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DubaiSat-2 Successfully Completes in Orbit Commissioning

Satellite is now fully operational and images are calibrated and validated
UAE, April 14, 2014 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced that DubaiSat-2’s in orbit commissioning is complete and the satellite is now fully operational.

The satellite had undergone the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) starting last November 21, 2013, this phase requires testing for the satellite to verify and validate the operation of the system and subsystem level electronics of the spacecraft and how they function under the harsh space environment.
Once the satellite is in stable operation the next phase is calibration and validation of the telescope and sensors, these tests are the final steps before the satellite can be declared fully operational and they are dedicated to ensuring the quality of the data products derived from the satellite are at their highest in terms of quality and accuracy.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said: “The successful conclusion of the commissioning and in orbit operation of DubaiSat-2 which is the final phase of the project has reaffirmed the UAE’s leading position on the regional aerospace map. All the efforts undertaken by the EIAST and its engineers are aligned with the visionary plans of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai of making the UAE a satellite design and manufacturing hub for the region.
“The calibration and validation activities were conducted to ensure that the images will be useful to our customers and that they are of the highest quality which is crucial for the success of the mission. DubaiSat-2 now being fully operational signals the start of our mission to provide useful and timely data to our customers from the government and private sectors, domestically and internationally and to benefit the nation,” concluded Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General of Scientific and Technical Affairs, EIAST.
DubaiSat-2 has also passed the tests conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently in collaboration with the EIAST, on the satellite’s Propulsion System, in addition to the other examinations ordered to ensure its safety and readiness. In addition, EIAST has signed an agreement with Satrec Initiative for worldwide promotion and distribution of DubaiSat-2’s products and services to global customers.
DubaiSat-2 is an electro-optical earth observation satellite launched with a purpose to provide high-resolution images of the world. DubaiSat-2 is capable of taking multiple images of the same area as well as adept in receiving and processing them from anywhere in the world within a day. The images taken from the satellite will be utilized for various purposes, including environmental projects, urban planning, and infrastructure development as well as providing specialized reports to Government stake holders.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development, satellite manufacturing and systems development, space imaging, and ground station services and support for other satellites.
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For more information about EIAST, please visit www.eiast.ae.
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28 National Pavilions to Participate in the 16th WETEX 2014

Dubai, UAE, 28 March 2014 – The 16th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2014 has attracted participation from 40 counties including 28 national pavilions to date over an area of 1,490 sqm out of the total display area. WETEX 2014 is organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) with the theme ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability’ and under the umbrella of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance of the UAE and President of DEWA. The exhibition will take place from 14–16 April 2014 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In addition to the national pavilions, the exhibition has confirmed participation from prominent government organisations including DEWA and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, the UAE Ministry of Energy, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Global Aluminium, Zayed International Prize for the Environment, Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Drydocks World, Hamriyah Free Zone, Ajman Municipality & Planning Dept, Fujairah Municipality, Department of Planning and Development of the Ports, Customs and Free Zones of Dubai, Al Ain Municipality’s Department of Municipal Affairs, Friends of the Environment Society, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), International Centre For Biosaline Agriculture, Emirates Science Club, Environmental Centre for Arab Towns, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Service Company, Dubai Police, UAE Society of Engineers and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and from the GCC, Qatar Electricity and Water Company.
DEWA said that companies from countries such as the UAE, Qatar, UK, Italy, India, US, Spain, Germany, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Russia, France, Belgium, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Finland Romania and Iran have confirmed their participation at the exhibition. More countries have also announced their participation, some of are taking place through joint pavilions like the Spanish-Austrian pavilion and others have a prominent presence at WETEX 2014 like Poland.
WETEX 2014 registered remarkable participation from a total number of 40 countries to date, reflecting an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.
“This is the biggest WETEX ever since its inception of over a decade and a half ago. The growth percentages indicate great success,” said HE Saeed MohammedAl Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. “This year’s exhibition, organised by DEWA under the umbrella of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, registered an increase of 9.33% in the number of exhibiting companies. Also, there is a remarkable rise in the number of participating countries compared to the previous year.”
“The initiatives led by DEWA have placed it among leading international institutions in the energy, water and electricity sectors which prioritise environmental sustainability. Moreover, DEWA has been able through WETEX over the last 16 years, to be a role model for specialised exhibitions in the region,” added Al Tayer.
“WETEX’s success this year is not only dependant on the increase in the number of national pavilions but also in the rise of the display area of these pavilions to cope with the greater number of participants from these countries. We think that this type of growth is due to our positive international reputation, which in turn will generate additional participation in future shows,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer said that national pavilions a attract larger flow of visitors, compared to companies which are participating individually, as many of the participating countries hold an excellent reputation in the electricity, water and environment sectors.
WETEX 2013 registered participation from 22 national pavilions spread over an area of 1,047 sqm.
WETEX 2014 will also include seminars to discuss topics relevant to electricity, water, solar and nuclear energy as well as energy, water, and natural resource conservation and sustainable development and other topics that are currently in the spotlight, of the public and private sectors around the world.
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EIAST Receives Adeeb Al Balushi and Showcases Latest Projects and Achievements

