Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University celebrates graduation of 396 learners of undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Under the patronage and in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University celebrates graduation of 396 learners of undergraduate and postgraduate programs

♦ Mansoor Al Awar: “We are proud to launch unprecedented initiatives to reshape the future of higher education in the world.”

♦ ‘Zayed Cyber Palm for Education’ inspired by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s vision to make the university a solid foundation for the universities and institutions of the future in the occasion of ‘2018 The Year of Zayed’

♦ ‘School of Artificial Intelligence’ to drive UAE transformation as leading hub for developing AI technologies

UAE, 23 January 2018 – Under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, the University celebrated the graduation of the seventh and eighth batch of learners from the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the School of Business & Quality Management, School of e-Education and School of Health and Environmental Studies. A total of 396 graduates attended the graduation ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Center, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of HBMSU’s Board of Governors, and members of the Board of Governors, and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, chancellor of HBMSU as well as faculty and administrative officials, parents of graduates and learners.
Continue reading “Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University celebrates graduation of 396 learners of undergraduate and postgraduate programs”

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced its collaboration with Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University

DEWA launches leadership programmes in cooperation with Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University

Dubai, UAE, December 26th 2016 – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced its collaboration with Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), to develop two leadership programmes called ‘Frontiers Programme’ and the ‘Future Leadership Development Programme’. This adheres to the directives of the wise leadership, as part of DEWA’s commitment to integrate Emiratis into different positions, and develop their abilities for the future.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, commended the ongoing and intensive efforts of HBMSU, to spread the concept of smart learning, and instil a culture of innovation and excellence in research, while sharing skills, experience, and practices, with regional and international universities. Continue reading “Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced its collaboration with Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University”

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU)

HBMSU Management and Learners hold productive dialogue to heighten learning experience and study life at the university

UAE, October 15, 2016 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU)’s Learning Council recently organized a meeting between top management led by Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Al Awar and a group of university Learners and Ambassadors to discuss ways to further enhance the learning experience and the study life at the university. The council provided an excellent platform for learners to actively participate by raising their ideas, suggestions and expectations. The management provided helpful feedback and agreed to further explore some of the key recommendations presented during the meeting. Continue reading “Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU)”

HBMSU explores the future of education through launch of ‘Innovation Lab for the Future of Smart Learning’

First session discusses agenda of smart learning with participation of local & international academics from inside and outside the university

In a bid to uphold the UAE’s smart education sector, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has launched ‘Innovation Lab for the Future of Smart Learning’. The new Lab is a qualitative addition that will make strategic contribution in exploring the future of smart education in the UAE by stimulating innovation and creativity in developing knowledge.

It will also adopt a culture of continuous and sustainable development, confirming the pioneering position of HBMSU as a center of academic and scientific excellence in the Arab world. Continue reading “HBMSU explores the future of education through launch of ‘Innovation Lab for the Future of Smart Learning’”

Pearson, Emirates Aviation University Applaud New Rules Governing Vocational Qualifications

Leading education providers in the UAE welcome recognition of international qualifications
Dubai, UAE, 17 May, 2016 – Dubai: The Emirates Aviation University and Pearson have announced their support of changes to the rules governing qualifications recognition in the UAE.
Recently, the UAE’s National Qualifications Authority (NQA) and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that international qualifications, such as Pearson’s BTEC qualifications, would be recognised throughout the UAE.
Pearson qualifications, including the BTEC National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas, are offered through a number of UAE educational providers. These qualifications, which have long been recognised by awarding agencies around the world, will now also be officially recognised by the UAE government.
Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards at KHDA, was enthusiastic about the benefits UAE recognition of international qualifications will bring. He commented: “This new recognition service will address challenges faced by young men and women ingetting their professional and vocational qualifications recognised in the UAE. The recognition service will provide an official confirmation and validation that an international qualification meets the requirements of a specific level on the National Qualifications Framework for the purpose of employment and progression to higher education”.
The Emirates Aviation University (EAU), which offers several BTEC qualifications, has applauded the announcement. Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of EAUbelieves changes will bring benefits not only to those learners undertaking a professional or vocational qualification, but also organisations looking to recruit suitable trained graduates. He says: “Undertaking a vocational qualification requires a significant commitment in both time and money.  Learners therefore want to be sure that they are embarking on a programme that will give them the best possible chance of success in future employment. By obtaining recognition, programmes like the Higher National Diploma have been given a mark of quality that assures learners that their chosen qualification adheres to rigorous guidelines. It is also great news for employers, who will now be readily able to identify candidates with a superior qualification and have an understanding of the level of capability associated with that qualification.”
Mark Andrews, Regional Director of Pearson Qualifications in the Middle East acknowledged the important role recognition plays in building a professional and competent vocational workforce. He says: “The UAE, and wider GCC region are affected by a skills gap where employers are routinely unable to find candidates with the requisite standard of qualifications and competencies, particularly in many vocational areas. The changes to the way vocational qualifications are recognised in the UAE will help to build a more professional vocationally-based workforce, and fill some of the gaps that currently exist in the labour market. By streamlining and simplifying the recognition process, we will hopefully see more people completing high quality vocational programmes and entering employment in in-demand fields”.

