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Vocational education will help realise UAE Government’s industry sector goals

Mark Andrews, Head of Pearson Qualifications International (PQI) in the Middle East, believes that quality vocational education programmes will be instrumental in helping to achieve the vision of the newly launched Industrial Council.
Dubai, UAE, June 1st, 2016 – On the 17th April 2016, the Cabinet of the UAE, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, endorsed the launch of the Industrial Coordination Council.

The establishment of the Council forms part of the UAE Government’s 2021 vision to build a diversified, knowledge based economy. It is hoped that the new Council will drive the growth of the Emirates’ industrial sector, helping to increase the sector’s contribution to national GDP. The Council, to be led by the Minister of Economy, will drive unity and bring greater cooperation between the various legislatures in the UAE in regards to industrial development.
A globally competitive industrial sector is high on the agenda of the UAE Government, and having a unified vision and strategy to develop the sector will go a long way to meeting this goal. Equipping UAE workers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive industrial growth will be influential in building a robust, industry-based economy. This includes those workers already engaged in the workforce, as well as younger students currently enrolled in school or higher education.
There is little doubt that a growing and modernising industrial sector requires contributions from a diverse range of workers. Candidates with strong skills in the science, technological, engineering and mathematics fields will thrive in the future economy envisioned by the UAE’s leaders.
But strong industrial growth also depends heavily on having enough vocationally qualified candidates to fill new and existing roles. Industry-reliant jobs are now more technical and highly skilled then in the past, and often require specific and intensive training.
Mark Andrews, Head of Pearson Qualifications International in the Middle East says:  “With industry burgeoning in the UAE, employers often find it difficult to attract candidates with the level of vocational qualifications necessary to perform in a number of roles. Young people in the UAE, like in many other countries throughout the region and around the world, are entering university at unprecedented rates. And yet despite the high level of education achieved by university graduates, many of them find it difficult to secure meaningful work on completion of their degree.
“Encouraging more of our young people into vocational education will therefore alleviate two of the main challenges created by a rapidly expanding industrial sector. Firstly, it will help to create enough candidates with the skills and knowledge demanded by industrial sector employers, and secondly, it will help to reduce youth unemployment figures created, in part, by an over-supply of university graduates. In other words, it will help to overcome the colloquially termed ‘skills gap”’.
The announcement earlier this year from the UAE’s National Qualifications Authority (NQA) and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) that some international qualifications will be recognised throughout the UAE is a step towards meeting employee demand for vocationally trained workers. Many qualifications, which have long been recognised by awarding agencies around the world, will now also be officially recognised by the UAE government, making it easier for employees to identify candidates with high quality vocational qualifications. This means for example, that a student completing a BTEC Higher National Diploma at Emirates Aviation University will now have his or her qualification officially recognised by employers, government agencies and institutions throughout the UAE.
Mark Andrews believes that there are other steps that can be taken to boost the number of high quality vocational candidates entering the workforce. He says:  “Increasing dialogue between industry and education will also help to create a workforce ready to contribute to a dynamic, 21st Century industrial sector. Understanding what organisations are looking for in terms of skills and talent, and mapping education and qualifications against these needs is key. Making work-based training a significant component of vocational qualifications also helps to create candidates that can quickly perform in a work environment. Having apprenticeship-style programmes widely available helps to produce a valuable pipeline of highly capable workforce entrants.
“But building workforce capacity in the industrial sector is not just about ensuring that quality vocational programmes are widely available. Young people – through educators, parents and other advisors – need to be made aware of the potential benefits a quality vocational education can bring. Often vocational education is still seen as a lesser choice to a more academic or university based education. Young people deciding on which education route to take need to be informed about the rewarding and often well renumerated career paths that a vocational education can lead to. Encouraging many of our best and brightest to follow a vocational path, will be fundamental to the UAE’s industrial sector meeting its potential”.
ENDS
About Pearson:
It is no secret that a good education has the power to change a life. What is new is the demand for that change.
Governments are investing more than ever before on educating their citizens, eager for them to compete in the global workforce. A growing global middle class is spending more of its own money on educating their families. Employers are looking for a new sort of colleague – someone with the skills to flourish in the 21st century. Combined with technologies that continue to develop at breakneck speed, the result is a world that has the want, and the means, to learn at scale.
Yet there is so much to be done. One in five adults lack the written communication skills they need to progress in life, and 57 million children do not know what it’s like to step inside a classroom. Many millions more are in education, but not learning effectively.
The global challenge for education is not just about providing access, but also progress and success.
As the world’s leading learning company, we can help make a difference. But we also know that the challenges are too immense to tackle alone. So we’re fostering a global community of teachers, parents, students, governments, institutions and businesses, who can help us find the answers and deploy the solutions.
Together we aim to achieve our Efficacy Growth & Impact Goals, empowering the lives of 200 million learners by 2025 in critical ways including:
–           Access to high quality primary, secondary & postsecondary education.
–           Success in education through enhanced literacy, numeracy, knowledge & skills.
–           Progress as a result of education into a first career or advancement in career.
Meeting the global demand for education will make us a more profitable company, profits which we invest back into improving education for everyone – to ensure that the ultimate prize is a better world for us all to live in.