The move is in line with directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to sponsor younger talents
UAE, April 1, 2014 – The young Emirati inventor Adeeb Suleiman Al Balushi, recently visited the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) where he met a group of engineers and was elaborately introduced to the institute’s projects including DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2 and Khalifa Sat – the first satellite to be fully built and manufactured at the hands of 100% UAE engineers. This move follows the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, appointing EIAST to supervise the child’s scientific trip.

 
Known as the young Emirati inventor, Al Balushi toured around the institute and learned about the functioning of the ground station which is responsible for monitoring and operating the two satellites, DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2. The wonder boy reaffirmed his commitment to continue to gain best scientific knowledge and technical expertise in order to help achieve better progress in the UAE. He further expressed his delight to have visited EIAST whose ongoing scientific achievements primarily aim to serve the community by creating a leading specialized facility that is able to position the country as a regional and global leader in space industry and improve its footprint in this vital area which helps shape the future.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, EIAST, said: “We appreciate the trust that H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has placed in EIAST. On par with the directives of His Highness, we will follow up with the scientific trip of Al Balushi, one of the youngest investors of the world. EIAST is committed to provide full support to national competences while catering to the current and potential needs and requirements in line with the aspirations of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the country as an international hub for excellence by disseminating the culture of superiority and creativity and offering a proper environment that is able to achieve comprehensive sustainable development across the UAE.”
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has ordered to organize a scientific trip for Adeeb Al Balushi across seven of the most advanced and developed countries in the area of science and research. His Highness also assigned EIAST to follow up and evaluate his progress on a regular basis in order to ensure that Al Balushi makes best of this trip.   
The 10 year old Al Balushi is the youngest Arab scientist and among the youngest investors in the world. His first invention was a waterproof prosthetic limb to help his polio-affected father practice swimming and diving. Today, he holds 7 scientific patents and has been awarded many local, Arab and international certificates of appreciation and membership.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites. For more information about EIAST, please visit www.eiast.ae.
For latest news and developments on Khalifa Sat, please follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/khalifasat_project
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GETEX Spring 2014 Unveils 2500 Educational Programs Serving UAE’s Growing Education Sector

