In line with the Memorandum of Understanding between Musanada and Abu Dhabi Education Council, the Facilities Management Department at Musanada along will be carrying out 5 high profile projects this summer. Projects will include major refurbishment programs, AC replacement projects, Maintenance programs, and implementing the 2010 school power and AC project.

This summer 8 schools will undergo major refurbishment works, the schools located in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will receive a full high specification fit out ranging from newly configured administration areas for teachers and staff, state of the art classrooms and laboratories to high class sports facilities for the students. Schools will also receive a full new energy efficient air conditioning and lighting system improving the learning environment of students. These development projects are launched to transform schools to be in line with ADEC’s strategic plan for 2008 – 2019 of world class educational facilities, and to follow the brand identity of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Musanada has selected three successful contractors to carry out the projects, works will commence mid June 2010 and a view to complete early September 2010 ready for the return of students and staff.

Along with the 8 schools above, this summer 200 schools in Abu Dhabi will undergo a full replacement program of their air conditioning systems, the schools located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region will have all their A/C systems replaced.

In addition to the summer works Musanada will be carrying out maintenance works to 284 schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region. Works have been split into two categories major and minor. Minor works will include the general up keeping of the school and aesthetically improving the environment for the students and staff. Major works will consist of the same as minor but with the concentration on areas such as laboratories, libraries, canteens and washrooms. The works are expected for completion early September 2010.

Commenting on the projects, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al Fahed Al Muhairi, CEO of Musanada said: “We have allocated the financial and human resources to carry out these 5 projects and we are committed to finalizing all works on schedule. It is within Musanada’s mission to support and assist in the progress of our community, and it is through such projects that efficiency and growth is attained.”

At the event, HH Sheikh Ahmen Bin Saeed Al Maktoum unveiled BUiD’s new campus foundation stone alongside a large number of VIP guests, including Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA, H.E. Mirza Al Sayegh, BUiD’s Council Member, Chairman of Al-Maktoum Foundation, Scotland – UK, and Director of the Office of HH Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, and David May, BUiD’s Council Member and Technical Director, Khansaheb.

BUiD’s move from Knowledge Village to Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is in line with Dubai’s strategy to operate as the Emirates intellectual hub, and part of the university’s plans to upgrade and expand its facilities to accommodate a larger and stronger academic community of students, staff and key strategic, professional associates.

“We are proud to be located in DIAC, a place dedicated to the development of higher education. At our new campus, we are able to expand our facilities and offering for our students and staff, making BUiD a truly local university of international standard,” said Professor Abdullah Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Dubai.

BUiD’s new campus boasts an extended library, increased classroom capacity, more open-access space, and staff offices.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), BUiD’s guest of honour at the event, addressed BUiD students and staff, as well as VIP guests. This was followed by an official tour of the new BUiD campus headed by BUiD’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullah Alshamsi.

Dr. Kazim said: “The opening of the British University in Dubai campus marks an important milestone not just for the university but also for DIAC, a member of TECOM Investments.

“We are honoured to partner with The British University in Dubai – an institution that embodies world-class education, scholarship programmes and research standards. Its presence in our academic cluster contributes to the increasing importance of Dubai as a hub for higher education,” he added.

In addition, being based in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) will allow BUiD students travelling from all Emirates to take advantage of BUiD’s new location.

Located in phase three at DIAC, BUiD has applied environmentally-friendly initiatives at its new location. Provided to BUiD as core and shell, the University was able to fit the interior with its sustainably designed plans for lighting, cooling, partitioning and flooring.

The design for BUiD’s new campus was overseen by Professor Bassam AbuHijleh, the Atkins sponsored Head of Sustainable Design of the Built Environment, who believes conscious decisions in the design of an office or home can have a very positive impact for the environment. International consultant Atkins have been supporting BUiD over a number of years and additionally funds the position of the Atkins Senior Lecturer, Dr Abeer Shaheen AlJanahi, its specialist in architecture and urban design.

DIAC is a regional base for premier international higher education institutions. Spread across an area of 25 million square foot, the DIAC campus provides an intellectually inspiring environment for students and faculty members. This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic strategy to develop the region’s talent pool, to accelerate its support for Dubai a knowledge economy and society in the 21st centaury.

About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s leading research-based postgraduate university, facilitating world-class education, training and research. It provides an important and growing community and resource for young professionals, leading academic, corporate managers and aspiring leaders of all description.

BUiD, a truly local university, is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally recognised for its top quality education, which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University, King’s College London, and the Cass Business School at City University, London.

BUiD offers full and part-time research based Masters Degree programmes, the regions first accredited Doctorate in Education and Continuing Professional Development courses in: Education, Finance and Banking, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, IT Management, Project Management, Systems Engineering, Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, and Sustainable Design of the Built Environment.

The non-profit university has attracted academic experts to develop regionally tailored programmes, in which they extend and challenge the boundaries of knowledge, understanding and research.

BUiD works in collaboration with leading organization and institutions including Atkins, Emirates Green Council Building, KHDA, Ministry of Education, Dubai Human Resource Forum, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ADCCI) and CIOB among others, to encourage professional development across the UAE’s public and private sectors.

The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

For further enquiries contact Nishath Rizwan at BUiD on +971.4.391.3626, www.buid.ac.ae

The Open House Day for Educators aims to communicate with individuals working in the educational field including schools and universities, community groups, home schooling network, adult education sector, and special needs organisations about the museums in the Emirate. The event will supply participants a wealth of informative materials.

“Sharjah Museums Department provides a range of educational programmes for adults across its 17 museums. These include tours, gallery talks and workshops, which are held every Saturday in different museums. Gallery talks and workshops offer an excellent opportunity to learn about and discover new insights into SMD’s extensive collections and to discuss ideas and concerns with museum professionals,” said Mona Bin Hussain, Academic and Adult Programmes Manager.

The Open House Day will provide information on physical accessibility of museums, the various programmes and opportunities for universities, and programmes for learning outside of formal education, such as weekend family workshops and adult gallery talks, she said.

“SMD’s staff will address questions and provide information regarding its various programmes covering fine arts, natural history and botany, archaeology, Islamic history and arts, the historic houses and museums of Sharjah Heritage Area, and the new Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum,” added Mona.

Attendance is by registration only. For more information please call 06 569 5050, or send an email to education@sharjahmuseums.ae. Information and registration forms have been distributed to schools. Completed registration forms must be faxed back to 06 569 3903.

The Sharjah Museums Department, established in 2006 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, aims to promote the emirate’s rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture. For more information on Sharjah Museums Department, please visit the website www.sharjahmuseums.ae.

About Sharjah Museums Department
The Sharjah Museums Department was established in 2006 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as an independent government department that aims to deliver the highest quality of museums for the people of Sharjah and all its visitors, through its facilities, exhibitions, and programmes of learning, research and community outreach.