Global Education Forum Discusses how Technology can Change the Game

Using data from online tools effectively results in better learner outcomes
Dubai, UAE, February 26th, 2015 – Participants at the 2015 Global Education Forum (GEF) held in Dubai from the 24th to the 26th of February have heard about the opportunities data from online educational tools provide in terms of student assessment, engagement and education outcomes.

Dr Kristen DiCerbo, Principal Research Scientist at Pearson, led a discussion at GEF 2015 based on the findings of her recent research paper, “Impacts of the Digital Ocean on Education”. Dr DiCerbo emphasised how the massive amounts of data now available from student interactions, the digital ocean, can be used to underpin new and more effective methods of assessment and better outcomes for learners.
“We are on the verge of tremendous change, as both the amount of data available increases and methods for collection are increasingly embedded in modern life.  Today’s students interact with digital technology on a day-to-day basis, and their interactions with online learning tools can provide continuous data to educators – creating a more holistic view of the learner’s progress than traditional assessment methods.
The key to harnessing this potential is identifying the most effective ways to capture this data and turn it into meaningful information educators can use to assist their students.”   
The session resonated with participants from the UAE, as educators across the country are increasingly turning to e-learning and the use of online resources, including the new wave of game-based learning and assessment tools, for both distance and classroom education.  Dr Di Cerbo cited a specific case study showing the complete cycle from activity integration and data collection to educator decision-making and long term impacts, and invited attendees to consider the possibilities for their own institutions, saying:
“The digital ocean provides educators with a unique opportunity to understand the learning process, to assess the efficacy of different methods and techniques, and to use this new understanding to provide unobtrusive tailored support to individual learners, as well as to improve educational outcomes for all.”
The Pearson Report, “Impacts of the Digital Ocean on Education” was published in 2014 and is authored by Kristen DiCerbo and John Behrens, foreword by Sir Michael Barber. To view the full “Digital Oceans” report, visit: https://research.pearson.com/content/plc/prkc/uk/open-ideas/en/articles/a-tidal-wave-of-data/_jcr_content/par/articledownloadcompo/file.res/3897.Digital_Ocean_web.pdf

GCC Student Population to Touch 11.3 million by 2020

GETEX 2015 to address GCC’s surging demand for quality learning
UAE, March 1st, 2015 – According to recent industry reports, the GCC student population is predicted to reach 11.3 million by 2020 from 9.5 million in 2010 and the urgency to provide excellent learning environments to all students – emiratis and expatriates – living in the region, is driving up public and private spending on education.

Investment in education will continue to head north as students fill the seats in schools and universities. Concurrently, the establishment and supply of quality programme offerings in the region is set to grow as education authorities exercise regulation and set standards. This balance will create an equilibrium in supply and demand, ensure student retention, and promote the region as a competitive destination for quality Higher Education.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) returns to Dubai from April 15 to 17, 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. The GETEX mission is to provide a proven marketing service to Higher Education providers from around the world. It serves as an outreach platform to the student community living in the region and helps exhibitors to maintain a satisfactory student intake which is very crucial for their existence.
The 27th editionof GETEX will bring academic and occupational education providers in close proximity with learners eager to explore study options that would eventuate in fulfilling careers.
GETEX Dubai will also feature the GETEX Counsellors Forum where student and career counsellors will have the opportunity to network and discuss issues pertinent to the crucial role they play in student’s lives. On the other hand, faculty and education managements can benefit from the opportunity that comes with the International Universities Networking Conference (IUNC) Middle East & Africa that is linked with GETEX in 2015. 
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), concluded: “The rapid population growth and economic boom in the region has fuelled the demand for first-class higher education. With GETEX 2015, we want to bring school-leaving and mature students face-to-face with leading regional and international education and training providers, so that they could make an informed decision about their future.
For more information, please log on to: http://www.mygetex.com.   

Innovation Arabia 8 features 188 research papers, and 38 presentations from 40 countries

Event explores innovative solutions in quality and business management, health and environment, smart learning, and Islamic finance
UAE, February 17th, 2015 – The Innovation Arabia 8 (IA8) Conference being organized by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) under the theme ‘Innovate, Collaborate and Differentiate: Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future’ has lined up top-notch keynote speakers – including regional and international experts, academics and scholars – to discuss effective solutions for maximizing economic opportunities and promising human resources to drive sustainable socio-economic growth across the Arab World.