Middle East’s longest running student sourcing show to connect learners with global education providers
UAE, February 11th, 2014 – According to a recent study, the student population in the GCC has experienced a steady growth with a prediction to reach 11.3 million in 2020 from 9.5 million in 2010. Approximately 24 per cent of total government expenditure is spent on the development of the UAE education sector which has an estimated market size of USD 7.3 billion. To throw the spotlight on the surge in the country’s education sector, GETEX Spring 2014 will take place from April 9 to 11, 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, GETEX is the longest running student recruitment event in the region and an effective podium for all education providers to reach out to students with their academic offerings. The 26th edition of the fair will provide a perfect gateway for almost 20,000 Arab and expat students to connect with more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries and seek detailed information about over 2,500 featured educational programs from around the world.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: “While the UAE is fast emerging as a preferred destination for foreign education organizations and investors, the country’s education sector is poised for a significant growth. Through GETEX, we want to reiterate our firm support to promote academic excellence in the country and the region by offering students a wide range of choices in academic programs and campuses. In turn, we hope to address the broader educational requirements of students that will enable them to gain the necessary proficiency to make the right career move. Aside from leading universities and educational institutions highlighting their courses, we have weaved in some new segments into the show, including a Career Advisory Forum, to deliver a more value-added  experience for both visitors and exhibitors.”

Supported by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the Dubai Knowledge Village and the Dubai International Academic City, GETEX is the only education fair in the UAE dedicated to student enollment for schools and universities. GETEX Spring 2014 will focus on key areas of education such as General Education, Higher Education, Vocational Education, and Training and Professional Development, with the intent to deliver a well-rounded approach towards learning.
For a second year, the Counsellors Forum will also be back by popular demand at GETEX, providing a valuable and interactive platform to directly inform students about courses and campuses. It will guide students to choose the most suitable course(s) and educational institution correlating to their career path. Additionally, the Career Advisory Forum is the latest initiative by GETEX that will help students gain insights about the global employment scene and human resource forces impacting multinational companies as well as big corporations. It will also offer vast opportunities for students to network with top employers in the region.  
Spread across an area of 14,000 sq. meters, GETEX will facilitate the interaction between students and education institutes from all over the world including India, Australia, USA, Canada, UK, Malaysia, Turkey, Lebanon and Ireland, among others. For more information, log on to: http://www.mygetex.com/.   
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EIAST Discusses Economic Impact of Satellite Technologies at Regional Geospatial Conference

Successful Dubai Sat-2 launch presented at Middle East Geospatial Forum 2014
UAE, February 4, 2014 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) chaired the session on ‘Earth Observation Systems for Economic Development’ during the 2014 Middle East Geospatial Forum held in Dubai under the theme ‘GeoSmart Government’ and discusses upcoming trends in Earth Observation and how the discipline impacts global users. Eng. Omran Sharaf, Director of Image Processing and Analysis Department, and Eng. Hessa Almatroushi, an Associate Image Processing Engineer at the Institution, were among the session’s key expert speakers.
During the forum, EAIST explained the various social and economic benefits of earth observation satellites. It also recounted the successful launch of Dubai Sat-2, an electro-optical earth observation satellite system, from Russia late last year. EAIST officials explained that such developments are vital to expediting the development of the UAE’s space programs and related manpower.
“Middle East Geospatial Forum 2014 was an ideal platform for emphasizing the relevance of earth observation technologies and discussing the necessary steps needed to further advance the field. It gave EIAST a great opportunity to discuss its own unique and impactful contributions to the expansion of the UAE’s space capabilities through ground-breaking projects such as Dubai Sat-2. We also had the chance to showcase the skills of our team, particularly our Emirati talents who reflect the growing interest among UAE Nationals to participate in space-related development,” said Eng. Omran Sharaf.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites.
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Expensive American Education is Just a Myth says Carian College Advisors

