paris

Mansoor Al Awar presents report for UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education during UNESCO General Conference in Paris
UAE, November 7, 2017 – Dr Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), recently participated in several meetings at the UNESCO General Conference in Paris and presented his report on the UNESCO IITE including ‘Policy Advocacy and Technical Assistance,’ ‘Teacher Professional Development’, ‘Open Education Resources and Digital Pedagogy,’ as well as ‘National Capacity Building for ICT in Health and Wellbeing Education’. 
 
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)

Al Awar highlighted the activities of the IITE Governing Board, including networking and strategic partnerships as well as challenges and lessons learned. He also emphasized the ongoing efforts to support UNESCO’s initiatives in realizing education’s goals up to 2030 to provide a fair and inclusive education and promote the lifelong learning opportunities for all. On the sidelines of the meetings, Dr. Al Awar also took part in a meeting with H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education for the UAE and Minister of Education of Switzerland, which addressed common issues and shared interests in education.