IA8 explores promising research potentials by providing a platform for Masters and Doctoral Degree holders from 37 countries to present a total of 188 research papers and 38 presentations on key issues related to the four topics of the conference before a high-profile international audience. The event will feature 75 research papers and 5 presentations on ‘Smart Learning Excellence’ by participants from 22 countries; 57 research papers and 13 presentations on ‘Quality and Business Management’ from 21 countries; 26 research papers and 18 presentations on ‘Health and the Environment’ from 16 countries; and 30 research papers and 2 presentations from 13 countries on ‘Islamic Banking and Finance’.
An elite group of international keynote speakers once again took part in today’s IA8 discussions, headed by Dr. Rudolf Strohmeier, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, who discussed ‘Drivers for Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems.’ Dr. Strohmeier is one of the world’s well-known experts on international research and studies aimed at enriching knowledge and spreading the culture of innovation.
H.E. Hussain Al-Qemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Noor Investment Group LLC and Chief Executive Officer of Noor Bank PJSC, UAE, talked about how ‘Innovation is Key to a Sustainable and Competitive Advantage for the Future of Islamic banking.’ Two panel discussions were also featured on Day 2 of the conference. The first was on ‘The future of Islamic Banking – Is it a Sustainable Business Model for banks?’ moderated by Professor Nabil Baydoun, Vise Chancellor for Enterprise and University Advancement at HBMSU and President of the IA8 Conference. ‘Excellence and Innovation in Management Education for Emerging Economies’ was the main focus of the Global Business School Network Panel Discussion headed by Professor Khaled Sartawi, Dean of the School of Business & Quality Management at HBMSU.
The third and final day of the Conference will feature an UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) Panel discussion titled ‘New Partnerships and New Business Models to Scale Up Learning in a Fast Changing Environment’ to be moderated by Professor Abtar Darshan Singh, Dean of the School of e-Education, Learning and Academic Development division at HBMSU. The second panel discussion of the day will be on ‘Dubai Medical Tourism and Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Healthcare Delivery in UAE’ headed by Professor Adi Arida, Dean of the School of Health and Environmental Studies, Academic affairs Division at HBMSU.
Day 3 will also feature two keynotes: the first will discuss ‘Voyage to Excellence: Unleashing Innovation and Transformative Learning in Networked Futures’ by Dr. Alan Bruce, Vice-President of the European Distance and e-learning Network and CEO and Director of Universal Learning Systems, while the second will be delivered by Eng. Sobhi Batterjee, Founder and President and CEO of Saudi German Hospitals Group, who will talk about ‘Leveraging Information Technology in the Healthcare Industry’.
Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, emphasized the importance of the topics being addressed at the IA8 Conference which serves as an ideal platform for discussing how to drive innovation and creativity with the goal of establishing integrated knowledge-based economies in the Arab World. Al Awar explained that the high number of prominent regional and international participants at the event reflects HBMSU’s stature as a key centre for excellence in spreading the culture of innovation, creativity and high quality in the Arab region.
Al Awar concluded: “The IA8 Conference has made a positive impact on encouraging international cooperation in coming up with innovative ideas to help build a better future for the coming generations. This complements the objectives of the Dubai Innovation Partners initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU. We are committed to supporting the latest creative solutions for Quality and Business Management, Health and the Environment, Smart Learning, and Islamic Banking and Finance as part of our ongoing quest to drive comprehensive growth in the UAE and across the region.”

HBMSU hosts learners and alumni in interactive meeting to develop its three-year strategic plan

To strengthen its commitment to support goals of ‘National Innovation Strategy’ and develop spirit of creativity among Learners

UAE, December 20th, 2014 – Setting precedence by letting its learners and graduates participate in formulating the university’s strategic plan, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has concluded a participatory and interactive meeting held recently at its Dubai Academic City campus. The university will draft its plan for the next three years, taking inputs from its learners and alumni. This qualitative move comes in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to build a culture of innovation and creativity among learners in line with the objectives of the recently launched Dubai Strategic Plan 2021, which is a road map to achieve the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting, which was held under the title ‘Where do you see your university – HBMSU – in the next three years?’, has been widely praised as it provided an ideal interactive platform to activate communication channels with learners and graduates, adapting capability and knowledge and unleashing competency and talent in the field of creativity and innovation. The meeting included a series of open discussions and brainstorming sessions that brought together university administrators and academics with learners and graduates under one roof to exchange ideas and opinions, review aspirations and proposals, and come out with recommendations for a three-year strategic plan that will reflect the HBMSU’s vision of establishing a culture of creativity and innovation.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor, has praised the positive feedback given by the participants at the meeting. He lauded their vital role in providing proposals and forward-looking visions for elaborating strategic goals and directions to the university over the next three years.
Al Awar said: “We have organized the participatory and interactive meeting to affirm our commitment to providing an enabling environment to drive innovation and creativity among learners. It will encourage them to actively contribute in developing the university’s strategic plans in order to achieve our academic, educational and administrative goals. Through the new strategic plan, we look forward to develop a culture of innovation in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, declaring 2015 as a ‘Year of Innovation’ in the UAE. It is also in line with the objectives of the ‘National Innovation Strategy’ recently launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”
Al Awar concluded: “HBMSU takes an active interest in intensive efforts aimed at encouraging innovation, development and scientific research. We are committed to concerted efforts with all the administrators, academics, faculty and students in order to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction, transparency and credibility. We will work on putting together all the recommendations and proposals that resulted from the participatory meeting and take relevant actions accordingly to develop a clear strategic plan that is able to meet all the current and future needs and requirements of the university.”