Australia is most expensive destination for overseas students with total annual cost of attendance exceeding USD $38,000, reveals HSBC study
Dubai, UAE , January 15th, 2014 – According to a recent study by HSBC, Australia is the most expensive destination for overseas students, with a total average cost of attendance exceeding USD $38,000 per year, followed by the US at USD $35,000. 
This study was highlighted by Carian College Advisors, UAE’s leading independent educational consultancy focusing exclusively on US admissions, as it announced a scholarship competition for high school students in the UAE.
Peter Davos, Managing Director of Carian College Advisors said: “Families in Dubai typically look to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore in their research for global universities for undergraduate study. While American universities continue to dominate the global rankings lists, many families choose to apply exclusively to other international universities, because they are perceived to be less expensive than their American counterparts. In many cases, this is not true, and, increasingly, pursuing an undergraduate education in the US is less costly than the same course of study in other international destinations.” 
“The wealthiest fifteen universities in the US have eliminated loans for students and have a strong commitment to funding all accepted students, regardless of ability to pay,” explains Davos. “There are always opportunities to secure scholarships to US universities – even for international students. For example, one of our current Dubai students just received a recurring  annual scholarship of AED 60,000 to pursue her studies at Loyola University of Chicago; should she choose to enroll, her family will save 240,000 AED in education costs.” emphasized Davos. 
Davos added: “At Harvard, for example, no undergraduate pays more than a nominal contribution if their parents earn less than $65,000 per annum and students whose families make between $65,000 and $150,000 USD per year pay only 10% of their income in tuition.  Smaller institutions also offer significant merit aid, as high achieving students at all American universities are always considered for merit based aid, regardless of family income. 87% of all freshman at American universities are receiving some sort of aid.”
Elaborating on the announced Carian’s scholarship competition for high school students in the UAE, Davos said: “We are pleased to offer UAE students an opportunity to receive scholarships for Carian’s services so that they are well informed about education facilities in US universities.  Not only will we help guide them through every step of the application process, we will help guide them towards universities that will offer them the most financial aid.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled in the  final two years of secondary school and submit a 500-word essay about why they want to pursue an undergraduate education in the US.  The winner of the competition will receive a free Crimson Package from Carian College Advisors, which is the consultancy’s most premium level of service and features, unlimited meetings with Carian’s consultants and assistance with up to 14 applications. Carian College Advisors will also award three runners-up with their Ivy Package, which offers weekly meetings with consultants and assistance with up to 10 applications.
“The number of students in the UAE attending university in the United States is on the rise. The scholarship competition allows students considering the US for higher studies to critically analyze the benefits of US education and to begin preparing mentally for the application process. Furthermore, winners will have access to our talented team of consultants that will assist them in every step of the process.”
Students must submit their essays by email to infocarianet.com by April 1, 2014 and answer the following prompt: “Why do you want to pursue undergraduate study in the United States and why do you deserve this scholarship?” Carian College Advisors’s team of consultants is composed of Americans with Master degrees who have graduated from universities in the United States and have experience in US University Admissions. The consultants guide students through each step of the university and application process, adhering to the highest ethical standards in the industry.
Davos concluded: “American universities continue to offer both generous funding and a solid return on investment, based on a flexible curriculum and emphasis on holistic personal development.”
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INCEIF President visits Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance.

 Both parties agree on the significance of establishing reference standards for licensing experts in the field of Islamic Finance
  
]UAE, December 23, 2013[ – Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance (DCIBF) recently received a visit from Daud Vicary Abdullah, CEO and President of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), the global university of Islamic finance was established by Bank Negara Malaysia. On hand to meet him was HBMeU Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, where they discussed various matters relating to the Islamic banking and finance sector and the importance of e-learning in this day and this era. Both parties also shared their experiences and discussed potential initiatives and projects that can be highly beneficial to HBMeU and INCEIF. Both parties have also agreed on the importance and need to establish key reference standards for licensing experts in the field of Islamic Finance.

