EIAST Participates as Strategic Partner for World Space Risk Forum 2014

Event represents opportunity to showcase UAE’s space program to global space leaders
  
UAE, May 13, 2014 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced its participation as Strategic Partner for the World Space Risk Forum 2014, which will take place from May 13 to 15, 2014 at Raffles Dubai, UAE. The globally established biennial event, which brings together leading professionals representing all aspects of the aerospace industry, will provide international exposure to the UAE’s space program. The World Space Risk Forum 2014 is a perfect platform for the UAE to build up its profile in the global space industry. The event will be vital in highlighting the country’s space program to an audience representing international space communities and foreign governments.

Omran Sharaf, Director of Image Processing and Analysis Department, EIAST gave a welcome message during the event’s opening ceremony. Moreover, Adnan Al Rais, Head of Office of Products Utilization, EIAST will lead the Focus Group Panel, under the theme ‘Growing Up in Space,’ which takes place on Day 2 of the conference (Wednesday, May 14, 2014) at the World Space Risk Forum 2014. The conference will provide a series of unique insights about successful entry of companies, namely: EIAST, Es’hailSat and SSTL, into the commercial space market, focusing on each company’s approach and lesson learned. The panel also discussed how these companies continue to remain competitive in the increasingly crowded commercial space industry.
The delegates visited the EIAST headquarters, where they were briefed about EIAST projects, including DubaiSat1, recently launched DubaiSat2, and KhalifaSat – 100 per cent Emirati satellite to be launched in 2017. The group also toured the facility, which will offer tremendous prospects to EIAST to build up its clients and suppliers list, including space insurance companies.
Omran Sharaf, Director of Image Processing and Analysis Department, EIAST during the forum.

H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said: “Undoubtedly, the World Space Risk Forum is one of the biggest events in the space calendar, which will also be a perfect occasion for EIAST to showcase its facilities as well as technical capabilities in the aerospace industry to the global space experts. The event is perfectly timed as we have recently launched our DubaSat2 and are progressing ahead with the work on KhalifaSat and will leverage the presence of leaders from aerospace sector to strengthen the UAE’s leading position in the space industry. Moreover, our participation in the Focus Group Panel will enable us to enlighten the EIAST’s success model to the forum delegates. Lastly, as the Strategic Partners, we extend our complete support to the World Space Risk Forum for a successful event.”

Laurent Lemaire, organiser of The World Space Risk Forum and Managing Director of DIFC-based Elseco, the largest space underwriting entity worldwide, commented: “We are excited to welcome leaders from the global space industry to Dubai to experience the most important space risk forum in the world. They will find a region that is experiencing significant investment in high technology operations, such as those found at EIAST, our local strategic partner for the World Space Risk Forum. Such investment will make Dubai and the UAE a major player in the future. It is appropriate then that The World Space Risk Forum remains firmly embedded here and continues to grow in importance and significance as the surrounding regional space industry does the same. We thank EIAST for opening its doors to our delegates.”
The World Space Risk Forum brings together 500 top space executives from more than 30 countries. It will address a wide range of issues faced by space ventures, including technical, financial, business, environmental, economic, and regulatory as well as related to software and production. The forum will provide an excellent opportunity for all service providers, insurers, government representatives, brokers, financiers, attorneys and academics to gather and discuss ways of making space a safer place to visit, explore, live and do business. For more information, log on to: http://worldspaceriskforum.com/2014/.
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British Council to Host English Language Training (ELT) Tour Featuring 12 UK Universities on May 8 in Dubai

Globally, one in seven is said to be learning English, and around 750 million people use it regularly
Dubai, UAE, 6th May 2014 – The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, estimates that globally one in seven peopleis learning English and around 750 million people use it regularly.