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UAE University signs Memorandum of Understanding with Supreme Legislation Committee

To uphold rule of law in building society
UAE, April 4, 2016 – The UAE University (UAEU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) to promote a joint action to uphold the role of the law in creating an integrated society based on mutual knowledge.

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi is the Vice Chancellor of the UAE University, and H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar, Secretary General of the Supreme Legislation Committee.

The two sides emphasized the concerted efforts to keep pace with ongoing developments as they have a positive impact on legal, research and academic works in the UAE. The MoU was signed by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi is the Vice Chancellor of the UAE University, and H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar, Secretary General of the Supreme Legislation Committee, in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

Dr. Al Noaimi stated that the UAEU has a major role in the development and prosperity of the UAE. It is constantly working to enhance the capacities of scientific research and innovation in areas of national and regional importance through partnerships with various community organizations. This reinforces the UAEU’s leading role in effectively contributing to the development of innovative solutions for addressing challenges to the society, which is reflected in the number of agreements and MoUs signed with various institutions of the UAE.
The Vice Chancellor added that the cooperation lays a solid foundation for building a fruitful partnership that will make a valuable contribution in terms of the development of the legislative system. The aim is to improve the level of legal training for preparing a generation of professional talents that are capable of leading the process of legal excellence in the UAE. He pointed out that the UAEU is confident that the new partnership will be an important addition to its continuous efforts to achieve a distinguished status in international research by providing the community with scientific studies and research concerned with emerging issues related to local and international legislation and laws.
H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar emphasized the importance of this strategic partnership in strengthening cooperation, communication and coordination between the Supreme Legislation Committee and the UAE University to serve the public interest at the federal and local levels. He pointed out that the agreement is an important qualitative addition to the vast network of strong relations between the Committee and prominent local, regional and international bodies concerned with legal and legislative affairs. He further said that the new MoU is focused on innovation, enriching knowledge and encouraging optimal investment in training and serious research which is a fundamental pillar for the development of the legislative process in line with the continuous development witnessed by the UAE at all levels.
“We are delighted to cooperate with a prestigious academic institution such as the UAE University, which shares our vision of enriching and transferring legal knowledge and stimulating innovation, creativity and excellence in legislative and legal work. We are upbeat about our new partnership which will be a major boost for our tireless endeavors to create an integrated legislative system. This new system will support sustainable development plans, embodying the vision of our wise leadership to attain a leading position in the world,” H.E. Bin Meshar added.
The two parties revealed their plans to open new channels for the exchange of ideas, proposals, and creative and innovative programs to serve the goals centered on strengthening the legislative and legal infrastructure. In addition, they will work to effectively contribute in fulfilling the objectives of the National Innovation Strategy to make the UAE one of the world’s most innovative countries over the next few years. Believing in the importance of integration in the process of elevating legal and research performance levels, the two parties agreed to cooperate in the field of legal training with a focus on providing the students of the UAEU’s Faculty of Law with the best relevant training programs in drafting legislation as well as preparing and disseminating specialized legal researches.


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His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives prestigious Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Salford, UAE

United Arab Emirates, 27 October 2015 – His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives prestigious Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Salford, UAE
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives prestigious Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Salford, UAE”
The University of Salford, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is delighted to announce that His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been presented with a prestigious Alumni Achievement Award.