The Irish Academy of Public Relations and Orient Planet

First ever Online PR & Communications Academy launched in the Middle East by 
·       Middle East’s e-learning market valued at USD 44 million in 2013
·      Region’s e-learning revenues projected to reach USD 561 million by 2016 at average growth of 8.2 per cent per year
·       197 million people in the Arab World will have internet access by 2017, with internet penetration expected to jump to over 51 per cent over the next three years

UAE, October 27th, 2014 – The Irish Academy of Public Relations today (Monday 27th October, 2014) revealed in London its joint venture with Orient Planet PR and Marketing Communications to create the first ever online PR and Communications Academy in the Middle East. Orient Planet Academy (www.opacademy.com) will exclusively provide the Irish Academy’s courses to students in the Middle East, Levant and North Africa regions.
The signing of the agreement between Ellen Gunning, the Irish Academy’s Director, and Nidal Abou Zaki, Orient Planet’s Managing Director, took place recently in London. Orient Planet Academy will facilitate internationally recognized certificate courses in public relations, marketing, journalism, event management and English grammar. Offering a wide degree of flexibility to its prospective students, Orient Planet Academy’s courses – all of which have been localized for the Arab World – can be completed in a time span of 10 to 20 weeks. A student is required to finish 10 to 12 modules and pass all requirements before a certificate is awarded.
Comprehensive textbooks of the Irish Academy will also be available at the new Academy’s bookstore to help potential learners in their studies. The textbooks are specifically chosen to complement the course syllabus and to serve as additional references for students. Visitors of the Orient Planet Academy website may also browse through videos to watch renowned communications experts in action.
In 2013, the value of the Middle East e-learning market was placed at USD 44 million as a result of concerted efforts to digitize education in the region. The sector also witnessed an average growth rate of 8.2 per cent per year, with revenues projected to reach USD 561 million by 2016. The expansion can be attributed to several fundamental factors, one of which is the region’s move to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy.  
One of the major drivers of the growing online education market in the Arab World is the increasing number of internet users in the region. According to Arab Knowledge Economy 2014, a first-of-its-kind report jointly produced by Madar Research and Development and Orient Planet, the Arab World recorded the largest growth in internet users compared with other regions in the world since 2001. Th­e report shows an exponential increase in the number of people accessing the internet from the region. By 2017, the figure is expected to increase to about 197 million, while internet penetration is projected to jump from 32 per cent in 2012 to over 51 per cent in 2017.
Ellen Gunning said: “The Irish Academy has an ever-growing footprint across Europe, the United States, Latin America and Africa. Over the years, we have seen the immense potentials of the online education market in the Arab World, and we believe now is the ideal time to establish our presence in the rapidly expanding industry. We entered into a joint venture with Orient Planet to form Orient Planet Academy to mark our expansion in the Middle East and serve a market of more than 314 million people through our comprehensive courses. Orient Planet Academy will be an added value to the growing industry. Initially, the courses will be taught in English with a view of offering them in Arabic in the coming few weeks.”
Nidal Abou Zaki commented: “Although the Arab region’s PR and communications industry has been continuously growing, we realized that there is no online platform in the region that provides professionals and students alike the chance to further develop their skills in PR, communications, marketing and social media. Orient Planet Academy not only aims to provide flexibility but it also offers employed individuals and young students an opportunity to earn an internationally recognized certificate. We have localized all courses in order to address the cultural requirements of the region.  We will offer a modern educational platform to enhance and inspire a new generation of communications experts capable of meeting the needs of the Arab and global markets.”
The Irish Academy of Public Relations is an international online education provider of courses in communications disciplines, while Orient Planet is one of the Middle East’s most rapidly growing PR marketing and communications consultancies. All five courses of Orient Planet Academy have been designed by the Irish Academy and will be tutored by communications professionals in the Middle East.