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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
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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.   
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Stimulating Young Minds for Innovation Economy

Edutech brings innovation in education to the region with the launch of Edutech STEM+ Studio during the 8th Edition of GESS – 2015
UAE, February 21st, 2015 – Edutech, a leading provider of learning solutions and services, announced that the visitors of upcoming GESS 2015 have an opportunity to experience its revolutionary learning solution, the Edutech STEM+Studio. Bearing in mind the Country’s vision, Edutech will be providing free workshops on Robotics, 3D Printing, Renewable Energy, Electronics, Coding, Science Experiments, during the event. The Edutech STEM+ Studio is an exciting place where the participants, design, play, make, hack and learn to develop their ideas, creativity, innovation and design thinking, using interesting physical and digital materials.

According to Shameema Parveen, CEO of Edutech, as the country is celebrating 2015 as the “Year of Innovation” and is moving towards ‘Innovative Economy’, it will require citizens not only with STEM subject skills but what we call STEMcapableTM talent that can generate ideas, increase research and development, address difficult challenges, increase job opportunities, leading to national growth and leadership in the global marketplace.
The first centre of Edutech STEM+ Studio launched at Children’s City in association with Dubai Municipality in 2014. With its roaring success, Edutech STEM+ Studio has been appointed by Al Bayt Mitwahid in association with Google and Teacher’s Association, RAK to implement and manage “Innovation Hub” at Teacher’s Association in Ras Al Khaimah to promote STEM education in Northern Emirates. Our partnership in Abu Dhabi Science Festival 2014 as local content partner witnessed huge response not only from students but from parents joining in STEM workshops with their children in promoting science for all. 
With the Edutech STEM+ Studio, participants can engage in informal projects, attend Interactive workshops, prepare for national and international competitions, and foster their curiosity in the growing areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) under the guidance of expert and passionate facilitators. Edutech has designed various theme based exciting programs, such as Up in the clouds, Robots in our life, Print your imagination, Playful programing among the few, used for school visits, after-school activity, summer / winter camps. The studio offers opportunities for the hobbyist, learner, tinkerer, maker and dreamer to engage in their curious ideas and see it come to life. The Edutech STEM+ Studio promotes real-time collaboration and improves interaction levels, which can significantly boost participant outcomes.
Mr. Karim, Founder and Managing Director at Edutech says, “In Edutech STEM+ Studio we encourage learners to STAY CURIOUS by continuing their learning out of classrooms and schools through hands-on and technology based activities for creating, making, tinkering, and learning. Edutech’s association with VEX Robotics brings an opportunity for Emirati students to compete with their skills at international platform. Mr. Ayman Naggar from Omar Bin Al Khattab Model School, who is currently preparing his students to take part in VEX Robotics UAE Championship is confident of showcasing Emirati Skills at 2015 VEX Robotics World Championship which will take place on April 15 – 18, 2015 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.”
In addition to the Edutech STEM+ Studio, this year marks the 25th year of Edutech since its inception in 1991. Bringing innovation to the forefront, Edutech celebrates 25 years of transforming education, contributing effective learning methodologies, revolutionising the educational sector in this region.
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Autodesk University Extension Dubai 2014 receives overwhelming industry response