In receiving the award, His Highness joins an elite rank of graduates who have achieved particular distinction in their chosen field. His Highness graduated from the University of Salford with a Masters in Political Science in 1989.
The Alumni Achievement Award is awarded to distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their community and country in areas such as arts, society, business and humanitarian. His Highness was chosen for the award in recognition of his services to the development of the UAE as trusted adviser to the leadership of his father, His Highness Sheikh Kalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
In addition, His Highness has an impressive education record, holding two doctoral qualifications alongside a distinguished military career that has seen him reach, thus far, the senior rank of Staff Brigadier.
Commenting on the award, University of Salford Vice Chancellor, Professor Helen Marshall, said: “On behalf of the University of Salford we are honoured that His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted our Alumni Achievement Award.  We are immensely proud to have such a distinguished individual as one of our former students.”
Graeme Mullin, Director of Partnerships in the Middle East, at the University, added: “At the University of Salford we are justly proud of the many great achievements of our diverse and vibrant global alumni community.
“We are truly honoured to have His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as one of our alumni, and we can think of no one more deserving for this esteemed award. He continues to make a significant contribution to the country’s admirable vision of building an open, efficient, and internationally renowned society.”
This award also recognises the efforts and contributions of the Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian and Scientific Foundation. Many of His Highness’s services to his country have been completed through this Foundation. The Foundation undertakes important work in pursuit of the advancement of scientific and medical practices that aim to improve the quality of life and alleviate human suffering. These include genetic screening and control programs that have a major impact in the community.
As well as his academic and charitable endeavours, His Highness is also an accomplished businessman, sitting as Chairman of SBK Holdings and as a board member of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. SBK Holdings have a range of companies that work across many different industries in the Gulf region and around the world. SBK companies employ 10,000 people in the UAE and the group’s business activities cover everything from hotels and real estate to newspaper publishing and distribution.
The award was presented  to His Highness in a private ceremony by Graeme Mullin, Director of Partnerships, Middle East,  at the University of Salford and Dr Ala Garad, CEO of Investors in People UAE and Chairman of the Salford GCC Advisory Board. Also at the presentation was Sunita Mirchandani, UAE Lead Advisor for Education and Training at the British Embassy in Dubai and Dr Mahmoud Taleb Al AIi, Executive Director of the Shiekh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian and Scientific Foundation.
Dr Ala Garad added: “The relationship between students and their university is a life-long one. The University of Salford is proud of its sustained relationship with its alumni over years, across the world. This award is a landmark in the history of University to recognise the efforts and contributions of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.”


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Middle East’s First-of-its-Kind Event to Expand Prospects of Maritime Vocational Education & Training Sector

DMCA sponsors first Maritime Academic Conference & Expo 2015 in Dubai, UAE

Dubai, UAE, November 9th, 2015 – Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, has announced its official sponsorship of the Maritime Academic Conference & Expo 2015 – MARACAD which will be organized by Sham Company for Conventions and Exhibitions, from November 9 to 10, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

To be held for the first time in the Middle East, the show will open with wide participation of global maritime sector leaders, senior government officials, decision makers, prominent international experts, and local and regional operators and owners of marine crafts.

MARACAD’s detailed agenda includes discussions on the major issues and challenges faced by the maritime vocational education and training sector, finding out the appropriate solutions, and encouraging the exchange of best practices and the latest trends that contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime sector in the UAE and the whole region.

Continue reading “Middle East’s First-of-its-Kind Event to Expand Prospects of Maritime Vocational Education & Training Sector”


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Abu Dhabi School of Management – Training Program for Government

