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Amanda Collins, Pearson’s Director of School Services in the Middle East, believes Professional Development for Teachers is Essential to Raising Standard of UAE Schools

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 30th, 2016 – A recent article in the UAE’s National newspaper reported that over 20,000 students in Abu Dhabi are currently enrolled in schools deemed as weak or very weak by school inspectors.
The figure was released by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) following the first round of school inspections that have been conducted as part of the new UAE School Inspection Framework. So far in 2016, 41 schools across Abu Dhabi have been inspected, with 19 schools being categorised by the new reporting structure as either “weak” or “very weak”. The good news is that two schools have fallen into the “outstanding” category and eight schools classed as either “good” or “very” good.
The UAE Ministry of Education launched the new School Inspection Framework in 2015 to unify the various school standard systems that had previously been in place across the seven Emirates. Under the Framework, schools are assessed against a number of criteria, including student achievement, personal and social development of students, teaching and assessment, curriculum, protection, care, guidance and support of students, and leadership and management. Schools are ranked into six categories: outstanding, very good, good, acceptable, weak and very weak.
A school’s performance against the Framework is linked to whether ADEC grants permission for that school to increase its fees. ADEC recently released figures showing that out of the 90 schools requesting a fee increase for the 2016-2017 academic year, 39 applications were rejected, suggesting a significant percentage of schools were not meeting basic Framework criteria.
The launch of the new system is no doubt a step in the right direction when it comes to understanding the quality of teaching and learning taking place in the UAE, with identification of issues the first step in building a strong, future-proof education system.
The real question is what do we do with this information? How can we use the valuable data collected from school inspections to shape positive reforms that will have a positive impact on both teachers and their students?
The report ADEC released following the first round of inspections noted that of the 19 schools falling into the “weak” or “very weak” category, 14 have failed to improve over the past three inspections. This is troublesome, as it suggests that despite the deficiencies being identified in schools, little progress is being made in redressing these issues.
The inspections in Abu Dhabi have shown that many of the greatest challenges facing our schools relate to the quantity and quality of available teaching staff. ADEC reported that September to December 2016 saw a turnover rate of teachers of 20% in Abu Dhabi schools. Absenteeism has been cited as a major issue, with the National newspaper also reporting a high number of teachers failing to turn up to class.  Anecdotal evidence suggests several reasons for high rates of absenteeism amongst teachers, including unsustainable workloads and a lack of knowledge about new reporting and compliance obligations. Recent media articles have suggested that as well as long work hours, high levels of stress are leading to “scores” of teachers in the UAE resigning.
Ongoing training and professional development for educators must therefore be at the heart of any solution to the main challenges being experienced within our schools. Those schools that rate highly on the new School Inspection Framework all enjoy strong and effective leadership – but the strong leadership exhibited in these high performing schools is no accident. Effective school leadership requires an ongoing commitment to professional learning and development on behalf of school principals and others within the school leadership team. Senior educators in our schools need to be constantly updated with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to deal with the complex challenges impacting modern school environments. Importantly, they must also be well equipped to guide the wider school community through changes to curriculum, assessment and reporting.
As already mentioned, absenteeism and high turnover of teachers can be, at least in part, explained by teachers feeling overwhelmed by new regulations and ill-equipped to deal with the multitude of other complex challenges facing today’s educators. Professional Development that specifically helps teachers and school leaders to implement reforms that will help improve their school’s performance during inspections is essential – with emphasis on improving learner outcomes all important. Schools need to be supported in their efforts to keep good staff. Increased pay for teachers as an incentive to stay is not always a sustainable option, but increased and improved Professional Development is. And while many school leaders are reluctant to invest in staff training for fear that if teachers leave it will be a waste of money, these leaders need to realise that it is often this investment in teachers that encourages them to stay, and give their best to a school.
Many weak schools are unaware of how to effectively use data to improve school performance and classroom instruction. Technology is often heralded as a panacea to fixing major education issues. But too often technology is unfortunately viewed by teachers as more of a hindrance than a help – largely due to technology being implemented without the training and support necessary to ensure it is used effectively. The result is teachers feeling burdened rather than empowered by technology – resenting its introduction and failing to exploit its potential as a way of making the teaching, assessment and reporting process more efficient and effective. We need to take steps to ensure data and technology are used optimally, benefiting school performance rather than hindering it. One of the easiest ways of achieving this is making the relevant training more effective and accessible.
So, in short, there are some important lessons that we can take from the findings of the first round of school inspections conducted under the new Framework. Giving educators and school leaders the tools, confidence and capabilities to address the issues being picked up will help us to build a robust school system. This is essential for ensuring each and every learner in the UAE is being given the best chance of meeting their potential in a schools that comply with the Ministry of Education’s new standards. 


