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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.

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Digital Poetry’ Bridging Gap between Youths & Traditional Literary Art Forms

ALHOSN University’s Reading Club hosts lecture by ADTA adviser Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi on the future of poetry
Abu Dhabi, UAE, September 30, 2013 – ALHOSN University’s Reading Club recently welcomed poet and critic Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi, an adviser for the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, who delivered a lecture on ‘The Future of Poetry in the World: Towards a Digital Horizon.’

Dr. Abdi gave a brief history of Arabic literature and explained the major impact that the dawning of the digital age has had on the development of poetry.  He also talked about the growing trend among young people to make ‘digital poems’ which he said can be of great help in maintaining interest in poetry among youths and empower them to express their thoughts and concerns.

The event was attended by H.E. Prof. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University; Dr. Adel Khleifi, Academic Provost; Dr. Mohamed Kashef, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Khalid Hayari, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Said Hasab Elnabi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the supervisor of the Reading Club; and Dr. Hassan Al-Samerrai, Associate Professor in Education. A number of faculty members, staff and students were also present.
“Poetry is one of the highest forms of literary art. It allows humanity to express its deepest thoughts and voice all its hope and dreams. It is a practice and a passion that we must preserve and uplift among our youths. We appreciate Dr. Abdi’s efforts to share the wonders of poetry to a new generation and show how modern facets of life such as digitization can help bring a better understanding and appreciation of literary works,” said Dr. Mohamed Saeed, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ALHOSN University.
Prior to the event, Dr. Elnabi guested in Abu Dhabi TV’s ‘From Abu Dhabi’ program to discuss the various activities of ALHOSN University’s Reading Club which has been active since 2010. He shared the club’s vision of hosting intellectuals, writers, poets, those interested in heritage and history, and talented kids and adults. He also touched on the future of poetry, saying that poetry is one of the finest creations of humanity. He particularly lauded the meaning, imagination, morality and creativity conveyed by Arab poetry. Dr. Elnabi added that today’s writers have to contend with a younger generation that is generally disinterested with poetry. He said that the Reading Club is trying to revive interest in poetry and reading and writing in general.
Dr. Abdi’s talk was followed by spritited discussions where Prof. Momany aired his concerns over the protection of the Intellectual Property Rights of poets on the internet, explaining that texts can be easily added or deleted to uploaded works and thus compromise original versions. He called for new safeguards for literary works and also compared the development of poetry to the historical evolution of architecture.
Prof. Djamal Eddin Laouisset from the College of Business also discussed the important role being played by the UAE in collecting and preserving literary and poetic heritage and presenting it to today’s readers.
Prof. Momany presented Dr. Abdi a plaque of appreciation from ALHOSN University for his valuable contributions to the literary arts at the end of the session. The Reading Club also gave Dr. Abdi a Certificate of Appreciation for enriching its activities.

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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. 


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Three Students Defend Master’s Theses with Focus on Seismic Capabilities

ALHOSN University grooming advanced Building Engineers to support UAE’s construction & property rebound
Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 17th, 2013 – With the UAE’s construction and real estate sectors witnessing a steady recovery as of late, ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education,  has been focusing on the preparation of highly qualified talents who can help sustain the trend. Of particular focus is seismic design in light of the spate of seismic events witnessed in the region and around the world.
Three students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering at ALHOSN – Israa Hammouda, Ahmed Mohamed Moussa and Ahmed Al Ghazali – recently defended their respective theses at the university’s Male Campus. The panelists included the adviser of all three students, Prof. Mohamed Sobaih, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Sciences, External Examiners from UAE University in Al Ain and the American University in Dubai, and Internal Examiners from ALHOSN. 
The works deliberated on were ‘Seismic Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Frames in the Harsh Environment Using Pushover Analysis’; ‘Seismic Evaluation and Strengthening of Existing School Buildings in Abu Dhabi’; and  ‘Evaluation of Regular Multistory Buildings Using IBC2009 Code & ESEE Regulations by Pushover Analysis Method.’
“The recent incidents of earthquakes have made nations take a serious look at how well-built their structures are and if they do indeed have the right manpower to develop buildings and facilities that are not only functional but resilient as well. ALHOSN University desires to contribute to the upswings seen within the UAE’s construction and property sectors by preparing talents for the unique needs of a changing building engineering landscape,” said Prof. Raymond Tennant, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor, ALHOSN University.
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. It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs 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.
ALHOSN University is one of the few universities in the UAE that offers a Master Degree in Building Management, complementing its reputation as a seedbed for exceptional technical, scientific and engineering professionals.
About ALHOSN University:
ALHOSN University is a leading private university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education under the slogan “Global Knowledge with Local Vision.” The Abu Dhabi-based institution is owned and supported by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company and is fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
ALHOSN University manages accredited programs (12 undergraduate and 7 graduate) in three faculties, all of which were developed by top North American educational experts. Undergraduate academic degrees are offered as four-year programs and taught in English, except for the Arabic education component.