Abu Dhabi School of Management to conduct Balanced Scorecard Institute Certification Training
Programme tailored for government entities for the first time
UAE, May 10, 2015 –The Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), an educational institution dedicated to developing the UAE’s future entrepreneurial leaders, has announced that it will be conducting Balance Scorecard for Government Professional Certification BootCamp in collaboration with the Balanced Scorecard Institute (BSI). This marks the first time that the BSI certification is being tailored for government entities.
The first government version of the five-day Balanced Scorecard Certified Practitioner BootCamp will run from June 7 to 11, 2015 at the ADSM campus and will be delivered by the BSI Co-Founder and CEO Howard Rohm. Howard Rohm is a former U.S. government executive and the original developer of the Institute’s balanced scorecard framework, used worldwide by governments, industry and nonprofit organizations.
BSI will provide the training and certification materials for the course, which is based on the Institute’s proprietary framework for developing balanced scorecard systems, called the Nine Steps to SuccessTM. Those who complete the course and pass the certification examination will be certified jointly by BSI and the George Washington University College of Professional Studies at the level of Certified Balanced Scorecard Practitioner.
Sophia Korayim, Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Abu Dhabi School of Management, said: “The Balance Scorecard is an empowering tool that enables organizations to determine if they are getting the results they expect and need from their team. The courses we will co-deliver with BSI will enable the leadership of local government entities to ensure that deliverables are met according to international standards and in line with the strategies of their respective organizations.  This is the first time that a Balanced Scorecard certification training of this level is being offered for government entities so we expect the programme to have a considerable impact on the quality of governance across the emirate.”
The Balanced Scorecard is a strategy performance management tool that everyone in the organization can use to align strategy to mission and vision, align employees and the work they do to the strategy, and focus on improved program and service efficiency, effectiveness and delivery to citizens. Managers use to monitor how staff under their supervision perform their duties and the outcomes of their actions. It is used by businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, enhance internal and external communications, and benchmark organizational performance against strategic goals.
BSI is the original certifying body for balanced scorecard practitioners. Its award-winning framework, Nine Steps to SuccessTM, is a disciplined and practical approach to developing a strategic planning and management system based on the Balanced Scorecard. The Institute’s Certified Balanced Scorecard Practitioner programme is recognized worldwide, with around 2,000 practitioners from over 70 countries granted this level of proficiency so far since the program was launched in 2007.
“Around the world, our certification training continues to make a difference in the ability of organizations to improve their performance, align the work of their people with their strategies and vision, and gain valuable operational insights through well-designed metrics. By combining our 18 years of experience with government and other mission-driven organizations we have been able to customize a program unique to the culture and goals of government. Through our partnership with ADSM we aim to help Abu Dhabi’s government entities and employees achieve these results and incorporate the Balanced Scorecard as an essential part of their management,” added Howard Rohm.




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Education Key to Realising ENDP Employment Goals

UAE’s goal of 1% unemployment requires renewed focus on 21stCentury Skills.
Dubai, UAE, 17 February 2015 – A global expert on workforce education and training has welcomed the commitment of the Emirates National Development Programme (ENDP) to significantly reduce unemployment rates in the Emirates by 2021.  Mr Frank Edwards, Workforce Development Director at Pearson, has said embedding 21st Century skills in the country’s education system will be crucial to realising this commendable goal.
The ENDP has said that it wants the unemployment rate of Emirati nationals to fall below one percent by 2021, in line with the country’s 2021 National Vision. The ENDP believes that encouraging Emiratis to join the private sector in greater numbers, and seek jobs in burgeoning industries such as healthcare, construction, education and logistics, will help to achieve this target.
Government efforts to reduce unemployment rates in the UAE have been largely successful to date, with unemployment falling from 10.7 percent to just 2.6 percent over the past 10 years. However, it is widely accepted that improvements can still be made, particularly in lowering rates of unemployment amongst those under 30 years of age, which are high by both national and international standards.
Mr Edwards, who has significant expertise in Middle East youth unemployment, believes that closer alignment between education outcomes and workforce needs is essential to improving employment statistics in the UAE. He says:
“What we are seeing as countries seek to align around the world is a clear gap between the skills and knowledge being provided to students in their formal education, and the capabilities that modern businesses require from entrants to the workplace in order to perform successfully in globally orientated, rapidly changing markets. Business leaders have done much, but more needs to be done and employers need to be working more closely alongside policy makers and education providers, across the entire education spectrum, to develop pedagogies, curricula and resources that provide today’s learners with an education that maps more closely to the business and the ever changing workforce needs of the future”.
The Pearson-backed, Effective Education for Employment study looked at the key challenges facing workforces in fulfilling the needs of businesses, industry sectors and economies in 25 countries around the world. As part of the global study, the UAE was selected as one of five countries for special analysis. The authors of a report produced as part of the study identified 10 key traits that business leaders in the UAE were seeking when recruiting employees, which included:
• Self-awareness
• A high level of emotional intelligence
• The ability to do the job they are employed to do
• The ability to communicate knowledge
• The ability to manage well
• Commitment
• Personal accountability
• The willingness to take ownership of the business
• Discipline in terms of delivery
• The ability to learn
Mr Edwards believes more can and should be done to ensure learners not only in the GCC, but other countries around the world, are being given the opportunity to learn, and practically apply these skills:
“Today’s learners are going to experience a variety of jobs and careers in their lifetime, many of which don’t even exist today. One way we can help them to thrive in the workforce of the future is to give them adaptable, useable skills that can be transferred across professions and industries. We cannot possibly give our current generation of learners all the knowledge and information that they will need for life after they have completed their formal educations. However, what we can do is to prepare learners how to learn, how to apply information and how to adapt. This is what will give them strong employability prospects in both the public and private sectors and maximise their value and potential to future employers”.