Dr. Al Awar explained the importance of DCIBF to Dubai and the region,  as a quality-oriented addition to meet the needs of the Islamic banking and finance industry. He mentioned how the Center offers academic and professional training programs and scientific research in line with the best international practices. He further highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Center to establish Dubai as the world’s Islamic economy capital to support the ambitious vision and directives of the emirate’s leadership.
Dr. Al Awar said: “Launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and President of HBMeU, DCBIF offers high-quality academic programs and training courses to strengthen the concept of Islamic economy. We look forward to collaborating with INCEIF to develop curricula on Islamic banking and finance as it supports the Center’s vision of producing world-class talent for the global Islamic finance industry.” 
“With the advancement of online channels and digital media, eLearning has become highly relevant and can be availed by organizations for enhancing professional skill sets of their employees particularly through the executive training programs. The high standards set by HBMeU in the field of eLearning are commendable. We are confident that our collaboration with HBMeU will enable us to leverage on its position as a leading eUniversity, especially in this part of the region,” added Abdullah.  
Aside from discussing the importance of their respective entities during the meeting, both parties concluded that eLearning is an excellent platform for continuous professional development. They also agreed on the need to collaborate on several fronts, including joint courses to offer high-quality programs on Islamic banking and finance, develop curriculum relevant to the industry and focus on accreditations not just from educational authorities but also from industry related institutions.
INCEIF is one of many initiatives undertaken by Bank Negara Malaysia to develop and nurture talents and experts under the Malaysia International Islamic Finance Center (MIFC). It offers three postgraduate programmes in Islamic Finance – Chartered Islamic Finance Professional (CIPD), Masters in Islamic Finance and PhD in Islamic Finance. INCEIF offers industry-focussed executive education that includes customized executive programmes.  

The Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance’s academic programs are based on three pillars – Human Capital Development, Research, and Community Service. It was established through the mutual cooperation between HBMeU and the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ initiative. 
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BurJuman “Fashion Expose” Competition Showcases Emirates’ Emerging Fashion Talent

Future Looks Bright for UAE Fashion Industry
Dubai, UAE, 23 December 2013 – Fashion students from across the UAE have recently gathered in Dubai to compete in the BurJuman’s Fashion Expose Competition. The event is the only competition between fashion colleges and universities held in the Emirates, and offers up-and-coming designers the opportunity to showcase their talent to local and international fashion houses and buyers.

The winning team from the Centre of Executive Education’s (CEE) Fashion Department will have their winning pieces showcased in the Saks Fifth Avenue BurJuman store. The team has also won AED20,000/- and various other prizes from the competition’s sponsors.
Competition entrants were judged on the creativity, innovation and adherence to the theme of their designs. This year’s theme was “Decades of Fashion – 1950s to the Present”. Suraiya Taufiq, Manal Al Younis, Huda Salem, Nabeela Amin, Assia Mehri, Subhashini Sam, Tishya Pandey and  Anisa Begum  were  part of the winning team.
Suraiya Taufiq says that the competition provides a forum for young fashion designers to grow their profile in the industry.
“Entering the fashion industry can be very competitive, but this event allows us to demonstrate to potential employers or potential buyers that we have both the design skills and technical capability necessary to produce beautiful garments. The Edexcel programme that we have undertaken at the Centre for Executive Education has given us a great start in our careers, and this competition is an opportunity to show to the market what we have learnt in this course, and what we can accomplish going forward”.
The Pearson Edexcel Professional Programme in Fashion Design being undertaken by the winning team at CEE is a practical-focussed qualification that can lead to university entry and membership of the United Kingdom’s prestigious Chartered Society of Designers. The programme has been designed to develop a breadth of understanding of the fashion industry and to provide a broad foundation for students from which they can determine which branch of the industry their personal talents are most suited. CEE has offered the programme for 14 years, producing a number of award winning students across International competitions including Dubai International Fashion Week, Hotel Show, Swarovski Bride Show and BurJuman Awards.
Revealing local design talent through Fashion Expose will help build Dubai’s growing international reputation as a regional and international fashion centre. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai recently signed a decree that will bring together the country’s public and private sectors to foster the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Emirate’s design and fashion industries.
Work has also started on a dedicated design quarter in the Emirate, to be known as the Dubai Design District, or D3. This new “design city” will be housed near Dubai mall, accommodating design, fashion and luxury organisations.
Mark Andrews, Regional Director of Pearson International Qualifications, says encouraging local talent through competitions such as Fashion Expose will help meet increasing demand across the region for well-trained fashion graduates.
“As the fashion industry grows in Dubai and across the region it is important that educational institutions are providing qualifications that give graduates the skills necessary to succeed in this burgeoning industry. The Pearson-Edexcel Professional Programme in Fashion Design helps prepare learners for a variety of careers in fashion, and gives learners the capabilities needed to thrive in the world of work – whether it is in fashion or any other industry”.  
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World’s leading learning company puts pursuit of efficacy at centre of strategy with implications for GCC operations .