Sharjah Museums have over 17 sites in Sharjah that cover the arts, Islamic culture, archeology, science, aquariums, heritage and natural history of Sharjah and the region

For further information, please contact:
Nedal Alasaad/Nafisa Marzouki,
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (971 4) 3344550
Email: n.alasaad@asdaa.com, n.marzouki@asdaa.com

The agreement, formalised in December last year, is now accepting students who wish to register for a PhD at the Welsh School of Architecture (WSA), which has a reputation as one of the best research and architecture schools in the UK, in the area of environmentally-aware design.

Professor Phil Jones, Head of School and Director of Architectural Science, WSA, Cardiff University UK, was in Dubai this week to introduce the course to potential candidates.

“We have had a great response so far following the launch of the arrangement with BUiD to support PhD architecture students in the area of sustainability – a very important and timely area of study for the Middle East region,” he said.

“The programme is unique as it allows students to stay in their jobs and close to their families in the region, while fulfilling the goal of attaining a PhD degree from a world-class institution in one of the most relevant scientific fields,” added Professor Jones.

For the past four years running, WSA has been voted the UK’s top School of Architecture in the Times Higher Educational Supplement league table, and in 2008 a Research Assessment Exercise concluded that 90 percent of the school’s research activity was globally recognised.

The PhD will be a Cardiff-only degree, however all UAE-based students will be assigned a BUiD co-supervisor as well as a dedicated supervisor from WSA. Students will need to spend a proportion of their total study time at the Cardiff-based school, but will receive local supervision and support from BUiD for the greater part of the programme.

“The agreement between BUiD and Cardiff University is in line with our vision to expand our world-class educational offerings, and provide potential students with PhD opportunities in key areas, such as sustainability,” said Martin Prince, Registrar, BUiD.

BUiD, a truly local university, is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally recognised for its top quality education, which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the Universities of Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff , King’s College London, and Cass Business School, City University, London.

Interested applicants, employees and research sponsors can contact BUiD by calling 00971 4391 3626.

About WSA-Cardiff
The Welsh School of Architecture [wsa] has a reputation of being one of the best schools in the UK and for the past four years it has been voted the UK’s top School of Architecture in the Times Higher Educational Supplement league table. The wsa also has an outstanding reputation for research. In the 2008 RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) 90% of the school’s research activity was classed as internationally recognised or better. The wsa attracts students and staff from all over the UK and around the world. It has productive research links with practice, industry and with other universities in many other countries. Within the wsa there is the Centre for Sustainable Design of the Built Environment, involving the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and theWelsh Assembly Government . This Centre will promote sustainable design in Wales, the UK and internationally. The wsa also houses the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI). The LCRI unites the considerable and diverse range of energy expertise throughout Wales and coordinates research, technology development/demonstration and transfer, to enable the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver its Energy Policy, whilst promoting Wales as an international showcase for sustainable low carbon energy technology.

About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s leading research-based postgraduate university, facilitating world-class education, training and research. It provides an important and growing community and resource for young professionals, leading academic, corporate managers and aspiring leaders of all description.

BUiD, a truly local university, is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally recognised for its top quality education, which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University, King’s College London, and the Cass Business School at City University, London.

BUiD offers full and part-time research based Masters Degree programmes, the regions first accredited Doctorate in Education and Continuing Professional Development courses in: Education, Finance and Banking, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, IT Management, Project Management, Systems Engineering, Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, and Sustainable Design of the Built Environment.

The non-profit university has attracted academic experts to develop regionally tailored programmes, in which they extend and challenge the boundaries of knowledge, understanding and research.

BUiD works in collaboration with leading organization and institutions including Atkins, Emirates Green Council Building, KHDA, Ministry of Education, Dubai Human Resource Forum, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ADCCI) and CIOB among others, to encourage professional development across the UAE’s public and private sectors.

The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

For further enquiries contact Nishath Rizwan at BUiD on +971.4.391.3626, www.buid.ac.ae

After the assembly, held especially for the grandparents, the students took them around the school, giving a tour of their classrooms and sharing aspects of school life. The proud grandparents shared their stories from childhood much to the delight of the little ones.

Grandparents Day is a key event that adds to the GEMS Parent Engagement initiative. Parent engagement in learning is essential if students are to reach their full potential but sometimes parents are so busy with work that they cannot spend the amount of time they would like to with their children. This is where grandparents can play a significant role by taking a daily interest in the studies of the little ones and have regular conversations with them.

Wendy Berliner, Director, Parent Engagement for GEMS Education, said: “It is wonderful to see so many committed grandparents attending classes and sharing stories with their grandchildren. This will help reinforce to their student grandchildren how important learning is, help the students do even better at their studies and help grandparents understand a modern school which will give them ideas for discussion with their grandchildren in the days and weeks to come.”

Darryl Bloud, Principal, Dubai Modern High School, said: “At GEMS Education we provide students with a holistic education. The term holistic education is not only what Dubai Modern generates, but is the combined education and commitment of the school, parents and grandparents that allows this to take place.”

Dubai Modern High School is part of the GEMS Education network of schools that offers the curriculum of CISCE Board to children from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 12.

About GEMS Education
GEMS Education has a global network of world class international schools. With 50 years of experience in education, GEMS provides high quality holistic education to over 100,000 students from 125 countries. It employs over 9,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from around the world. The GEMS approach to learning focuses not only on academic excellence, but also in helping students develop their character and creativity so that they achieve their full potential as human beings. The GEMS Education school model is unique in the world because it offers a broad range of curricula across a range of tuition fees making private education more accessible to the broader community. GEMS Education also supports Governments’ education reform agenda by working with Ministries of Education to lift school performance and improve the standards and expertise government schools across the globe. GEMS Education has offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, India and Singapore.

For more information, please contact:
Sara Hamam/ Kelly Home
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
Email: s.hamam@asdaa.com / k.home@asdaa.com

The two new nurseries take the total number of nurseries owned and managed by Emaar Education around the world – including Dubai, India and Singapore – to nine. The Dubai Marina Nursery and Lakes Garden Nursery will open for admission in February and April 2010, respectively, and highlight the commitment of Emaar Education to create self-contained neighbourhoods offering the entire breadth of lifestyle choices for residents.

Ng Boon Yew, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Education, said the two nurseries, like all Raffles International School institutions, will offer high quality care and education for the multicultural community of Dubai. “We share the same common core values of respect for self, respect for each other and respect for the environment. This forms the central ethos of our education approach, which will be reflected in the new nurseries too.”

He added: “The nurseries will work towards the holistic development of children, and the programmes have been carefully prepared to ensure the safety, security and well-being of each child. The nurseries will strive to unlock the children’s creative potential and maximise learning through sensory, visual, auditory and kinesthetic experiences.”