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TRA announces Academic Membership of Ajman University of Science and Technology to International Telecommunication Union

UAE, August 3rd, 2016 –The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has revealed that Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) has been granted academic membership into the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. The move is hailed as a key step forward that complement AUST’s scientific and academic roadmap towards development while also helping national efforts in consolidating the UAE’s credentials in the ITU.

Earlier, the TRA encouraged AUST to join the ranks of other academic members of the ITU, a move that reflects the TRA’s policy and the UAE’s vision to support and convince all academic institutions, universities and colleges to be part of the ITU with the aim of making good use of several advantages offered by the union and benefit from its membership to the hilt, especially in the light of the rapid development witnessed by the world in digital technology.
The ITU membership will help the university in enhancing its academic levels through being acquainted with the latest developments, techniques and practices in the domain of the telecommunications and information technology industry and keeping up with the emergence of technological advancements in this sector. In addition to capitalizing from studies and mega world projects carried out by the ITU, which includes a large number of designed technical researches, that are conducted by committees, experienced and specialized working teams in various areas either in radio communications or standardization or development.
TRA lauded the great step taken by Ajman University of Science & Technology and its efforts to develop a scientific and academic roadmap that looks towards improving the capabilities and competencies of local human resources as well as assuming its academic role in enabling students to lead the future and developing a generation that is able to match with major developments in the telecommunications and information technology sector. AUST’s efforts is expected to play a key role in bolstering the status of the UAE and its leadership at the global level, while also highlighting the academic sector as a main partner in supporting the process of development and evolution.
In addition, the TRA also expressed its keenness in strengthening ties with all educational and academic institutions in the UAE—urging other schools and universities to join the ITU and benefit from researches and specialized studies, particularly in the field of telecommunications and information technology, in an attempt to pave the way for students who are specialized in this area and to benefit from training courses and activities organized by the Union. The ITU organizes a wide range of workshops that are facilitated by international experts and are aimed at implementing the recommendations of the telecommunications sector to fortify the country’s credentials at the regional and international events and help in fully developing the digital economy network in the UAE.
By AUST’s ITU membership, university students now will be able to take advantage of key opportunities offered by the ITU, especially with regards to training courses in the domain of radio communications and the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), as well as the direct communication with international experts and researchers from more than 100 universities and research centers that are also members of the ITU.
The cooperation will serve the university at all levels and open new horizons that could contribute to developing the university’s academic level; keeping pace with the changes in the digital technology world and qualifying talented and skilled students in leading the future and building the community.
AUST’s entry into the union follows after the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) announcement of academic membership in the ITU earlier this year, making good use of its membership to enhance its academic’s path and foster global partnerships that can back its vision in the field of applied education as well as focusing on specializations that meet with the labor market’s requirements and the state’s development plans.
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi has also received an invitation to join the ITU, which was issued in recognition of the quality of its research outputs. Houlin Zhao, Secretary General, ITU recently visited the university in March and toured the university’s Innovation Center, ‘Eptic.’ During the tour, he met with researchers who briefed him on projects to improve the fiber optic network, big data and the security of cloud computing networks. The ITU official also visited a research center for processing and analyzing visual signals and the Khalifa University Robotics Institute (KURI) in addition to meeting with students and researchers who briefed him on their research projects.
About the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established to help further develop the telecommunications and information technology industries and support efforts aimed towards creating a knowledge-based economy in the country. The authority focuses on strengthening the development of the telecommunications and information technology sector, which are important drivers for social and economic growth and one of the main pillars of UAE Vision 2021.
TRA is responsible for supporting the telecommunications and information technology sector through the enforcement of a regulatory framework that stimulates healthy competition; maintains the rights of the beneficiaries; improves readiness of e-services; encourages investment, innovation and development and develops human capital. For more information, please visit: www.tra.gov.ae.