Over 600 design and engineering professionals, students, creative hobbyists and design enthusiasts attend third edition of event
UAE, December 24th, 2014 – Omnix International, a leading distributor of Autodesk design software in the UAE, announced that the third edition of Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Dubai 2014, the Middle East region’s premier learning and networking event for design and engineering professionals, concluded on a high note and generated overwhelming response from an attendance of more than 600 participants. The event, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), saw the participation of customers, partners, students, creative evangelists, design and engineering professionals and educators from the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing Media and Entertainment industries. Omnix International reported a 20 per cent increase in exhibitors. The third edition of the event was supported by top IT brands like Lenovo (Platinum), HP (Gold), Canon (Gold), Dell, NVIDIA, and AGA CAD (Silver).
The event served as a strategic and unique platform for participants to ‘Learn, Connect, Explore’ through activities that included interactive workshops, demonstrations, knowledge sessions and an exhibition. This year, AUx Dubai simultaneously hosted a separate ‘BIM Leadership Forum’ that also drew large attendance from leading architectural firms and consultants. The daylong event saw presentations and lectures coming from leading technical specialists and Autodesk customer conducted sessions around on Autodesk technologies and demonstrated novel applications of design technology. Notable speakers present were Lynn Allen, Technical Evangelist, Autodesk; Robert Green, Owner, Robert Green Consulting; Gerry McFadden, BIM Manager, WSP Group and Alex Horst, Product Specialist, Autodesk.
In addition to these engaging talks and presentations, over 30 students and professionals from design and engineering received free certifications for the latest versions of Autodesk software like in Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® AutoCAD Civil 3D®, AutoCAD®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional. The event also hosted a special student competition under the theme, ‘Smart Infrastructure – Future of Making Cities.’ The final shortlisted teams were from SAE Institute and University of Sharjah, with the team from SAE Institute wining the competition.
“We are very pleased with the overwhelming response that we have received for this year’s Autodesk University Extension Dubai, which continued to live up to its commitment of leading the way towards more design awareness in the UAE and the rest of the region,” said Dr. Jayant Deshpande, Director CAE Division, Omnix International. “This event has helped in establishing a creative forum for the design ecosystem in the Middle East and highlights the importance of design technology in addressing unique challenges in the region. Rest assured, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to work closely with Autodesk in helping develop a highly creative economy in the region.”
Sam N. Husseini, Middle East Channel Business Development Manager, FARO, said, “This is indeed an excellent platform for cross-industry knowledge sharing in the area of design. Our participation here reflects the strategic relationship that we have maintained with Autodesk. In fact, we had also just participated at the Autodesk University in Las Vegas. The AEC segment is a big market for FARO and people are still getting to know more about Laser Scanning technology in the Middle East and our presence here at AUx Dubai has helped raise the awareness in laser scanning technology, as it is extremely useful for the AEC and O&G segments.”
Lim Say Leong, ThinkStation Product Manager, Lenovo, said “Middle East Design professionals stand to benefit immensely from such forums, which highlight new trends and technologies in their respective industries.  AUx Dubai 2014 has been a very effective forum and event for our Middle East customers. We are happy with the response that we have received from launching the P-series Thinkstation for architects Engineers and designers from the AEC industry. The event surely gave us a lot of exposure to our target market, the AEC segment.”
“The innovative work showcased by customers at AUx Dubai shows how design has evolved globally– both in depth and in scale across various industry segments. We were also part of AU Las Vegas and we believe such an event is very important for us in the Middle East. We transform the insights of cutting edge BIM users into powerful tools that all clients can acquire. We are showcasing add-on solutions for Engineers, Designers and architects from the AEC industry. This year’s edition has helped us meet our target market from the AEC industry in the Middle East,” concluded Jokubas Vaisvila, BIM Application Engineer, AGA CAD Ltd, TOOLS 4 BIM Developer.
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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.
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HBMSU launches first-of-its-kind ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’

Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, Learning and Teaching Centre Macquarie University, eTechan International, Bahrain Institute of Public Administration, Dubai Airports, win accolades at ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Award’

UAE, October 20th, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has kicked off ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014,’ the first-of-its-kind event that encourages the exchange of best practices in smart learning in international educational, academic and training institutions to boost smart education. The event’s first edition attracted a wide global participation including delegations from the United States, Australia, Russia, Italy, Greece, Nigeria, Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.

 

H.E. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Dubai General Security and Chairman of HBMSU Board of Governors, led the opening of the HBMSU Smart Campus, one of the key pillars of promoting smart education through the use and integration of modern technology.The Smart Campus offers modern, high-tech services that meet the needs of learners and faculty and administrative staff, including submission of proposals and suggestions, exchange of information, access to courses, submission of assignments, registration in assessment exams, and access to grades and academic records through smart devices. The Smart Campus also provides a smart platform to promote effective communication between new and existing students and report technical malfunctions. It also allows users to conduct an online inquiry of e-wallet balance as well as an electronic follow up outstanding financial transactions and payments.

HBMSU launches first-of-its-kind ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’

H.E. Dahi Khalfan Tamim was pleased with the launching of ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014,’ which provides a strategic platform to discuss steps to advance the education system through the integration of the latest smart technologies. “Organizing this prestigious international event falls in line with the efforts of the Dubai Government to position the emirate as a premier destination for most prominent and largest global events. It is also aligned with the ‘Smart City’ initiative of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We are delighted to launch Smart Campus, which reflects HBMSU’s commitment to promote smart learning as a means to achieve sustainable development and as an essential element that will re-shape the future of education in the Arab World.”