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Autodesk University Extension Dubai 2014 Opens

More than 1000 top design, engineering professionals, and students to attend 3rdedition of AUx Dubai, one of Middle East’s premier learning and networking event
Dubai, UAE, December 17th, 2014 – The third edition of Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Dubai 2014, the Middle East region’s premier learning and networking event for design and engineering professionals, is set to open today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)–with the hope of attracting more than 1,000 participants from all over the terrain. Organized by Omnix International, a leading distributor of Autodesk design software in the UAE, this year’s edition promise participants a full day worth of interactive workshops, demonstrations, sessions and an exhibition, which is being held under the theme, ‘Learn, Connect, Explore.’ AUx Dubai 2014 has received enthusiastic response from the industry with top IT brands like Lenovo (Platinum); HP (Gold), Canon (Gold); Dell, NVIDIA, and AGA CAD (Silver) endorsing the event.
Sessions to be held today include showcase of futuristic 3D Design technologies, engaging training sessions and projects done using 3D Design Technologies. It will also offer professionals the opportunity to network with international experts and peers across the industry. In addition, AUx Dubai will also provide opportunity to industry professionals and students to validate their skills by obtaining free Autodesk Certifications at the event on Autodesk’s key range of 3D Design software like Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® AutoCAD Civil 3D®, AutoCAD®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional.

“We are delighted to bring you the third edition of Autodesk University Extension Dubai,” said Louay Dahmash, Head, Autodesk Middle East. “AUx Dubai will help design and engineering professionals to learn new technologies, deepen their industry connect and enhance their skills and boost the creative economy in the region. We are happy at the enthusiastic response from the industry and look forward to an increased number of attendees at this year’s event.”
Jon Pittman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Autodesk Inc. giving the key note address at ‘Autodesk University Extension Dubai 2014’
Today’s sessions will feature talks and presentations from some of the world’s leading design experts and professionals including,
  • Jon Pittman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Autodesk, Inc.
  • Lynn Allen, Cadalyst Columnist and Autodesk Technical Evangelist, Autodesk
  • Robert Green, Owner, Robert Green Consulting
  • Gerry McFadden, BIM Manager, WSP Group
  • Alex Horst, Product Specialist, Autodesk
  • Tony Archibold, Design Director, Bluehaus Group
  • Dave Evans, Technical Specialist, Autodesk
  • Ayman Nicola, Technical Sales Lead Engineer, Autodesk
Participants will be able to choose from numerous industry sessions covering a wide range of interesting topics and subjects which among others includes:
  • Tips & Tricks in using the new AutoCAD® 2015 the latest version of the world’s top drafting and architectural software
  • Training session on Autodesk® BIM for infrastructure that would focus on how Autodesk BIM solutions help you plan, design, build and manage an infrastructure project from start to finish
  • Session on how to simplify your designs while gaining hands on experience with the Free Form Modeling resource in the Autodesk Inventor® software
  • Session on industry leading 3ds Max® 3D modeling software and how it helps accelerate performance, streamline workflows and help increase overall productivity
“AUx Dubai 2014 could not have come at a better time–as the Middle East region is currently witnessing a large influx of construction and development projects wherein companies are looking at Autodesk and its diverse range of software to gain competitive advantages and meet customer demands. Aiming to address these demands, AUx Dubai 2014 has positioned itself as a cost-effective venue to receive advanced training, certification, learnings on important industry trends and networking to meet potential clients and collaborators,” concluded Dr Jayant Deshpande, Director – CAE Division, Omnix International.
-ends-
About Autodesk
Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone—from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists—uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Inventor, Navisworks, AutoCAD Civil 3D Revit and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Autodesk is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. 