The Dubai Marina Nursery is located at Marina Walk on the first floor of the A&E Building, and the Lakes Garden Nursery is situated at Lakes Hattan.

Focused on play and exploratory learning with equal emphasis on parental involvement, the two nurseries feature high-quality educational equipment and attractive play areas to make the first step to education for the tiny tots as exciting and rewarding as possible.

The nurseries follow an ‘Early Years Programme’ where independent learning, curiosity and enthusiasm are developed. There are six areas of learning that will set the foundation for future learning. These include: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Mathematical Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Creative Development and Physical Development.

The Personal, Social and Emotional Development approach emphasizes on emotional well-being and developing respect for others and social competence. Communication, Language and Literacy aims at developing a love of books and stories and developing listening and speaking skills as well as those needed for future reading and writing. Mathematical Development encompasses counting, sorting, matching, pairing, seeking patterns, making connections and other mathematical vocabulary. It also involves looking at quantities, shape and space.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World develops crucial pre history, geography and scientific skills that help children to make sense of the world. Creative Development nurtures creativity through art, music, dance, role plays and drama. Physical Development helps children gain confidence in what they do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active.

Both nurseries have extensive facilities including colourful classrooms, outdoor play area, fully equipped medical room supported by Emaar Healthcare Group and child-sized bathrooms. The nurseries will function from 8am to 2pm.

The nurseries are open for children from 18 months to 4 years of age, and children will be grouped into three based on their age – 18 months to 2 years; 2 to 3 years and 3 to 4 years. Residents in Emaar communities will be given priority admission.

Admissions will be accepted and administered at Raffles International School Umm Suqeim South Campus. For details, please contact: +9714-4271200; email: enquiries@rafflesis.com

Emaar Education manages eleven international schools and nurseries in Dubai; one international school each in both Singapore and India; The Raffles Campus School of Hospitality Management in Dubai, Singapore and Vietnam; and plans to open several new institutions in the region.

For more information, please contact:
Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: n.william@asdaa.com

The Internship is designed to provide students with practical working experience on all aspects of managing an aquarium. The programme can also cater to a student’s particular area of interest within the aquarium industry.

Kaltham Abdulla, 23 year-old UAE National, is the first intern at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Currently in her final year at the College of Education at Zayed University, Kaltham has undertaken a 12-week internship programme, which focuses on the aquarium’s Ocean School.

During her internship, Kaltham’s main project has been to research and contribute to the development of new programmes which will focus on teaching children about conservation and the environment.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has also accepted another placement for an Australian student of Veterinary Science who will complete a two-week curatorial internship in January 2010.

Mr Damian Prendergast, General Manager, said the Internship is specially envisaged to share Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo’s wide breadth of expertise and experience in aquarium management with the student community, and thus share its extensive knowledge base.

He added: “Aquarium science is a specialised field, and as one of the world’s largest aquariums with over 33,000 aquatic animals, we have unmatched practical knowledge in managing them. With the Internship programme, we are offering a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on knowledge about the various aspects of aquarium management and the diverse aquatic species.”

On her experience as intern, Kaltham, who has previous teaching experience, said: “I chose to intern at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo because of the new experience it provides, especially in teaching school children. The edutainment classroom at the Aquarium is a new experience and will greatly benefit students.”

Secondary or university students from around the world can apply for this Internship. Students must be 16 years of age and above, and preference will be given to those currently studying Marine Science, Teaching or Tourism subjects.

The programmes require a high level of commitment from students who will be requested to commit a minimum of two weeks, with a total of 40 hours per week. Participation is totally voluntary.

Interns must be prepared to participate in ‘hands on’ learning, which may involve animal food preparation, cleaning or even getting wet. Due to the health and safety of the animals, they will not have any direct contact with any animal during their internship.

On completion, students will walk away from the programme with practical working experience and a better understanding of what is involved in working in an Aquarium. Students can also request to continue working at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo on a voluntary basis, subject to management approval.

“We hope that Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo can contribute to the education of the next generation of teachers, aquarists and business professionals,” Mr Prendergast added.

Applications can be made at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or via email to enquiries@thedubaiaquarium.com. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of several leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. Featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium offers visitors the chance to interact with these animals in numerous ways, including Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Cage Snorkeling Experiences and Shark Dives.

The Ocean School education programme, also offered at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, is dedicated to school groups and provides a spectrum of interactive programmes that are safe, unique and engaging. Since its launch in January 2009, over 19,000 students have participated in The Ocean School.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is managed by Emaar Retail, the leisure and retail arm of Emaar Properties. Other leisure components in Emaar Retail’s portfolio are the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens, Reel Cinemas; the region’s largest SEGA indoor theme park, SEGA Republic; and the award-winning children’s edutainment centre, KidZania®.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Meral Hassan
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: m.hassan@asdaa.com

Through the CTP program, the Foundation aims to certify the competence of ICDL trainers in training performance, lesson plan development, and course evaluation for accredited institutes across the Gulf region. The Qualified CTP candidates selected for the workshops have been ICDL certified and are technically proficient in all seven modules of the ICDL program. They have also acquired considerable training or teaching experience in delivering ICDL or IT training.

Mr. Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation, said: “This is an excellent follow-through to the agreement we made with MSU Dubai, recently. We consider the educational sector a vital partner in advancing our IT literacy goals throughout the region, especially those that adopt global best practices such as MSU Dubai. In the same manner that MSU is renowned for its substantial economic impact in its home state in the US, we want the Dubai branch to gain prominence as a major source of world-class information and communications technology knowledge and skills in the region.”

The CTP program covers non-end user certification designed specifically for ICDL trainers and is mandated in the ICDL GCC Foundation’s over 1,000 regional training centres. In addition to the CTP sessions, the Foundation and MSU Dubai are also collaborating on the introduction of a new ICT curriculum which will be offered both in Arabic and English.

Ms. Myra Khattab, Program Manager at MSU Dubai added: “Technology is rightly recognized as a cornerstone for the Gulf’s continued economic, commercial and social growth and development. We are delighted to host the ICDL CTP workshops and we believe that through our ICDL programs, we will be able to raise awareness across society and our students about the integral role of ICT in the study environment, the workplace and daily lives, as well. Our partnership with ICDL will also help enable us to address concerns about the ability of local talent and expertise to keep up with the region’s rapidly expanding ICT landscape.”

ICDL, the world’s largest vendor-neutral end-user computer skills certification, is recognized as the global benchmark in developing IT literacy. The program provides certification for fundamental IT skills such as word processing, file management and internet use. It is endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organisations in more than 168 countries and is available in over 48 languages, including Arabic. The ICDL GCC Foundation is one of the global program’s most productive regional arms.

