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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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Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)

MoU signed between MBRSC and UAEU to develop specialised Emirati talent in space technology
Dubai, UAE, June 6th, 2016 – Within the framework of strengthening cooperation links with educational entities in the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in order to develop qualified national human resources to work in the space science and technology sector. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, and H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, in the presence of His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, along with a number of executive officials from both parties.

According to the memorandum, MBRSC will coordinate with UAEU to design and develop educational and training programs in scientific disciplines related to space science and technology and satellites to enable fresh graduates to meet the growing needs of the space sector in the UAE.
The two parties agreed that MBRSC will create job opportunities for outstanding students in scientific, technical and space projects, in addition to providing scholarships for students in the engineering and information technology colleges.
Commenting on the MoU signing, His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, highlighted the importance of these strategic partnerships and their role in supporting and developing scientific research and providing training and job opportunities with experts and specialists. He explained that the university works to strengthen cooperation and partnership with concerned institutions in order to support studies of space science and satellite technology, thus promoting the welfare of the nation.
His Excellency pointed out that: “The national university has the capabilities and resources to achieve the common goals of the two parties, thus supporting the development of the space science sector, encouraging creativity and sustainability in scientific research, developing scientific research programs with the help of international research centres, contributing positively and effectively to research matters related to the space technology sector, exchanging experiments and experiences with MBRSC and achieving scientific integration.”
His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, said: “The approach of excellence and innovation adopted by the UAE is based on investing in people. Signing the MoU between MBRSC and the UAEU highlights the shared commitment between academic institutions and specialised entities to meet the requirements of the next stage in the fields of science and technology.
“The rapid growth in the space sector requires the support of the educational sector, relying on the expertise MBRSC engineers and experts have gained, and involving the academic staff in the ambitious development projects and initiatives.”
Praising the role of the university in academic and scientific advancement, Al Mansoori said:  “UAEU is a prestigious educational institution that serves as an incubator for technology and research centres, particularly in the space field. University officials and ourselves have common ambitions and we work together to create and develop specialised, technical and training programs for students and graduates. We also employ the gained skills and competencies in space projects and advanced technology in order to contribute to the growth of the space sector thus building a sustainable economy based on innovation, creativity and excellence.”
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About MBRSC:
MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. The Centre works on research projects and studies related to space science, in line with the approach of the United Arab Emirates, in its quest to develop the sector and build national academic skills through it.
Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the “Hope Probe” to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.
In 2009, MBRSC launched “DubaiSat-1” into space, the first remote sensing satellite. In 2013, the second satellite “DubaiSat-2” was launched, while work is underway to launch the third satellite “KhalifaSat”, which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE.
About the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – The National University
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students.  As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science.  With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE. 
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world.  The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments.  UAEU is currently ranked in the top 500 universities globally.
UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand.  UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region.  Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.