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HBMSU launches digital version of ‘Those Who Inspire: UAE’ book for learners & staff in the presence of French authors

In collaboration with the Office of H.H. the Crown Prince of Dubai and in line with University’s efforts to enrich knowledge & promote culture of creativity
   
The book documents experiences of 60 innovative Emiratis to inspire future generations and highlights citizens’ role in driving UAE’s cultural, intellectual and humanitarian development

[UAE, December 8, 2014] – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has launched the digital edition of the book, ‘Those Who Inspire: UAE,’ authored and published by French nationals Delphine Barets and Marlene Plomik. HBMSU’s learners and staff will be able to access the digital edition at the university’s e-library and Virtual Executive Club. The venture is part of a joint initiative between the book’s authors and the Office of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and President of HBMSU. The two parties aim to pass on knowledge about Emirati culture to the local community and inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence, leadership and creativity in a bid to position the UAE among the world’s developed countries.

Attending the launching of the book’s digital version were H.E. Saif Bin Markhan Al Ketbi, Director General of the Office of H.H. the Crown Prince of Dubai, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al
Zahed, CEO of Strategy and Development Sector of the Office of H.H. the Crown Prince, and authors Barets and Plomik.
The newly launched book, which celebrates the successful accomplishments of 60 successful Emiratis, was received positively in the UAE. It acts as an inspiration for excellence and leadership in the administrative, economic, artistic, medical, sports, charitable, humanitarian, and various other segments.
Dr. Al Awar thanked the Dubai Crown Prince’s Office for entrusting the digital edition to HBMSU. He lauded the book for portraying some of the most inspiring experiences of select Emiratis. He also commended the book for reflecting the high level of excellence and creativity that the Emirati community has achieved, saying it contributes to the country’s cultural, intellectual and humanitarian development.
Dr. Al Awar said: “We are honored to launch the digital edition of the book which will be accessible through the HBMSU portal as part of our ongoing commitment to enrich knowledge and consolidate the culture of innovation in the Arab World. We look forward to passing on the culture of creativity as a key pillar of the ambitious objectives of the National Innovation Strategy launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The strategy aims to make the UAE one of the world’s most innovative countries in the next seven years. For our part, we are intensifying our efforts to contribute effectively to the strategy by encouraging innovation in the education industry and providing the skills of the 21st century to build a young generation capable of consolidating the UAE’s position as an international model of creativity, excellence and growth.”
Al Awar concluded: “The book sheds light on the creations of our Emirati intellectuals, doctors, artists, educators, scientists, athletes and entrepreneurs. It highlights that success, creativity and excellence are not limited to a certain domain but are open to everyone with different interests. We are confident that the book, with all the leading experiences
and achievements it documents, will inspire readers to pursue leadership and excellence in their field of expertise. This will make a positive impact on our society.”

‘Those Who Inspire: UAE’ was officially launched in the UAE on October  29, 2014 under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. The 284-page book is the second of a series included in the ‘Those Who Inspire’ collection. The first was the Oman-based edition launched in 2012. The authors are planning to launch the book in Bahrain, Greece, France, Nigeria, and Hong Kong, among other places. Barets and Plomik gave 1,000 complimentary copies to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for distribution among universities and colleges across the UAE in the hopes of encouraging, inspiring and motivating students to achieve academic, professional and personal success. 




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3rd Edition of Autodesk University Extension Dubai Announced