About Michigan State University Dubai
MSU Dubai was the first American university with a presence in DIAC, with classes beginning in August 2008. The University offers six undergraduate programs – Business Administration; Child and Youth Development; Computer Engineering; Construction Project Management; Early Childhood Education; Media Management and Research; and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources & Labor Relations. The University attracts students from all over the Middle East and beyond and currently has more than 100 students enrolled across its programs.

Michigan State University is a top American teaching and research university. Faculty members at MSU Dubai hold doctoral and other appropriate degrees in their areas of expertise as teachers, scholars and researchers from MSU, and include a substantial number of regular faculty from the MSU main campus in the United States.

MSU is fully accredited by the American North Central Association Higher Learning Commission and has full academic authority and quality control over courses and programs. MSU’s regular courses, program, degree, admissions and accreditation requirements are maintained in Dubai and diplomas awarded are standard MSU diplomas.

Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.

MSU has been ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world, for six consecutive years, by Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Institute of Higher Education in its annual Academic Ranking of World Universities.

For further information:
Orient Planet, PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai UAE
Tel: 00 971 4 3988901
Fax: 00 971 4 3988941
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

Dr. Eli Abi Rached, Director, Eton Institute commented “If there is one single language that can make a difference to your economic position, it is English. Although it is only one of the thousands of languages spoken worldwide, it’s the backbone of commerce, trade and politics. Especially in the UAE, which is a melting pot of different cultures and languages, English is the common platform of communication between diverse, multilingual people. Anyone unable to speak this vital language finds themselves at an immediate disadvantage. This English scholarship is not just an opportunity to learn another language, but an opportunity to break communication barriers and fulfil aspirations.”

He added, “The response we have received in the past week to this CSR initiative has been absolutely overwhelming. Individuals and even organizations have come forward to show their support and to help spread the word to those whom this opportunity would make a world of a difference. As a result, we have received over a 100 applications and nominations in less than a week. It is truly heartening to see the local community come together to help encourage equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, religion, gender or economic background. ”

The English scholarship initiative will award scholarships worth a total of AED 150,000/- to deserving individuals and will sponsor all tuition and material expenses to study English from the beginner level. To apply, candidates must submit an essay in their own native language or in English stating how learning English would change their life. Short-listed applicants will then be invited for a personal interview after which the most deserving individuals will be awarded a six-month scholarship to learn English. The essay between 200-300 words must be emailed to scholarships@eton.ac or submitted through a simple online application form http://www.eton.ac/scholarships/. Applications may also submit in person at Eton Institute located at Dubai Knowledge Village, Block 3. For more information about this non-profit initiative or to apply visit http://www.eton.ac/scholarships/.

About Eton Institute
Eton Institute is Dubai’s leading institute of languages teaching over 17 languages at the Institute and online and software courses in over 100 languages.

Eton Institute offers flexible timings and uniquely tailored courses to suit the learner’s needs. All courses are facilitated by highly qualified native speaking instructors, teaching practical language while maintaining competitive prices for individuals and businesses.

Strategically located at Dubai Knowledge Village, the institute also offers Teaching Diplomas & Certificates in TESOL / Montessori, Kids language activities, IT courses & workshops, and school development consultancy.

For additional information please contact:
Moaz Khan
Marketing Manager
Eton Institute
Ph: +971 4 3658483
moaz@eton.ac
www.eton.ac

The results of the online survey were endorsed by business and industry experts at a roundtable organized recently by UOWD as part of a pioneering initiative to involve corporates and government entities in the process of designing and delivering the new doctoral programs.

The survey, conducted by Bayt.com, covered Asian expatriates, Arab expatriates, UAE nationals and Western expatriates. Approximately 74% of the respondents came from the private sector and 14% from the government sector.

Asked about the reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree, 72% said it was for career advancement, 63% for self-fulfillment and 28% each for social recognition and career change.

On the choice of a degree, 64% said they would opt for a PhD and 36% for a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). On the preferred type of research, 78% opted for Applied Research and 22% for Theoretical Research.

As high as 89% of respondents said they would prefer a part-time program, against 11% who wished to do a full-time doctoral program.

At the roundtable in which some leading industry experts took part, the general consensus was that the time was ripe for introducing doctoral programs in the UAE as the industry had reached a state of maturity where research had become critical.

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Chief Executive Officer, TECOM Business Parks, said: “Research, which involves gathering and analyzing key information, is a crucial component of any industry for enabling strategic decisions. Research is also important for governments to provide statistical information and participate in benchmarking exercises. I would say that a doctorate in business administration would certainly contribute to catalysing some of our local industries that rely on research based findings for fast-track growth.”

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, said: “The strategic areas of research include education, science, healthcare, sustainability, hospitality, tourism and media. The UOWD is doing a commendable job by involving industry experts in the design of doctoral programs. We are confident that many of our students will benefit from the availability of such advanced curriculum and working with mentors for an incisive understanding of the local markets.”

Slim Saidi, Director, Arthur D. Little, Dubai, said: “Programs like the DBA and PhD are very much needed as local industry has reached a stage where there is a strong need for researching professionals and employees capable of doing environmental scanning and business intelligence, developing innovative business models and conducting sophisticated market studies.”

“UOWD will capitalise on its existing research strengths by offering Doctoral degree programs in a number of areas. The introduction of these programs locally would mean UAE residents would no longer have to travel abroad to take these advanced degrees. Also, they can continue working with their organizations, and do these programs part-time,” said Rob Whelan, President of UOWD.

Professor Mohamed Khalifa, Vice President (Academic), UOWD, said: “UOWD has matured as an institution and is today fully capable of delivering doctoral programs. We are pleased to engage industry and government to address the needs of the UAE to develop research collaboration and support the UAE government’s goal for a knowledge-based economy through our doctoral programs.”

The roundtable also featured Dr. Marouane Trimeche, Manager of Strategic Business Development, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Martin Clark, Senior Director, GEMS, Douglas Kelbough, Executive Director of Design and Planning, Limitless, and Dr. Nedal Al Hanbali, Head of Geomatics Information Systems, Limitless.

UOWD’s Doctor of Business Administration program will focus on research projects that will develop solutions to some of today’s challenges in all areas of business. The Doctor of Philosophy degree will enable students to work with experienced academics to extend the current boundaries of theory and knowledge in a number of fields.

About the University of Wollongong in Dubai
Established in 1993, UOWD was the first foreign university in Dubai to be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Located at Dubai Knowledge Village, it boasts 3,500 students from 108 different nationalities. It is closely associated with one of Australia’s best performing research and teaching Universities, the University of Wollongong, Australia.

PR Contact:
Anthony D’Silva, Communicate Gulf (anthony@communicategulf.com)
Tel. +9714 3510803, Mobile: +971 50 4571624. P.O. Box 52821, Dubai, UAE.

The move comes following the University’s plans to upgrade and expand its facilities to accommodate more programmes, students, and staff.