The “Smart Learning Best Practice Award” was held on the sidelines of the ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014.’ International jury composed of academic professionals and leading experts in developing and transferring best practices and smart learning systems in information technology and academic fields comprised the panel of judges. The winners were Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program which bagged an honor in the Smart Learning Technology Exploitation category; the Learning and Teaching Centre – Macquarie University and Bahrain Institute of Public Administration of Smart Partnerships category; eTechan International, Technology Exploitation category; and Dubai Airports got an appreciation award of Smart Learning category.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMSU, said: “We are privileged to honor these leading institutions that have demonstrated outstanding excellence in the application of international best practices that aim to boost smart education. The “Smart Learning Best Practice Award”  is the first initiative which centers on the efforts to integrate best practices into educational institutions’ procedures and processes in order to promote smart education and sustainability. The first day of the event witnessed a series of breakout sessions tackling seven key themes, namely ‘Smart Learning,’
‘Learner Centricity,’ ‘Excellence Orientation,’ ‘Smart Partnership,’ ‘Technology Exploitation,’ ‘Resource Utilization,’ and ‘Process Innovation.’ A workshop session, titled ‘Middle East e-Learning Quality Framework ‘MelQ’: Standardizing quality in technology enhanced teaching and learning” was also held.

The ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’ provides an ideal platform to encourage the exchange and sharing of best practices in smart learning in educational institutions and corporations across the world. It strives to support continuous growth and development of smart learning. Smart learning includes the ability of learners to acquire innovative ideas, evaluate their relevance, subject their ideas to scrutiny to gauge their innovativeness, and guide them through a rigorous, systematic process of implementation to ensure tangible and intangible benefits.

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HBMSU discusses mutually-beneficial prospects with International Humanitarian City

Both parties share common vision to make positive impact in regional & global arenas
UAE, September 16th, 2014 – Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), recently met with Shaima Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of International Humanitarian City (IHC), in Dubai to strengthen their bilateral relations and future mutual cooperation in various fields.

  During the meeting, both parties discussed HBMSU’s vision to highlight the relevance of an enriched knowledge and promote a culture of creativity, innovation and scientific research through smart learning in the UAE. The university aims to produce a highly skilled generation capable of building an intelligent and sustainable economy. The meeting also provided a platform for the IHC CEO to introduce the organization and its framework. The IHC focuses on providing global humanitarian assistance using the best logistics and high-level services.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar Chancellor of HBMSU and Shaima Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of IHC.

Dr. Al Awar said: “The bilateral meeting between the HBMSU and the IHC reflects the strong resolve of both organizations to build transparent communication channels and explore mutually beneficial cooperation in the coming years. This commitment further reinforces their common aspiration of making a positive impact in the regional and international arenas.”

He also praised the IHC for its significant contributions to the UAE’s international humanitarian campaigns. Dr. Al Awar assured that the HBMSU is fully committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities by supporting the UAE Government’s charitable works.
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Smart Living City Dubai 2014 inaugurated amidst strong regional and international participation

     United Nations participates at event to showcase Dubai as an example of a Smart City, Stanford Engineering School’s Robert Sutton conducts workshop on ‘Leadership and Scaling up Excellence’

UAE, September 15th, 2014 – H.E. Sultan Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minster of Economy inaugurated today (Monday, September 15, 2014) the first-ever Smart Living City Dubai 2014, the Dubai edition of the biannual event that focuses on highly successful local and international ‘smart’ startups, at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower in Dubai. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing and Development; Kamran Saddique, CEO, Inside Investor; and several dignitaries, senior representatives from Dubai Government, and officials from leading global technology corporations. 

Continue reading “Smart Living City Dubai 2014 inaugurated amidst strong regional and international participation”

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Inaugural Smart Living City Dubai 2014 to Kick Start Next Week

Biannual event to bring together key players from startups, foundations, Educational institutions, researches and cities for the first time.
UAE, September 9th, 2014 – Smart Living City Dubai 2014, the inaugural edition of the biannual event that focuses on highly successful local and international Smart startups, will take place next week from September 15-16, 2014, at Jumeirah Emirates Tower, Dubai. To be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the event is organized by TASWEEK and Inside Investor.