Pearson commits to measure and report impact on learning outcomes

Dubai, UAE, 24 November 2013: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, has announced a series of unique commitments designed to measure and increase the company’s impact on learning outcomes around the world, including the Gulf region where the company has a significant presence.
As part of a new global education strategy which sets out to help more people make progress in their lives through learning, Pearson has:

·         Committed to report audited learning outcomes, measures and targets alongside its financial accounts, covering its whole business by 2018;
·         Shared plans to “institutionalise” efficacy across Pearson’s organisation, creating dedicated focus and incentives towards learning outcomes targets for all business areas;
·         Published its Efficacy Framework – Pearson’s approach for ensuring its products and services enable students to learn what they need to make progress – for feedback and improvement;
·         Promised to develop a global research network to gather the evidence needed on the “path to efficacy”, and openly to share and broker debate around its findings.
The company’s ambition is to ensurethat its work is driven by an ever-clearer understanding of how it can maximise and measure its impact on learning outcomes, drawing on the lessons of the healthcare industry to invest in research and development and build new partnerships that will address the most pressing unmet needs in education.
Mr FadiKhalek, Pearson’s Vice President of Higher Education and Applied Learning in the Arab region says: “Since launching in the Middle East over half a century ago, Pearson has worked closely with learning institutions, governments and individuals to create effective learning solutions that have a positive impact on communities throughout the region. Pearson’s new commitment to efficacy allows us to continue with our journey to move from inputs to outcomes. We now have the tools to evidence the fulfilment of such goals and outcomes whether in our own, Pearson operated institutions or those whom we service”.
Identifying dialogue and collaboration with the wider education community as crucial to accelerate progress, Pearson has also published two reports. The first, Asking More: The Path to Efficacy, sets out the imperative for measuring and improving learning outcomes worldwide. The second, The Incomplete Guide to Delivering Learning Outcomes, shares in detail the company’s new approach to contributing to that goal and the progress it has made so far.
Asking More: The Path to Efficacy brings together some of the world’s leading education experts to highlight how research and data collection can enable a revolutionary degree of rigour in measuring and improving the success of learning products, educational programmes and institutions.
The report argues that efficacy in education is ‘as possible and as pressing’ as in healthcare, and includes contributions from global leaders in education and business including Andreas Schleicher of the OECD, Vicky Colbert of Escuela Nueva, Geoff Mulgan of NESTA and Jon Iwata of IBM.
Pearson will now extend this conversation by creating a new global research network, connecting Pearson’s internal research with outside experts, working together to address barriers to efficacy and big unanswered questions in education. The network will inform Pearson’s strategy and product development, and Pearson will share findings openly through a new online platform, Open Ideas.
Also published is The Incomplete Guide to Delivering Learning Outcomes. Authored by Sir Michael Barber (@michaelbarber9), Pearson’s Chief Education Advisor, and Saad Rizvi
(@saadhrizvi), Senior Vice President, Efficacy, the report shares Pearson’s “Efficacy Framework”, a Review process designed to evaluate and improve impact on learning outcomes, and set outs the company’s strategy, initiatives and insights in applying it.
Efficacy now moves from a pilot programme in Pearson to the centrepiece of its global education strategy. Every part of Pearson’s new organisation will have a senior leader with a specific brief for improving efficacy, and product roles will be reshaped to focus on delivering outcomes rather than inputs. This new network of efficacy leaders will ensure that the efficacy framework and its lessons are applied throughout the company, reviewing all investments over a value of $1m and reporting publicly on Pearson’s progress and impact.  Pearson will also include the delivery of learning outcomes as a central pillar of its HR policies including recruitment, training, performance management and reward.
John Fallon, Pearson’s chief executive, said: “Pearson’s purpose is to help people make progress in their lives through learning. So, we better be sure that we can demonstrate that progress, in all we do, in a meaningful way.
“Our aim is to ensure that every action, every decision, every process, and every investment we make will be driven by a clear sense and understanding of how it will make a measurable impact on learning outcomes. We need to institutionalise this process, and make it our natural habit.
“When we publish our annual report five years from now, we will, in a rigorous and externally audited way, be able to report on the progress we have made in improving learner outcomes.  To achieve this, we will need to collectively agree on the learner outcomes that we will track, measure and strive to achieve. 
“That work is a priority and we will be reaching out across the education community to consult on where we should be directing our energies.”
Michael Barber, Pearson’s Chief Education Advisor, said: “Education is so linked to the wellbeing of individuals and of the economy that we need much more rigorous systems in place to ensure it is working, urgently. Thanks to the growing body of research and data, and the opportunity of technology, achieving efficacy in education is not only as pressing, but now just as possible as in healthcare.

