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The University of Salford Launches Plans to Help Drive Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision

New representative office will make teaching, research and professional development in vital skills more widely available across Abu Dhabi
  
UAE, May 13, 2014 – In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, The University of Salford (United Kingdom) last night (12 May) launched plans to significantly increase its impact and presence in Abu Dhabi over the coming months, with the aim of driving the development of public and private-sector skills within Abu Dhabi to meet the demands of the 2030 Economic Vision.

Speaking at the launch of the University’s representative office in Abu Dhabi, attended by senior business people and officials, Salford’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall announced plans for the development of a wider portfolio of postgraduate and CPD programmes, new educational and industry partnerships, collaborative projects and research initiatives in close consultation with industry and government.
Inaugural cake cutting ceremony: Salford’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall,   H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
A newly-focused suite of postgraduate and professional programmes will be developed for Abu Dhabi, to be delivered through a combination of on-line and face-to-face learning. This will cover areas in which Salford has an international reputation for excellence – the built environment, business, energy, healthcare, media and digital, and science and technology – and will include:
  • The expansion of postgraduate programmes in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Design, to drive the development of the highly-skilled workforce required to meet the goals laid out in the Smart City agenda. Since the degree was launched, a number of the large engineering firms transforming the region have received training from Salford in this leading-edge technology, including Arup, whose projects have included the development of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council HQ
  • A suite of programmes in key skills areas, including Construction Law and Practice, Construction Management, Clinical Gait Analysis, Financial Services Management, Global Management, Marketing, Occupational Therapy, Quantity Surveying and Fashion Innovation
  • A wider range of professional-development courses, from business and law to health, media and energy, and the built environment, which will be made available to both individuals and organisations 
Professor Martin Hall, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, said: “The launch of our representative office will significantly enhance our rich history of working with educational partners and industry in Abu Dhabi, to deliver high-quality, postgraduate professional education in priority areas for the region and our own areas of expertise.
“Over the past 15 years, we have contributed to the region’s knowledge economy by providing robust degree programmes in partnership with other prestigious universities, government bodies, hospitals, charities and major firms from the private sector. Our academics are ideally positioned to equip the Abu Dhabi’s public and private-sector organisations with the skills they’ll need to respond to the demands set out by the 2030 Vision, which is why we have committed to greatly expand our presence and investment in the region over the next few months.”
The university will also embark on new, cutting-edge collaborative research that addresses the real-world problems of today and tomorrow and helps industry to harness research and development for the future competitiveness of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Professor Hall added: “As the city seeks to respond to the pace of technological change and harness the capabilities of research and development for future competitiveness, there has never been a greater industry requirement in Abu Dhabi for real-world research.
“Our increased presence in Abu Dhabi will also mean wider access to our modern, dynamic and exceptionally-equipped research centres and support from our teams of highly-experienced academics.”
Employees from firms in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider Middle East, regularly come to Salford to attend executive summer schools and block-intensive CPD delivery. On-site delegates can train at the Salford campus and unique digital learning, teaching and research space in MediaCityUK – home to the BBC and one of the hotbeds for creative and digital innovation in Europe.
Industry partners within the Abu Dhabi over the past few years have included Malfraq hospital, to which Salford specialists have provided consultancy and training to ensure best practice and management of diabetic foot-care, to the significant benefit of the local population.


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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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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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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.

–Ends–


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EIAST Honors Winners & Participants of Dubai Sat 2 Logo Contest

UAE, August 27, 2013 –The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) recently held an awards ceremony to honour the participants of the Dubai Sat 2 logo making contest. Seventeen-year-old Aliaa Ahmed Sayed from Al Khaleej National School emerged as the overall winner for her use of the image of a falcon and the colors of the UAE flag to reflect the culture and history of the UAE. EIAST will place the logo on the satellite, which is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Winners from the different age groups who garnered the highest scores from the judging panel of EIAST were also honored. They included Mohammed Iqbal Eshaq, Aisha Hamid Sultan, Huda Ahmed Darwish, Khalifa Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Ahmed Abdulla Al Habsi. Five-year-old Asma Ahmed Al Suwaidi received a special honor for being the youngest contestant.

The ceremony was attended by EIAST Director General H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, EIAST engineers and employees, and relatives of the winners. Al Shaibani emphasized the Institution’s full commitment to developing the abilities of students and youths in general and providing them with all the support to develop and harness their talents.
 