“An increased number of professionals based in the UAE and surrounding countries are looking at higher education to meet their career goals,” said Professor Abdulla Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor, BUiD.

“To accommodate the growth in demand for our programme offerings, and to meet our goals in expanding and upgrading our facilities, our move in February next year will further establish BUiD as a truly local University with a global vision,” added Professor Alshamsi.

With new programmes in the pipeline, including the recent announcement of the UAE’s first Doctorate, and MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution courses commencing in February 2010, BUiD’s relocation will allow for more room for growth.

At the new campus, BUiD also plans to extend its library, increase classroom capacity, and add more open-access space and staff offices.

In addition, being based in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) will allow students travelling from all Emirates to take advantage of its central location.

“We are planning to be as flexible as possible. With the move, it will provide better access for our growing number of students from all the Emirates,” added Alshamsi.

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s only Free Zone dedicated to higher education.

Martin Prince, Registrar, BUiD, said: “As Dubai’s own research-led University, BUiD aims to provide an educational environment which is truly a community of Knowledge-seeking and learning.”

“Having grown to respect and appreciate TECOM’s professionalism in its management and development of Knowledge Village, we are pleased to follow its strategic advice in relocating to Dubai International Academic City,” Prince added.

A regional base for premier international higher education institutions, DIAC is the world’s first dedicated tertiary cluster development. Spread across an area of 25 million square foot, the DIAC campus provides an intellectually inspiring environment for students and faculty members.

This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic strategy to develop the region’s talent pool, to accelerate its move into a knowledge economy.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), both members of TECOM Investments, said: “The relocation of The British University in Dubai (BUiD), carried out with the support of TECOM Investments, will enable the academic institution to offer enhanced facilities and increased space for staff, students and the wider research and higher education community. Its new location at DIAC will also provide greater opportunity for collaboration and dialogue with stakeholders including the federal institutions, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Sheikh Hamdan e-University.”

“As a centre for higher learning, DIAC remains one of the most compelling education clusters boasting world class infrastructure facilities. We are confident BUiD will find the academic free zone the most suitable to operate from and effectively contribute to academic progress through offering regionally tailored programmes,” he added.

About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s leading research-based postgraduate university, facilitating world-class education, training and research. It provides an important and growing community and resource for young professionals, leading academic, corporate managers and aspiring leaders of all description.

BUiD, a truly local university, is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally recognised for its top quality education, which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University, King’s College London, and the Cass Business School at City University, London.

BUiD offers full and part-time research based Masters Degree programmes, the regions first accredited Doctorate in Education and Continuing Professional Development courses in: Education, Finance and Banking, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, IT Management, Project Management, Systems Engineering, Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, and Sustainable Design of the Built Environment.

The non-profit university has attracted academic experts to develop regionally tailored programmes, in which they extend and challenge the boundaries of knowledge, understanding and research.

BUiD works in collaboration with leading organization and institutions including Atkins, Emirates Green Council Building, KHDA, Ministry of Education, Dubai Human Resource Forum, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ADCCI) and CIOB among others, to encourage professional development across the UAE’s public and private sectors.

The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

For further enquiries contact Nishath Rizwan at BUiD on +971.4.391.3626, www.buid.ac.ae

In addition to its major efforts to develop its current talent pool, the company is investing heavily into recruitment and training of competent personnel and offering job opportunities to talented students from UAE-based IT universities. Raqmiyat’s appreciation of its people and its belief that its human resources are its’ most valuable asset is continuously sustaining the company’s market leadership.

“As an organisation, we strongly believe in the goldmine of talent available in the region, which at present is not being maximised to its full potential, especially in the IT front,” said Mabel Kuri, Manager – Human Resources, Raqmiyat. “Through our talent development initiatives, we are seeking to train our people to the highest standards, which will positively impact our overall efficiency and costs as part of our strategic approach to meeting our group’s future management needs. This, we believe can be achieved through a series of training activities and educational programs, and we are proud to have teamed up with Minocher Patel to meet this objective.”

About Raqmiyat
Raqmiyat is a Dubai-based company and the primary IT division of the Al Ghurair business group. The company offers world-class business and technology solutions through partnerships with international firms. Boasting several technical certifications from different international regulatory authorities, Raqmiyat’s team of experienced professionals provides excellent ongoing services and support to clients, helping guarantee business continuity on a 24/7 basis. Having established a strong local presence in the UAE through its strategically located offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Raqmiyat is now looking into opportunities in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit www.raqmiyat.com.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

Thousands of students contributed to the GEW event which was carried out in the different campuses across the country. The closing ceremony took place on the 22nd November 2009 and was held in EBV in presence of partners, heads of universities and groups of volunteering students who participated actively throughout the week.

The Global Entrepreneurship Week offered an important opportunity for students to discuss their creative ideas and given them the opportunity to get inspired through various demos, success stories, cutting-edge ideas, guest speakers and debates. The event was aimed at connecting with ‘future entrepreneurs’ and setting the broad basis for youth to establish successful startups in the future.

His Excellency Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, said: “The Global Entrepreneurship Week highlights our commitment to incubating young talent and supporting their creative ideas, and thus help establish leading projects in the future. We are committed to building a strategic base for young investors to help them develop their ideas and enter the world of business at a steady pace. We believe in the importance of providing opportunities for students and help them to become part of global business and contribute to economic growth.”

The main feature of this year’s event was the “Wall”, a board on which more than 500 students jotted down and posted their creative ideas, thoughts and impressions towards becoming entrepreneurs. MBRE will sort the ideas, asses them, select the most creative and outstanding ideas to be a starting point for leading investments. The Establishment will communicate with the students and help them to develop their ideas and launch projects that contribute to the economic growth of Dubai.

On the concluding day, GEW hosted Giorgio Ungania, International Speaker and the Organizer of TEDx Dubai, who delivered a keynote speech in which he urged students to follow their passion in whatever they do. Giorgio also focused on the importance of using social media such as “YouTube”, “Facebook” and “Twitter” for promote their projects.

GEW also hosted Rashid Al Maftoul, a UAE young National, who succeeded in marking a very special experience and represented the UAE at several international events.

During GEW, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development organised several events for its members. These activities include the opening of Wild Peeta, the joint venture fast food restaurant by Emarati brothers Mohamed and Peyman Parham Al Awadhi, and the launch of Ghenej jewelry collection, by Muna Al Haddad, at Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates.

MBRE also organised a networking session to discuss business opportunities for its members with Singapore SMEs. The session was hosted in collaboration with Mashreq Bank and the International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, a leading governmental agency in Singapore, to spearhead the development of Singapore’s external economic sector.