“Global education challenges are too steep for any one organisation to pursue independently. We are sharing the progress we are making so that others can challenge and support us to move more rapidly. Collaboration, partnership, and co-creation are the only way to transform education at the pace the learners we serve require.”
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First cooperative agreement between TAGI-UNI & Arabic university.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University signs MoU with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University to deliver premier online education
 ]UAE, November 26, 2013[ Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (TAGI-UNI) to deliver premier online education. Under the terms of the MoU, TAGI-UNI will promote HBMeU’s e-learning programs. The two parties also agreed to cooperate more closely in academic programs, student enrollment, and Joint Research Activities (JRAs). The new MoU is of great significance as it is the first agreement signed between TAGI-UNI & Arabic university.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMeU, said: “The strategic partnership with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University is part of our continuing thrust to widen our international network of strong ties with leading academic institutions around the world in line with our ambitious vision of improving the quality of e-learning in the Arab World. The new agreement is of strategic importance as it provides solid ground to intensify our joint efforts to encourage scientific research and provide the best e-learning programs adhering to the highest standards of excellence and quality.”

“We are confident that our strategic partnership with a prominent academic institution, such as Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University, will open new opportunities to promote the culture of e-learning in the Arab World. We are looking forward to exchange the best academic practices and leading experiences which will play vital role in re-shaping the future of learning based on innovative methods in line with the rapid development of the digital world,” he added.
Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, President, TAGI-UNI, said: “The new partnership provides us with direct access to some of the best online programs from HBMeU, a leading, accredited online Arab university. It is a welcome addition to the growing list of TAGI-UNI’s partners, and the cooperation will certainly prove to be fruitful for both parties.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (www.tagiuni.com( is the gateway to the world’s best online education. The university partners with leading international education institutions to deliver accredited, world-class education to a global student body. It began securing partnerships in mid-2012 and has since signed agreements with Thunderbird School of Global Management, Liverpool University, Walden University, University of Northampton, Canisius College, Amity University, Fort Hays University, University of Scranton,  the British Council, UNITAR, the International Training and Development Group, Inlingua Cheltenham, Genashtim Innovative Learning, Pearson-Edexcel, and now The Hamdan Bin Mohammad e-University.
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World, It was established with the vision of developing a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity. It aims to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration with the job market.

The e-university employs impactful methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing a culture of excellence and innovation, and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. Hamdan Bin Mohammad e-University constantly identifies knowledge needs, supports research and development programs, and creates an outstanding environment for e-learning.