Middle East’s premier event for design and engineering professionals to learn new technologies, connect with industry peers and enhance industry skills
UAE, November 27th, 2014 – Omnix  International, the leading distributor of Autodesk design software in the UAE, announced that it is set to host the third edition of Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Dubai 2014, the Middle East region’s premier learning and networking event for design and engineering professionals. Promising professionals an experience to “Learn, Connect, Explore,” this full-day interactive conference and exhibition will be held on December 17, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and expects to attract over 600 design and engineering professionals from the entire GCC region.
AUx Dubai is part of ‘Autodesk University’, an annual series of Autodesk in-person and virtual user conferences that has already enjoyed two decades of success in the US. Brazil, Russia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Australia are some other regions that get to host an Autodesk University or an Autodesk University Extension annually. The event will feature futuristic 3D Design technologies, engaging training sessions and showcase of innovative projects and will also offer professionals the opportunity to network with international experts and peers from the industry.
This year, AUx Dubai will see participation from industry experts, thought leaders and innovators from the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), Manufacturing and Media and Entertainment (M&E) industries from across the Middle East. In addition, AUx Dubai will also offer the opportunity for industry professionals to validate their skills by obtaining free Autodesk Certifications at the event on Autodesk’s range of 3D Design software like Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® AutoCAD Civil 3D®, AutoCAD®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional. There will also be industry focused workshops on newer technologies, hands-on lad sessions and partner exhibits on the day of the event. 
From captivating AU Extension Dubai keynote speakers to knowledgeable class instructors, AU Extension Dubai conference feature speakers who are experts in their industries and include,
  • Jon Pittman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Autodesk, Inc.
  • Lynn Allen, Cadalyst Columnist and Autodesk Technical Evangelist, Autodesk
  • Robert Green, Owner, Robert Green Consulting
  • Gerry McFadden, BIM Manager, WSP Group
  • Alex Horst, Product Specialist, Autodesk
  • Tony Archibold, Design Director, Bluehaus Group
  • Dave Evans, Technical Specialist, Autodesk
  • Ayman Nicola, Technical Sales Lead Engineer, Autodesk
Participants will be able to choose from numerous industry sessions covering a wide range of interesting topics and subjects which include among others sessions on
  • Tips & Tricks in using the new AutoCAD® 2015 the latest version of the world’s top drafting and architectural software
  • Training session on Autodesk® BIM for infrastructure that would focus on how Autodesk BIM solutions help you plan, design, build and manage an infrastructure project from start to finish
  • Session on how to simplify your designs while gaining hands on experience with the Free Form Modeling resource in the Autodesk Inventor® software
  • Session on industry leading 3ds Max® 3D modeling software and how it helps accelerate performance, streamline workflows and help increase overall productivity
Registration for AUx Dubai 2014 is now open at:  AUx Dubai
Commenting on the 3rd edition of AUx Dubai, Louay Dahmash, Head of Autodesk Middle East, said, “Autodesk University extension offers design and engineering professionals from Middle East the unique opportunity to learn about latest industry developments, hone their skills on Autodesk’s industry leading 3D Design software and network with leading international experts. We are delighted to offer this unique platform to the region’s design ecosystem to ‘learn, connect and explore’ which would accelerate adoption of new technologies and improve user productivity as well.”
Dr. Jayant Deshpande, Director – CAE Division, Omnix International, said, “Omnix International is proud to host the third edition of Autodesk University Extension Dubai, which has become a ‘must-see, must attend’ event for the region’s design professionals. This event takes the focus on professionals who are serious about creating—how to come up with world-class, fully efficient and highly durable designs, drawings and the like that will be benchmarks for architecture, interior design and multimedia. The event proves to be very timely and strategic as the region is currently seeing a large influx of construction and development projects wherein companies are looking at Autodesk to gain competitive advantages and meet customer demands. To address this challenge, Autodesk University Extension acts as a cost-effective venue to receive advanced training, certification, learning about important trends in the industry and networking to meet potential clients and collaborators.




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HBMSU & Paris Dauphine University sign MoU to Cooperate in Islamic Finance Education and Training

  
UAE, November 10, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Paris Dauphine University (UPD), a renowned French public research and higher education institution, have entered into a landmark agreement to extend cooperation in Islamic Finance education and training. Both parties will work closely to design programs and initiatives in Islamic Finance tailored for the GCC and MENA regions. They will also jointly develop curricula that will give full credit for courses taken in either of the institutions.

Serine El Salhat, HBMSU’s International Cooperation & Corporate Communication, Assistant Chancellor, and Prof. Arnaud Raynouard, UPD’s Vice President for International Affairs, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a brief ceremony at the HBMSU campus.  The joint venture is timely given the growing global influence and popularity of Islamic finance. HBMSU and UPD provide excellent facilities for masters and research students to specialize in the field. Their world-class curricula and renowned faculty members help learners develop advanced and structured analytical and research skills to work in a wide range of Islamic Finance specialties.

 
Serine El Salhat, HBMSU’s International Cooperation & Corporate Communication, Assistant Chancellor, and Prof. Arnaud Raynouard, UPD’s Vice President for International Affairs, during the signing of the MoU.
The two institutions will also collaborate on other student and faculty exchange programs and jointly conduct faculty research. UPD’s Masters in Islamic Finance students will present papers before well-respected international academicians in HBMSU’s annual Innovation Arabia 8 conference, where UPD faculty and students can exchange ideas with their HBMSU counterparts and meet industry leaders and representatives. HBMSU learners, on the other hand, will join UPD students in their annual international trips. Since 2009, UPD has been offering the Masters in Islamic Finance degree locally and to other French-speaking nations.