Participating at the session were SMEs specialized in the areas of fashion and apparel, office stationary, disposal products (hotel, dental and medical industries) and general electrical equipment. The activity comes in line with MBRE’s efforts to partner with leading international organizations to enhance the business opportunities for its members and provide them market access to SMEs.

Global Entrepreneurship Week connects young people in more than 88 countries world wide through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. Students, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, employees, non-profit leaders, government officials and many others participate in a range of activities, from online to face-to-face, and from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings.

About Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size Enterprises
In September 2009, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai issued Law No.23 of 2009 concerning the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, recently renamed the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

The law defines the goals of the establishment for strengthening Dubai’s position as a centre for entrepreneurship and allows for the setting up of projects which encourage entrepreneurship and the innovative ideas of youth. This move seeks to motivate youth to work, as well as to pursue economic activity, such as the development and organisation of programmes and initiatives.

For more information, please contact:
Nizar Aridi /Wafa Yahya
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550; Fax: (+971 4) 334 4556
E-mail: n.aridi@asdaa.com, w.yahya@asdaa.com

For ten days in Laikipia, Kenya, twelve students of Year 13 exchanged learning and fun, developed skills, explored remote locations, took part in adventurous physical activities and made a real difference to the local communities.

Jared Aylward, a student said: “It was a lot of fun! The best part was helping local orphans build a classroom. I am grateful in being given the opportunity to give something back to the society and making a difference to other’s lives. We also interacted with local Kenyans and discovered what it is like to live with them.”

While in there the students helped to laydown foundations in order to build classrooms for an orphanage. Before their trip students raised funds through bake sales and other sponsored events.

“We chose Kenya for our students because of its fabulous natural beauty and the meaningful and challenging experience the tour offered. The students came back with a stronger sense of purpose– they found the whole experience totally rewarding,” said Fiona Cottam, Principal, Jumeirah College.

Students also got a taste of Kenyan life by visiting local families within walking distance of the projects. They were welcomed into the local homes where they were able to share stories and interact with the families. Students were able to sample some Kenyan food during these visits as well.

Josh Llewellyn, a student said, “The trip was one big adventure and a refreshing change. We slept in forests and every day of the trip was exciting! The trip was certainly an eye opener- I have learnt to count my blessings; to have a healthy family and a comfortable lifestyle.”

The trip to Kenya was part of Jumeirah College Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award, which aims to challenge individuals to become independent global citizens and is part of GEMS holistic approach to learning.

About GEMS Education
GEMS Education has a global network of world class international schools. With 50 years of experience in education, GEMS provides high quality holistic education to over 100,000 students from 125 countries. It employs over 9,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from around the world. The GEMS Education approach to learning focuses not only on academic excellence, but also in helping students develop their character and creativity so that they achieve their full potential as human beings. The GEMS Education school model is unique in the world because it offers a broad range of curricula across a range of tuition fees making private education more accessible to the broader community. GEMS Education also supports Governments’ education reform agenda by working with Ministries of Education to lift school performance and improve the standards and expertise government schools across the globe.

GEMS Education has offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, India and Singapore.

For more information, please contact:
Hiba Al Hafidh / Sara Hamam
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
PO Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
Email: h.alhafidh@asdaa.com / s.hamam@asdaa.com

GEMS Education has bought this content for schools and integrated Britannica Online to make the learning experience truly interactive by providing students with learning resources at home to complement classroom teaching. To ensure that teachers and students alike get the most from their learning platform, Britannica provides accurate reference information that can be used to meet specific learning objectives in the classroom and ultimately make learning fun.

With this content, GEMS Education has reduced time spent by teachers on creating their own resources and planning to help children develop important research and ICT skills. Teachers also benefit from using the extensive Britannica resources to enhance their lessons with movie clips, images and animations, using the site as a reliable form of reference when planning their lessons.

“Access to Britannica online school edition is definitely one of the main highlights of the GLG. Britannica is reputed for its vast repository of information making research interesting and relevant and within a safe platform. We hope this will encourage our students to get actively involved in research as a part of their studies. This is yet another innovative tool to improve the quality of education in GEMS Schools”, said Ralph Tabberer, COS, COO, GEMS MENASA

Britannica also provides on-demand Arabic translation, helping non-native English speakers with on the spot, accurate translations. Placing the mouse over a word will display the translation of the word or phrase in its current context. The translating tool goes beyond simple dictionary look-up by providing context analysis, phrase recognition and morphological support – a plural form in English is translated into the plural form in Arabic. Britannica makes sure that language does not become a barrier in the acquisition of knowledge.

Caroline Kennard, Director of Education for Encyclopædia Britannica UK, commented: “Established for 240 years, Britannica has a reputation for offering reliable and trusted information. Britannica School Edition provides the same level of accuracy for use by students and teachers in class as well as at home. Britannica Online is a fantastic source of information featuring articles, videos, pictures and games. It gives teachers, parents and carers confidence that children are using the internet safely. We are delighted to be working with GEMS Education ensuring thousands of learners and educators in the U.A.E. have access to the most current and accurate source of knowledge available to help their education.”

To sign up for a free school trial visit
www.britannica.co.uk/education/freetrial.htm or call: +44 (0)20 7500 7800 for further information.

About GEMS Education
GEMS Education manages a growing network of high quality international schools around the world. GEMS network of schools provide education to 100,000 students from over 125 countries, employing over 7,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 60 nationalities. Supported by a network of eminent international advisors in the field of education, GEMS global network of multi-skilled specialists and in-house experts provide invaluable support and guidance in all areas related to schools, delivering world class standards of education. ‘GEMS Education’ offers total school management solutions: From project inception and planning to ongoing operations of schools. GEMS provides all round management of new school projects and existing schools. For further information visit: www.gemseducation.com

About Encyclopædia Britannica
Encyclopædia Britannica has been a leader in reference and education publishing since 1768. Britannica has been a pioneer in electronic publishing since the early 1980s. It publishes products which can be found in a variety of media, from the internet to mobile phones to books. Britannica School Edition is a unique, up-to-date, online resource designed to satisfy the learning needs of school pupils and teachers. Text, illustrations, multimedia and interactive games fully support the national curriculum and make learning fun. The secure search facility allows pupils to find what they are looking for quickly and safely with no risk of questionable online content – all in a language that they can understand. Britannica Online – clear, current and correct – brings all the authority and scholarship of Encyclopædia Britannica to the classroom. In 2009, Britannica was voted one of the world’s top ten ‘superbrands’ for the quality of its products and the confidence users have in the promise of the brand. (http://www.superbrands.uk.com/sb/index.html)
For further information visit: www.britannica.co.uk/education

For further information please contact:
Hiba Al Hafidh / Sara Hamam
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
PO Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
Email: h.alhafidh@asdaa.com / s.hamam@asdaa.com

The week operated under the slogan ‘We Create Smiles’ and was sponsored by the Dubai Quality Group. The week’s activities emphasised the ‘Excellent Customer Service Pledge’ for the second year running to enhance teamwork, spread a culture of customer service and reward outstanding employees.