Smart Living City Dubai 2014 will be held under three broad themes, namely, high-level discussion panels, exhibition of local and international Smart solutions, and master classes for participants. H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy will deliver the opening remarks while the welcome speeches will be given by Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing and Development and Kamran Saddique, President and CEO, The City Innovate Foundation. With 16 exhibitors and 39 speakers from all across the world, the event will offer high-level networking opportunities to global investors, corporations, foundations, researches and cities with senior representatives from the Government of Dubai.
 
Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK

Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing and Development said: “With many of the world’s leading cities gradually making a move to become Smart Cities, there is a need to address key challenges of a Smart City such as Smart urban development, building Smart technology infrastructure, and integrating key government services under one Smart platform. Dubai is one of the leading examples of a city that is aiming to become a Smart City in the next three years under the visionary guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. In line with Dubai’s Smart City initiative, we are launching Smart Living City in the emirate to offer a channel to brainstorm about planning, implementation and management of the process. We are upbeat that visitors will find the event interesting and informative as well as open up avenues for more interaction between public and private sector.”

During the two-day event, the keynote will be presented by  H.E. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality on ‘Dubai’s Smart Urban Development;’ and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMSU on ‘Future of smart Education.’ H.E. Hani Al Hamli, Secretary General, Dubai Economic Council on ‘Public Private Partnerships;’ The workshops will be conducted by the members of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Robert Sutton, Professor, Management Science, Stanford Engineering School on ‘Leadership and Scaling up Excellence;’ Dr. Ryan Chin, MD, City Science Initiative, MIT Media Labs on ‘Beyond Smart Cities;’ and Dr. Mitchell Joachim, Associate Professor, New York University and Co-founder of Terreform ONE on ‘Post Sustainability; New Direction in Ecological Urban Design for the Near Future.’ 
“Makook Smart Living looks forward to its participation at the first ever edition of Smart Living City Dubai 2014. We strongly support Dubai’s vision of a Smart City which will further enhance the quality of life of its people. We are looking forward to being able to interact with stakeholders from Internet of Things space, including government departments and commercial entities with an aim to form strategic business-to-business alliances to further accelerate Dubai’s transition to a Smart City. We are confident that our presence at the exhibition will prove immensely beneficial for us and generate positive interest for our solutions for a connected living,” concluded Nasri Tehini, CEO, Makook Smart Living.
Some of the leading public and private organizations participating in Smart Living City Dubai 2014 include the Government of Dubai, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Microsoft, Terreform ONE and HBMSU. Other key speakers at this high profile event include Amr Salem, MD, Smart Cities & Internet of Things, Cisco Systems; Ashish Cowlagi, Smart Cities Business Leader, IBM; Marwan Bin Haider, Executive Director, Dubai Smart Government; Yousif Almutawa, CIO at DP World. 
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Officials from Association of Space Explorers visit EIAST

Astronaut Soichi Noguchi and ASE-USA Executive Director Andrew Turnage briefed on EIAST’s achievements
  
]UAE, June 25, 2014[– Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage, senior officials from the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), an international nonprofit professional and educational organization of over 395 astronauts and cosmonauts from 35 nations, recently visited the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST). During their visit, Noguchi, an astronaut and Turnage, who is currently ASE’s Executive Director for USA Chapter, were given a tour of the facility and briefed on the recent initiatives and projects undertaken by EIAST, including DubaiSat 1, recently launched DubaiSat 2 and KhalifaSat – 100 per cent Emirati-built satellite to be launched in 2017.  

H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, EIAST, said: “We are greatly honored that senior members of ASE – Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage, have visited the facility at EIAST. They were impressed by our space technology infrastructure and expressed their interest in our objective of positioning the UAE in the global space industry. Both officials were apprised about our achievements as EIAST have made great strides in the aerospace industry in the last few years. Such visits act as motivation for us to continue to enhance our technology and research in the field of space to promote the UAE’s space industry at par with the leading international space centers.”

A Japanese aeronautical engineer and a JAXA astronaut, Soichi Noguchi’s most recent space visit was in 2009-2010 as part of the Soyuz TMA-17 crew and Expedition 22 with the International Space Station.

Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage were in the UAE on a goodwill visit. A Japanese aeronautical engineer and a JAXA astronaut, Soichi Noguchi’s most recent space visit was in 2009-2010 as part of the Soyuz TMA-17 crew and Expedition 22 with the International Space Station. Andrew Turnage has been the Executive Director of the ASE – USA and is responsible for the direction, development and operation of the US chapter.