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Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)

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

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


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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”.
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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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HBMSU Rejuvenates Chinese Medicine Methodologies in Collaboration with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine

International cooperation with leading Chinese university to establish research & learning foundations for dissemination of best Chinese medicine practices in Arab world
UAE, April 17, 2016 – The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine (SICCTM) to establish strong research and learning foundations for Chinese medicine at the local and regional levels.
The MOU was inked at HBMSU’s premises in the presence of a delegation from the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai headed by Ms. Li Lingbing Consul-General, and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and Chairman of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) Governing Board. The signatories were Prof. Mustafa Hassan, HBMSU’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director, SICCTM.

Under the terms of the MOU, HBMSU and SICCTM will collaborate on strengthening international academic and professional communication, scientific research and development, and education and training on Chinese medicine. Their joint efforts will initially focus on Dubai and eventually expand to the entire UAE and wider Middle East region.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, said: “As a pioneer in various forms, areas and manner of learning, HBMSU has forged a partnership with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine to equip learners and practitioners with knowledge and skills culled from respected Chinese and Arabian experts in Chinese medicine.”
He pointed out that the bilateral cooperation with a leading Chinese university in Chinese medicine advances HBMSU’s new direction towards spreading knowledge about methodologies and practices that provide wider choices for enjoying a healthy and sound life, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to bring happiness to the people and ensure the well-being of the community.
“The partnership falls within the framework of HBMSU’s tireless endeavors to promote channels of knowledge transfer and export. We are confident that the move will be a quantum leap for us to establish the university as a pioneering Knowledge Center of Chinese Medicine, which is an old science that has proven exceptionally efficient in healing the sick by addressing their physical, spiritual, psychological and social aspects,” added Al Awar.
Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director of the Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine, said: “In recent years traditional Chinese medicine has gained more and more understanding worldwide, including in the Middle East, with its market share gradually expanding. The United Arab Emirates is the biggest and most open market among the Gulf countries. The MoU with HBMSU comes as a qualitative step in meeting the growing demand for supplying the regional market with qualified staff in accordance with the highest international standards to provide treatments based on reliable and integrated methodologies. Bilateral cooperation is important as it paves the way for us to spread the culture of Chinese medicine in the Arab world, as well as establish a solid foundation for integrating academic and research resources and professional and social aspects on the way to an innovative model that combines the best practices of Chinese medicine.”
We are honored to cooperate with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University which has a strong presence and modern educational resources and advanced technological innovations. We have strong faith and confidence that together with HBMSU the new innovated traditional Chinese medicine will benefit more people in UAE and across the Arab World,” Prof. Dr. Li Shang concluded.
Chinese medicine is an ancient science dating back to thousands of years. It is characterized by diversity and includes herbal medicine and acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition and others. Traditional Arabic medicine, an integral part of the cultural heritage of Arab and Islamic countries, combines herbal medicine and food practices and physical, mental and spiritual treatments and applied therapy, all of which have had a positive impact on the lives of people throughout the ages.


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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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GETEX 2016 to Unveil Prime Education & Training Opportunities to over 35,000 Visitors