The KHDA had launched the ‘Pledge’ during last year’s Customer Service Week, with the goal of establishing the principles of customer service to benefit customers and users of KHDA’s services. This was based on the saying of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai: “In the race towards excellence there is no finish line”.

The Customer Service Week is the embodiment of the genuine partnership between different governmental institutions in Dubai, engaging in customer service best practices workshops as well as field visits to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the RTA.

Dr Wafi Dawood, Chief of Organizational Excellence at the KHDA, said: “Customer Service Week highlights the Authority’s insistence on enhancing the role of Organizational Excellence, which will cater to the administrative services it offers to the customers. Developing administrative systems that will offer excellent service shows the commitment to the rights and responsibilities of customers and employees.”

He added, “The KHDA is interacting with almost 250 customers who visit per day to see how they view the service provided to them through questionnaires or the KHDA website. Eighty per cent of customers have expressed their satisfaction with the services provided, and the Customer Service Week shows the KHDA’s commitment to providing the highest standards of service and customer satisfaction. The KHDA is servicing an educational sector that is constantly growing, both with nationals as well as residents.”

Dr Wafi talked about the KHDA’s customer service experiences in the past year, including the launch of the Dubai School Agency’s ‘Tawasal’ program, which allows customers to benefit from the KHDA’s services for longer hours during the working day. He also pointed out the Dubai School Inspections Bureau’s Parents’ Questionnaire, which he said allows the inspectors to survey the opinions and views of parents regarding their children’s schools. He also cited the partnerships with governmental authorities and departments in providing e-services for customers, in particular the two agreements the KHDA signed with the Department of Economic Development and the Land Department.

Several customer service consultative sessions, workshops, and awareness lectures took place in the KHDA throughout the week as part of an integrated program of action pursued by the KHDA in coordination with its partners to raise customer service levels in the large and vital education sector whose services benefit every national and resident family.

Signatories of the pledge for the second year took an oath to complete transactions as fast as the system permits while committing to accuracy and professionalism, prevent the team from being negligent to the utmost of their ability, ensure excellent service to the customers and to provide adequate guidance to the customer from the moment they arrive and until they leave.

According to the Excellent Customer Service Pledge, customer service will aspire to be error-free, and customer satisfaction will be the goal the KHDA seeks, while customers are required to provide all necessary information to the team. Customer Service employees who sign the pledge will also have to be forthcoming in offering their opinions and ideas to improve service.

About the Knowledge and Human Development Authority
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is responsible for the future growth, direction and quality of education and learning in Dubai. We aim to support the people of Dubai in achieving their potential from birth and through life’s journey as we work towards achieving the goals set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

For more information contact:
Dana Ibrahim
Tel: 04-364 0012
Fax: 04-364 0001
Mob: 050-3612789
Email: dana.ibrahim@khda.gov.ae

The new group has been formed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of its commitment to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai.

Membership to the group is open to all private schools in Dubai, and already DPSG has 30 initial members representing over 40 per cent of the total private student population in Dubai schools.

DPSG is instituted in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the city as a premier global knowledge economy hub. Through the Dubai Chamber, the Group will work closely with the Dubai Government to make the city a sought-after global education destination; identify key issues and interface with relevant agencies for policy support to further promote private education.

His Excellency Eng. Hamad Buamim, Director General of the Dubai Chamber, said: “The Dubai Government accords the highest priority to strengthening the education sector, with the private enterprise playing a crucial role in shaping it. Together we will work to further enhance the quality of education provided.”

He added: “In addition to serving as a forum for discussion, DPSG will identify key issues and work with the relevant agencies on policy matters. Through its incorporation under Dubai Chamber, we will also help strengthen dialogue with the Government including the Ministry of Education and Knowledge & Human Development Authority.”

A General Assembly of DPSG members met at the Dubai Chamber and elected an Executive Committee. The newly elected nine-member Executive Committee members are: Brigadier Sharafuddin Al-Sayed M. H Sharaf of Al Mawakeb School (Chairman), Mr Sunny Varkey of GEMS and Mr Adonis Nasr of AMSI (Vice Chairmen); Mr Avi Bhojani of Dubai International Academy (Treasurer); Prof. Ralph Tabberer of GEMS (Secretary). Dr B. R Shetty of Deira Private School; Ms Aparna Varma of Dubai Scholars; Mr Sanjay Mankani of Regent International School; and Mr Abdul Salam Mohammad of Pristine School were elected as Members of the Executive Committee.

Brigadier Sharafuddin Al-Sayed M. H Sharaf, the newly elected Chairman of DPSG, said: “We are thankful to Dubai Chamber for their support in forming DPSG, which reiterates our commitment to further driving the quality of education of students in Dubai from different economic backgrounds. We are also committed to supporting institutions catering for students with special needs through donations and other support mechanisms.”

DPSG will identify and encourage best practices among schools and provide networking opportunities for facilitating information exchange, explained Brigadier Sharafuddin. “DPSG aims to build closer relationships with various curriculum schools and government schools, and work towards strengthening development strategies and education planning for private sector education.”

Other projected goals of DPSG include introducing programmes that help curriculum design and teacher training; and promoting socially relevant projects with special emphasis on sustainable development and health education.

DPSG forms one of the 24 specialized and sector-specific business groups functioning under the auspices of Dubai Chamber to support Dubai’s growth goals.

About Dubai Chamber
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favorable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.

About the Dubai Private Schools Group
Instituted under the Dubai Chamber, the Dubai Private Schools Group which currently has 30 members, shares the vision of Dubai Government to further strengthen the role of private education and thus position the city as a regional hub for world-class education. The objective of Dubai Private Schools Group is to advance the interests and goals of private education by fostering dialogue between all its members and policy makers at both the federal and local government levels. It will partner with the Dubai Government and Knowledge & Human Development Authority to make the city a sought-after global education destination; identify key issues and interface with relevant agencies to promote private education.

For more information, please contact:
Sunil John, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
T: +9714 334 4550 ; Email: s.john@asdaa.com

World Challenge provides educational expeditions in the developing world, which teach life skills and expands student minds outside of the classroom. Both GEMS Education and World Challenge are excited about the opportunities this partnership will present to GEMS students.

Martin Clark, Senior Director – GEMS Education Ventures said, “GEMS schools embrace a philosophy of preparing students for the world and the challenges of the future. The GEMS Education approach to learning focuses not only on academic excellence but also in enabling students to develop character and creativity so that they achieve their full potential as human beings. This education venture with World Challenge gives our students the opportunities to take part in hands-on activities that challenge them to seek solutions, make informed decisions, demonstrate tenacity, and to express themselves confidently.”