“The participation of students in such competitions promotes capacity building and develops the spirit of innovation. Contests also foster a spirit of competition that results in solutions and innovations that can be of great help to the community. They represent an opportunity to introduce students to technical and scientific achievements in their own country that can become a source of pride for them,” said H.E. Al Shaibani.
Alia Ahmed El-Sayed, the winner of the competition said: “I found out about the contest through an advertisement placed in our school. I told my mother I wanted to join since I like drawing logos, and she encouraged me to do so. I wanted to design a logo that best reflects the spirit of the UAE. I have drawn a number of logos but only one of them has won. I am very proud and happy that my logo will be placed on the satellite and fly into space.”
The contest was opened in January 2013 to students in schools and universities in the UAE. It was organized in coordination with the Ministry of Education, education districts, public schools and universities. The competition was divided into five age groups: 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-20 years, 20-24 years, and 24 years and above.
Dubai Sat 2 is a joint project between EIAST and the Satrec Initiative of South Korea. The satellite will provide high-quality images for governmental departments working in the field of infrastructure, such as Dubai Municipality and RTA, as well as local, regional and international bodies. It will also support the research projects of universities and academic entities.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal to promote a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and to enhance UAE nationals’ capacity in technological innovation and attaining leading scientific levels. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; manufacture of satellites and development of systems; space imaging; and ground station services and support to other satellites.


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New business disciplines to be introduced to address market needs

ALHOSN University set to welcome 500 new students in AY 2013-2014
July 3, 2013
The UAE has taken solid steps towards transforming itself into a knowledge-based economy, supported by its strategy of encouraging infrastructure development, economic improvement, and optimal investment in human capital and modern technology. The government considers education in particular as a pillar for progress, as reflected by a job market that is expanding at a CAGR of 8.4 per cent. ALHOSN University has announced the launching of new business disciplines in response to evolving local, regional and international market requirements.

ALHOSN has also opened the registration of newly-admitted students to additional undergraduate disciplines, including HR Management, Marketing, Accounting, and Finance and Business Management. This follows up on the success of the Department of Mechanical Engineering which was established under the Faculty of Engineering during the 2011-2012 academic year and currently offers exclusive scholarships covering 50 per cent of tuition fees for female students.
As part of preparations to welcome a larger number of undergraduate and masters students across the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences this 2013-2014 academic year, the university campus has been expanded to accommodate more classrooms and well-equipped state-of-the-art laboratories. The number of student applicants is currently at around 300 and is expected to rise to 500 by the beginning of the first semester to account for a 10 per cent increase over last year’s population.
Dr. Prof. Raymond Tennant, Provost of ALHOSN University, pointed out that the surging demand for Baccalaureate and Masters degree programmes among students of various nationalities in the UAE prompted the University to introduce new academic disciplines and undertake an expansion plan to accommodate the growing number of new students who represent important additions to the current community of 1,600. 
He added that the University maintains a solid footprint in the local educational landscape as a leading academic institution dedicated to high-value education under the highest standards of quality and excellence in accordance with its motto of ‘Global Knowledge with Local Vision.’
Dr. Tennant explained that ALHOSN University is committed to offering the best certified academic programmes. He said that the exceptional supervision of veteran and highly competent faculty raises the bar for imparting theoretical, analytical, practical, and leadership skills across various disciplines among students to help them effectively integrate into the highly competitive job market. Dr. Tennant noted that around 400 students graduated from the University last year.
“We have achieved remarkable success over the past few years in terms of equipping the local job market with the best competencies in different disciplines such as Business Management, Engineering and Education which are attracting great interest from students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. A key factor is ALHOSN University’s year-long open admission policy which allows students to enrol in their preferred curriculum in any semester. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote educational excellence, we offer a wide range of scholarship programmes covering academic excellence whether from high school or for current schooling, female Engineering students, the financially troubled, and many more,” Tennant concluded.

Applicants to the ALHOSN undergraduate programmes must be holders of a high school degree from the UAE or its equivalent from other countries, with an average not less than 60 per cent, and achieve a TOEFL score of 500 or an IELTS score of 5.0. Applicants to the masters programme must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 per cent or higher and a TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS of 6.0.