Diverse mix of guests to be treated to more than 2,500 study programmes
 
Dubai, UAE, March 03, 2016 – The latest edition of the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), the leading student recruitment platform in the Middle East and Asia, is expected to attract 35,000 visitors from April 13 to 15, 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
. During its three-day run, GETEX 2016 will focus on topics such as General Education, Residential Schools, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education, Occupational and Industry Education, Professional Development, Continuing Education and Training, as well as host a Student Counselling and Career Advisory Forum.
GETEX 2016 will target various student groups based on their preferences, ensuring that it maintains an exceptional year-on-year exhibitor retention rate of over 90 percent. The hosted seminars and presentations on subjects that bridge the gap between education and industry will reinforce ties with the business community. Unlike other advertising mediums, GETEX offers tangible returns on exhibitor investments as much of the recruitment happens on the exhibition floor. Students across all age groups will have access to more than 2,500 international academic, training and vocational programs during the three-day event.
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director of International Conferences & Exhibitions, the organizer of GETEX, said: “For nearly three decades, GETEX has provided a vital link between learners and professionals seeking prime education and education providers, offering the best study programmes for aspiring students. The 2016 edition of GETEX will cater to a broader audience in response to growing demand in specific industry sectors such as Medicine, Engineering and Finance along with a host of vocational trades. School officials, faculty, parents and students of all ages will appreciate the vast array of study options that GETEX has to offer. Exhibitors, on the other hand, will have an easier time pursuing their admissions targets and enrolment quotas courtesy of the show.”
GETEX is the Middle East’s longest running student sourcing event. It is organized by International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC&E), one of the longest standing international exhibition houses in the region. Last year’s edition received 35,500 visitors, 63 per cent of whom were high school students looking for undergraduate programmes, 23 per cent mature learners seeking postgraduate education options, 12 per cent professionals interested in occupational education and training courses, and 2 per cent faculty, career guidance counsellors and visitors from education regulatory authorities around the Middle East. Entrance to the upcoming show is free. For more information, please visit http://www.mygetex.com.


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Diving Training for People with Special Needs in Dubai

ATLANTIS, THE PALM HOSTS DIVING TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 March 2016 – Dive Atlantis, the newest addition to Atlantis, The Palm’s resort attractions, hosted a two-day diving training program for people with special needs, as part of its efforts to make diving more accessible and to support social inclusion and social empowerment of people with disabilities.
 

Atlantis Dubai, scuba diving for disabled students.

The training, organised in collaboration with Disabled Divers International (DDI), a non-profit organisation, was designed to promote, develop and conduct scuba diving training programs for the disabled in professional and non-professional categories.

In addition to the support of the Dive Atlantis team, the sessions were supervised by Mark Slingo, Director of Training and Marketing in DDI, a scuba diving instructor who is currently in a wheelchair due to an accident. Mark conducted the training on the 11th and 12th of March at Dive Atlantis with six professional diving instructors with an aim for them to become DDI certified while learning adaptive teaching techniques required to teach scuba diving to disabled students.
Atlantis Dubai, scuba diving training programs for the disabled in professional and non-professional categories.

On the first day of training, Slingo covered the theory portion followed by a practical test the following morning. The course was aimed at mobilising individuals with disabilities to enjoy the treasures of the ocean. The initiative comes as part of Atlantis’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and to increase its entertainment offering to families across the world, whatever their needs or requirements may be.

“Diving can be an enriching experience, potentially helping to improve quality of life,” says Mike Ceci, Manager, Dive Atlantis, Atlantis, The Palm. “Dive Atlantis is going the extra mile in providing these educational and entertainment activity to all visitors. Diving is a sport where you experience the feeling of absolute weightlessness, and so diving is usually a ‘comfortable sport’ for those with challenges in regards to movement.
Since its introduction in 2010, DDI, which has earned extensive support and recognition within the diving industry, has conducted professional and non-professional programs around the world. All board members are volunteers, dedicated to promoting and developing scuba diving for the disabled internationally.
Dive Atlantis provides easy access and participation for all. In addition, all courses can be structured to fit around the holiday plans of both resort guests and day visitors. Guests also get the unique opportunity to learn how to dive in one of the resort’s private and pristine salt water pools, allowing them to become accustomed to the sensation of diving prior to doing open water dives in the sea.
Guests can enjoy a variety of accredited PADI courses from the basic Discover Scuba Diving programme to the Open Water Diver qualification, to the more advanced Assistant Instructor courses for those wanting to pursue a career in diving.
Certified PADI divers can enjoy an exhilarating half-day trip in the Arabian Gulf aboard one of two luxurious 37 ft Seamaster powerboats. Qualified divers can also choose to broaden their dive experiences with advanced and specialty diving courses, including deep diving, night diving, wreck diving, underwater photography and much more.
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About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region and located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 17 hectares of waterscape amusement at Aquaventure Waterpark, all within a 46 hectare site. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure features 18 million litres of fresh water used to power thrilling waterslides, a 2.3 kilometre river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about one of nature’s most friendly mammals.  Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region with a collection of world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Nobu and Ronda Locatelli. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities.


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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.”