The University’s City Campus includes the Men’s Campus, the Women’s Campus, the Engineering Lab Building, the Library Building, and the Lectures Building, all located at the heart of Abu Dhabi. A main campus with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities will soon be constructed. ALHOSN is open to students from all nationalities



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MoE sends school experts to UK for advanced course as part of School Leadership Programme.

Dubai, London, 17 June 2013: The UAE Ministry of Education and Pearson, the world’s leading education company, have announced that an elite group of 30 school principals, vice principals and teachers from across the UAE will visit the United Kingdom to participate in an advanced residential course in School Leadership. The course will allow participants to implement international best practices in teacher leadership in their schools on their return.

The course is an extended option for participants of the School Leadership Programme (SLP), an initiative of the national Ministry of Education that the Pearson Group is helping to roll out across the country. Pearson enjoys the reputation of being the world’s best known and respected education organisation.
The SLP is a programme of national significance that will see over 700 Emirati school teachers, supervisors and principals acquiring new skills and knowledge necessary to improve the standard of leadership in their institutions.
Her Excellency Fawzia Hassan Ghareeb, Assistant Undersecretary for education operations, UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) said the course forms part of the ministry’s drive to develop local human resources and raise the quality of teaching skills to international levels as well as upgrade the levels of leadership and managerial competencies in the education field, through global training opportunities.
HE Fawzia Hassan added that eight international training firms had pitched for this project, out of 19 invited to participate in the technical and financial proposal. The competencies of all bidders were meticulously analysed before selecting the most suitable company.
HE Fawzia Hassan hailed the School Leadership Programme as a significant five-year  international program aimed at developing leadership skills of over 700 education leaders from UAE public schools through 400 training hours.
Pearson’s President for the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Christine Ozden, said the UK and the UAE shared a special, mutually beneficial relationship when it comes to education. “The residential programme offered through the SLP is another way Britain and the UAE can learn from one another with the end goal of producing teaching and learning environments that allow students in each country to achieve their learning potential. This programme aims at raising the education standards in line with the development process being witnessed by UAE schools, thanks to the initiatives and plans beings implemented by the MoE”.
Pearson operates in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages. The company’s legacy in education goes back to 150 years.
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About Pearson:

Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com


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ALHOSN University heightens learning experience with ‘Treasure’ stage play.

June 9, 2013
ALHOSN University’s Department of Education recently staged a play entitled ‘Treasure’ as part of its efforts to use school dramatization as a means to enhance the learning process.
Inspired by an Arabic lesson taught in the 6th Grade, ‘Treasure’ brings to life the legend of a group of children who share their dreams with a genie that emerges from a magic lamp they find in a desert cave.