These estimates were releasedduring the British Council’s announcement of its English Language Training (ELT) tour which will be held in Park Regis Hotel in Dubai on Thursday May 8. The tour will feature more than 12 UK universities targeting schools and individual candidates.
Marc Jessel, British Council Country Director, said: “Dedicated sessions for schools will take place from 10am to 12 noon and an open session will be held from 5pm to 9pm. The main objective of the tour is to raisethe proficiency of English language among those who need it in their liveson the strength of it being the global language of business, diplomacy, communications, transport, science and IT, among other sectors.”
He added: “We are glad that most of the decision making organisations here value the role ofthe Englishlanguage and facilitate the process of learningit,as they are aware of the connection between studying English and building a skilled workforce.”
Mr. Jessel commented: “Against this background, it is not surprising thatpeople are searching forsuitable English language teachinginstitutions, either for themselves or  their children. We believe this tour will go a long way in addressing their requirements.”
The British Council recommends that learners choose a course conducted by an organisationthat is accredited, in order to ensure highest standards and maximum efficacy of the learning process.
Heexplained: “The aim of this tour is to develop the level in English among people. We offer a variety of courses offline and online. The tour will allow our students explore the exciting learning opportunities British Council offers to improve English Language skills.”
Some of the participants in the tour include University of Leeds, Cavendish School of English, Cambridge Regional College, Kingston College, University of Worcester Language Centre, Alpha Omega College, Harrow College, The University of Sheffield, Guildford College of Further & Higher Education, York Associates, Capital School of English (Bournemouth) and English UK.
“Enhancing English language skills allows our students to tap greater opportunities in life professionally and personally,”Mr. Jessel added.
The British Council contributes to the economic development of businesses in the region through English.As a world authority in the English language,the British Council works across a wide range of English teaching and assessment services, as well as with ministries of education to improve the English language teaching in education institutions around the world.
The ELT tour demonstrates the British Council’s commitment to supportingthe journey of learning of English in the UAE. We expect a good response to the tour and look forward to fruitful interaction with learners and representatives from learning institutions, and this will contribute to the betterment of learning of English in the UAE,” Mr. Jessel said.

EIAST to Showcase Career Prospects in Space Industry at Careers UAE 2014

Institution looking to employ qualified job seekers who want to be part of the Khalifa Sat project
UAE, April 22, 2014 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), is participating at Careers UAE 2014, which will be held from April 22 to 24, 2014 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition offers Emirati engineering graduates suitable job opportunities related to space industry. The participation complements EIAST’s efforts to attract talented Emirati job seekers and enable them to contribute to UAE’s efforts to develop advanced technological innovations. EIAST also provides an opportunity to UAE Nationals to gain expertise in space industry by meeting with world’s top space technology leaders.   

EIAST Director General H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani explained that the agency gives top priority to Emiratis who have potentials in making it to the country’s space program, which aims to promote UAE’s comprehensive technical and scientific development.  He said Careers UAE 2014 is an ideal platform to directly communicate with graduates and engineers who are willing to join EIAST’s Khalifa Sat project. The project offers promising career and professional prospects aimed at shaping the future of the country.  
“We look forward to recruiting a group of graduates who want to work in Khalifa Sat project, which is of particular importance as it will be the first satellite to be 100 per cent built and manufactured by UAE Nationals. It is EIAST’s third major project,” said H.E. Al Shaibani. 
He added that EIAST is committed to investing in manpower training to boost Emirati skills and knowledge in developing and manufacturing advanced satellites. EIAST’s innovative projects are meant to promote UAE’s competitiveness in the regional and international levels.
“We are keen on developing the competencies of UAE nationals working at EIAST. We provide world-class professional and career development programs, including a special program to cater to first and second year engineering students, and competitive work environment to encourage creativity and innovation among our nationals. These young minds and talents will drive future development and excellence. We provide ongoing support to those students to enable them to complete their higher education in the area of space technology within top universities in the world. This is poised to build a well-qualified generation of scientists and experts who are able to promote UAE’s pivotal position as a leading country in space research, scientific research, and technical innovation. All of these efforts are in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” Al Shaibani concluded. 
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.

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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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

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/.   

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.

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.”

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. 

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”.