Claire Ellaway, Regional Director, World Challenge explains, “With 22 years of experience, World Challenge offers an unrivalled range of expeditions geared to the education of young people. We provide a level of safety and service second to none. We are proud of this partnership with GEMS Education and are looking forward to seeing the development and success of all future GEMS students who take part in these exciting award opportunities. ”

Adventure Quest
In order to celebrate the beginning of the partnership, over 170 GEMS students from Cambridge International School and Al Khaleej National School are participating in an Adventure Quest. The quest has students taking part in team building activities which emphasize team work, allows them to enhance leadership skills, problem solving skills, communication skills and develop self-confidence in challenging situations.

The Adventure Quest activity is a part of the GEMS Leadership Challenge Awards created especially for GEMS students. Once completed, the quest allows students to receive the GEMS Ruby award, which is the first tier in this progressive award programme. GEMS students will work their way from the GEMS Ruby Award to the GEMS Emerald Award and finally to the GEMS Diamond award, which is recognized by Universities.

The Leadership Challenge Award is linked directly to the GEMS core values of World Citizenship, Universal Values, Leadership and Forward Thinking. In order to ensure all GEMS students have access to these life changing opportunities the programme has been designed with a variety of options.

The GEMS Leadership Challenge Award consists of –

GEMS Ruby Award
A student can earn the GEMS’ Ruby Certificate by completing three ½ day ‘Adventure Quest’ sessions, based at two sites in Dubai. The activities include; ‘Giants Ladder’, ‘Leap of Trust’, climbing wall and ground based practical leadership and team tasks to encourage the development of team work, leadership and communication skills as well as caring for others and problem solving.

GEMS Emerald Award
The GEMS’ Emerald Award is achieved after completing a one or two week expedition to Asia, Africa or Europe. Students will explore new cultures and environments, learn how to communicate more effectively and bond as a team, take manageable risks, overcome fears and make their own decisions – all essential lesson for the future. Students can also gain a Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Level 3 (equivalent to a GCSE grade B) if a portfolio of evidence is provided.

GEMS Diamond Award
The Diamond Award can be gained by completing an expedition similar to the Emerald Award but for three or four weeks. This Award has a more in-depth community/service element which fits in well with International DofE Award and for the CAS element of the IB diploma. An ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Level 2 (equivalent to 70 UCAS points) can also be gained if students provide a portfolio of evidence. Students automatically gain the ASDAN University Award.

GEMS Education
GEMS Education has a global network of world class international schools. With 50 years of experience in education, GEMS provides high quality holistic education to over 100,000 students from 125 countries. It employs over 9,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from around the world. The GEMS Education school model is unique in the world because it offers a broad range of curricula across a range of tuition fees making private education more accessible to the broader community. GEMS Education also supports Governments’ education reform agenda by working with Ministries of Education to lift school performance and improve the standards and expertise government schools across the globe.

GEMS Education has offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, India and Singapore.

World Challenge
World Challenge provides educational expeditions in the developing world which teach life skills and expand minds outside the classroom. Our bespoke 1 to 6-week expedition itineraries foster team and leadership skills.

World Challenge is wholly owned by TUI Travel PLC Activity Sector, Student Division – the leading school travel provider. For further information on the Awards, please email World Challenge at findoutmore@world-challenge.ae or visit www.world-challenge.ae

For further information please contact:
Hiba Al Hafidh / Sara Hamam
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
PO Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
Email: h.alhafidh@asdaa.com / s.hamam@asdaa.com

Held under the theme ‘Evolution of the Skyscraper: New Challenges in a World of Global Warming and Recession,’ CTBUH’s 2009 Chicago Conference featured prominent key speakers such as Chicago Mayor Richard Daley; H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the owner of Burj Dubai; Eric Trump, Executive VP of The Trump Organization; and Arthur Gensler, the Chairman of Gensler – San Francisco. It included case studies of prominent projects at all stages of development and the launching of CTBUH sustainability guidelines for tall buildings in urban environments.

“The Conference enabled us to meet the world’s leading tall buildings experts who have overseen iconic projects in the past 20 years. We learned about best practices in sustainability, design, construction and budgeting which will help us develop better buildings in the UAE and across our region. We gained valuable insights on how the downturn and climate change affect building design, and how the industry should respond to these two challenges,” said Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University.

Prof. Sabouni represented ALHOSN University during the conference. CTBUH event reflects ALHOSN University’s commitment to raising more professional and public awareness on the proper construction of high-rises. Just last April of 2009, the university hosted the “Seminar on Construction of Tall Buildings” conducted by the UAE Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), one of the world’s leading authorities on concrete technology. Prof. Sabouni is also the founding president of the ACI-UAE Chapter.

ALHOSN University opened its doors to students of all nationalities in 2005. It currently offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs in three faculties, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Its City Campus includes the Men’s Campus, the Women’s Campus, Library Building, Lectures Building, the Engineering Labs Building, and a recently-constructed Studio Building. ALHOSN has been encouraging the participation of more women in scientific and engineering courses.

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 (11 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:
Nadine Kanj
Marketing & PR Manager
Marketing & Public Relations Department, ALHOSN University
Tel: 02 407 0700
Dir: 02 407 0802
Fax: 02 407 0782
E-mail: n.kanj@alhosnu.ae
Website: www.alhosnu.ae

Bassam Al Fakih
PR Account Manager
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
Tel: +971 2 671 63 93 (Abu Dhabi)
Fax: +971 2 671 51 81
Mob: +971 50 2 867 967
E-mail:bassam@orientplanet.com
Web: www.orientplanet.com

The appeal initially targeted collecting 1,000 books for the school in Afghanistan but received more books than first anticipated.

Christina Patronis, one of the students that initiated the appeal from Jumeirah College said, “The campaign aims to provide young people like ourselves in Afghanistan the chance to become active members of the community. The children there, especially young girls, are in desperate need for the world’s support in gaining access to English books, as they continue to suffer from ravages of war. We thank the students from the Rashid School for Boys for their support in this humanitarian appeal.”

This is the first time that the two school student councils have worked in collaboration and its success has inspired them to join forces for other community projects in the coming year.

About GEMS Education
GEMS Education manages a growing network of high quality international schools around the world. GEMS network of schools provides education to 100,000 students from over 125 countries, employing over 7,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 60 nationalities. Supported by a network of eminent international advisors in the field of education, GEMS global network of multi-skilled specialists and in-house experts provide invaluable support and guidance in all areas related to schools, delivering world class standards of education. ‘GEMS Education’ offers total school management solutions: From project inception and planning to ongoing operations of schools. GEMS provides all round management of new school projects and existing schools.

For more information, please contact:
Hiba Al Hafidh / Sara Hamam
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
PO Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
Email: h.alhafidh@asdaa.com / s.hamam@asdaa.com