Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University Organizes Orientation For New Students Of Graduate And Master Degree Programs

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has recently organized a one-day orientation for new students in the presence of administration executives from different departments and faculty of all academic programs at the University’s headquarters in Dubai International Academic City. The orientation, held at the start of the autumn term of the 2010-11 academic year, aimed to help new students adapt to the University’s e-Learning environment and to introduce the opportunities, facilities, training programs and university services that are available to them. The activity also reinforced communication lines between students, teachers and the University’s staff.

The orientation featured several activities organized and supervised by the Student Service Department in cooperation with other departments. The orientation opened with a welcome address by Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, who encouraged the students to work hard and be persistent in enhancing their learning experience at the University. He also urged the students to explore the different diploma, bachelor and master-degree programs offered by HBMeU, including those that were newly added such as Diploma in Business and Quality Management, Bachelor of Business in Marketing, Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Islamic Banking Diploma and Master in Human Resource Management.

Dr. Al Awar pointed out that the launch of new academic programs is part of HBMeU’s strategy to closely link its programs with the prevailing requirements of the community and the business sector. This in turn reinforces HBMeU’s status as a leading academic institution with a full range of up-to-date, advanced programs that succeed in equipping graduates with relevant skills that make them invaluable assets and key contributors to the rapid progress of the region.

Dr. Al Awar also discussed the difference between high-school education and higher learning, pointing out that university students, especially those from HBMeU, are trained to be independent as they are required to choose the academic programs they want to pursue, making them solely responsible for charting their future professional careers. Dr. Al Awar also said that HBMeU offers academic and professional guidance services to ensure that the students are able to make the right decision and are fully prepared for their respective academic programs. He also underlined the importance of the students’ adherence to administrative and academic policies, systems and regulations, as he urged them to fulfill their program requirements according to the stipulated dates and to regularly coordinate with their academic and administrative supervisors.

He then highlighted the advantages of e-learning in terms of time management, flexibility, student innovation, self-leadership, and in stimulating creativity. Furthermore, Dr. Al Awar reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthen its position as the first and leading e-learning university in the Arab World by providing students with unique experiences and the highest level of education, which will be crucial in supporting the social and economic progress of the region.

The University also organized an open day for new students of the master degree programs, wherein the students interacted with Dr. Al Awar, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and of being able to provide members of the society a chance to attain greater knowledge and qualification in different academic fields. He also underlined HBMeU’s vision to support innovative learning strategies and scientific research to enhance the life-long pursuit of greater knowledge. During the meeting, a presentation was also organized about the master degree programs and matters related to student counseling services as well as the University’s policies and procedures. The meeting also offered consultancy services focusing on the e-School of Business and Quality Management, School of e-Education, and e-School of Health and Environment Studies. The orientation day for master degree students was concluded by a series of interactive meetings and a campus visit to learn more about the educational facilities offered by the University.

HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of teaching practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among students and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.
 

UAE Nationals Lead The Way As 46 Graduate From Emirates National Cadet Pilot Programme

A total of 46 UAE Nationals have today graduated from the Emirates Airline National Cadet Pilot Programme, bringing the airline’s total number of UAE National Pilots to more than 200.

The number of new graduates continues to increase year on year with a 34 percent increase on last year’s graduate numbers.

During the graduation ceremony, held at the Emirates Group Headquarters, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group presented trophies and certificates to the 46 high-fliers who have successfully completed the two-and-a-half-year pilot training programme.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai has always personally directed Emirates to invest in the development of UAE Nationals. Today over 26 percent of Emirates’ senior management are UAE Nationals, working across all areas of the Emirates business. This figure continues to increase, as more UAE Nationals work their way up through our numerous development programmes,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

“I am proud of all that these 46 graduates have achieved. These bright, young and professional Emiratis will help shape the future of Emirates and will play an integral role in servicing our vast global network. They are an asset not only to Emirates but also to the UAE. Our commitment to training UAE Nationals extends to every corner of the Emirates Group. Each year we invest around AED 50 million in various UAE National development programmes and remain resolute in our drive to further increase the number of UAE Nationals in our workforce,” he added.

In addition to today’s graduates a further 144 UAE Nationals are still undergoing the Emirates Airline National Cadet Pilot Training Programme.

The National Cadet Pilot Training Programme has been running successfully for many years. Throughout their careers with Emirates, National Cadet Pilots will also receive ongoing on-the-job training in line with continual changes to aircraft technologies.

Today’s ceremony was attended by the graduate’s families as well as Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates Executive Vice President Chairman’s Office, Facility Management and Procurement and Logistics – Non Aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations, Abdulaziz Al Ali, Executive Vice President HR, Ismail Ali Albanna, Executive Vice President Dnata, Nasser Bin Kherbash, Divisional Senior Vice President HR Development and Employee Services, Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, National Cadet Pilot Manager, Majid Al Mualla, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations West Asia and Indian Ocean, Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Chief Pilot Boeing 777, Captain Bader Al Marzouqi, Chief Pilot Airbus and other senior Emirates officials.

Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme comprises a Foundation Course in English and Aviation Science conducted in Dubai, over about twelve months. Cadets then spend a year at Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport, Australia as well as a new facility in Spain, to gain a Commercial Pilot’s License with a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL/Multi IR). In the third phase of the programme, spread over six months, the cadets train on flight simulators at the Emirates Training College in Dubai.
 

UOWD IT Graduate, Samaneh Sanatnama, Among Four Finalists In ’The Big Start’ Business Start-Up Competition

Samaneh Sanatnama, a Finnish student of Iranian origin at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), was among the four finalists who made it to the final round of The Big Start, a student entrepreneur initiative launched by Al Tamimi Investments (ATI).

The four students, competed against nearly 200 students from across the UAE for a chance to have their business idea made into a reality.

Samaneh Sanatnama, who completed her IT degree program at UOWD in April 2010 and is currently employed with MBC, was recognised for her well structured marketing plan for a clothing design company for kids.

"Though I am an IT student, I have good marketing skills which prompted me to apply for The Big Start competition, as it presents a lifetime opportunity to launch one’s own business with funding from Al Tamimi Investments," said Samaneh. "I put in a lot of effort into my presentation, and covered every aspect of the business plan, including the product’s unique selling proposition, costing, revenue, research, etc. I also did my homework by checking with stores about selling trends and other aspects. It was very thrilling to be selected for the final round."

"In terms of what I have learnt, the past six months has been invaluable to me and I have really enjoyed putting into practice what I have learnt at UOWD. I know that with hard work and perseverance, I can do anything I set my mind to," Samaneh said.

The final winner gets the chance of a lifetime to set up and run his or her own business after they graduate, with full funding and support from Al Tamimi Investments. The winner is given the title of Chief Executive Officer for the new company, as well as a structured shareholding agreement.

The final four candidates were selected based on their idea for an innovative new UAE-based company, their business acumen and personal qualities. Each finalist was given the opportunity to present his/her business plans to the judging panel, which included the Chairman of Al Tamimi Investments, Essam Al Tamimi.