Representatives from distinguished educational and cultural organizations were on hand to lend support to the play, including Dr. Maryam Al Ali from the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Prof. Talal Al Fulaiti from the Khalifa Award for Education, and Prof. Hanafi Jayel from Sultan Bin Zayed’s Culture and Media Centre.
Among those present from ALHOSN’s side were H.E. Khalifa Mohamed Rubaya Al Muhairi, Chairman of the ALHOSN Board of Trustees; university guest Prof. Alaa Abdul Bari, Dean of Student Affairs at the Arab Academy for Maritime Transport, Alexandria; ALHOSN Provost Prof. Raymond Tenant; Prof. Hassan Mustafa, Dean of the  Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Mohammed Kashef, Dean of Student Affairs; Prof. Munther Momany, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Ahmed Al Awadi, Adjunct Professor.
A high-profile group of journalists and media representatives, other faculty members, Abu Dhabi-based teachers, parents and students from primary schools attended the event as well.
H.E. Al Muhairi commended the outstanding work of ALHOSN’s Education Department, citing the significant educational value of school dramatization and the exceptional efforts of participating students in terms of performance, decorations and preparations. He underscored the important role of ALHOSN in promoting public communication through such types of events, which he said reflects the university’s varied roles that go beyond teaching and scientific research. Al Muhairi wished the Education Department and the whole university further success.  
Prof. Mustafa pointed out that extra-curricular student activities are catalysts for enhanced academic knowledge and student skills. He explained that school dramatization encourages interaction and creativity at both the theoretical and practical levels.
“This year’s play was a great success thanks to the outstanding performance and efforts of our students. School dramatization can be an effective educational tool – in some cases even better – compared to traditional approaches if used properly. It can significantly enhance the educational, artistic and creative skills of students,” said Dr. Mohammed Saeed Hasab Al Nabi, Chair of ALHOSN’s Education Department and supervisor of the play.

ALHOSN University was established in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing demand for high-quality educational institutions in the UAE. It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Business, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. ALHOSN caters to students of all nationalities and those with special needs. The University engages its students in various curricular and non-curricular activities as part of its holistic approach to professional and personal development. 


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Inquiry-based learning offered as effective alternative method for teaching English to UAE’s Arab students.

ALHOSN University discusses multilingual learning approach at 19th TESOL Arabia Conference & Exhibition
May 8, 2013
A representative of ALHOSN University’s English Department extensively discussed the use of inquiry-based learning as a sound alternative approach to teaching English to the UAE’s Arab students during the 19th TESOL Arabia International Conference and Exhibition held recently in Dubai.

TESOL Arabia is the regional arm of TESOL Inc., a US-based global professional organization for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Its annual event features various professional development and networking opportunities and displays of the latest teaching aids and tools. This year’s edition was held under the theme ‘From KG to College to Career’ and welcomed more than 1,000 participants.
The ALHOSN delegation included eight faculty members of the English Department, namely, Hassan Mustapha, Mongi Baratli, Mark Neville, Chantal Mercier, Maha Elhami, May Elhami, Richard Baltus and Amanda Tinnin.
Maha Elhami delivered a presentation titled ‘Teaching English as Inquiry: Challenges and Applications.’ She offered the inquiry-based learning approach as an alternate view of teaching English with more focus on questioning and research skills. The audience discovered new ways to design inquiry-based activities that motivate students to think critically, ask meaningful questions and ascertain the information they learn. They were shown materials and resources used during the inquiry process including authentic tasks and online references.
The presentation concluded with useful tips and links designed exclusively for an effective integration of the inquiry-based learning approach into any English curriculum, taking into account students’proficiency levels in English.
“The International TESOL Arabia Conference was an inspirational venue for learning the best ways and tools to teach English as a second language. The ability to communicate in a second or even a third language is crucial to molding global leaders. The English speaking skill is especially vital as English is considered the preferred language of business. By exposing our English educators to platforms such as the annual TESOL Arabia conference and exhibition, we enhance their teaching ability while fulfilling our promise of global knowledge with local vision,” said Prof. Hassan Mustapha, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ALHOSN University.
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. It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs 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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About ALHOSN University:
ALHOSN University is a leading private university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education under the slogan “Global Knowledge with Local Vision.” The Abu Dhabi-based institution is owned and supported by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company and is fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
ALHOSN University manages accredited programs (12 undergraduate and 7 graduate) in three faculties, all of which were developed by top North American educational experts. Undergraduate academic degrees are offered as four-year programs and taught in English, except for the Arabic education component.
The University’s City Campus includes the Men’s Campus, the Women’s Campus, the Engineering Lab Building, the Library Building, and the Lectures Building, all located at the heart of Abu Dhabi. A main campus with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities will soon be constructed. ALHOSN is open to students from all nationalities.
For further information, please contact:
Wafa Mousa
Marketing & Events Manager
Marketing & Public Relations Department, ALHOSN University
Tel: 02 407 0700
Dir: 02 407 0747
Fax: 02 407 0782