Mohammed bin Rashid opens Aswaaq shopping mall in Dubai

Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated here today morning at Al Mizhar district the Aswaaq shopping mall, a first series of malls, which will be constructed within next five years in different districts and quarters of Dubai.Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. They toured the two storey building of the mall to acquaint themselves with the shopping activity at the shopping mall.The Vice President and Dubai Ruler expressed his willingness to set up a series of shopping malls to reach 22 shopping mall centres to facilitate shopping activity to youth and families, adding that productive families could hire outlets in the shopping malls to market their productions.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University Admission Open For Fall 2009-2010

Hamdan bin Mohammed e-University the first e-University in the UAE and the region announced its 2009- 2010 admission open for registration. The e-University offers a wide range of Academic programs, accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE, and many international educational institutions.

Dr. Nariman Hadj Hamou, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, at Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University said:
“We have allocated the remaining Saturdays in the month of May 16th, 23rd, and 30th to host open days to bring together the college faculty members and eligible learners who wish to study at Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. With this open day we want to give the learners an idea about the programs offered at the e-University, the registration process and the needed documents, as well as to answer all queries and questions.”

“At Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, we believe in the principle of lifelong e-learning, our aim is to provide the best techniques and research systems for both our undergraduates and graduates. We want to empower our learners to take responsibility for their own educational advancement.”

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University offers a variety of Academic programs including:
BA of Business and Quality Management, which aims to broaden the learners horizon and provide them with a comprehensive quality and excellence approach to all types of business, this program is seen as an opportunity for entrepreneurs and those interested in quality management who wish to excel in their business field, this program prepares them to take responsibility for better management of companies and bodies among through the implementation of the best quality standards.

Msc in Organizational Excellence, this program combines science with theories to give the learner a full understanding of the factors that support the development of organizational excellence in the modern business environment, therefore the program is ideal for employees in all sectors whether governmental or private, if they wish to develop their skills, and become one of the decision makers and the total quality management specialists within the working place.

Masters of Science in innovation and change management, this program is dedicated to those who are constantly seeking to impose positive strategic change in their organizations; this program empowers the learners with creative thinking, which is extremely vital to address the workplace change issues proactively

Msc in Public Health: Excellence in Health Care Management This program is open to healthcare professionals in the public and private sectors such as doctors nurses, and hospital administration personnel, it helps them achieve excellence in healthcare service, and tackles issues such as organizational behaviour and conflict resolution.

This program has become one of the most important at state level and in the region, especially in light of the tremendous growth of the medical sector in the Middle East, which makes behavioural excellence in the healthcare field crucial.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University also offers Msc in interactive education technologies, MA in online curriculum and instructions, MA in online education leadership and management, which all seek to enhance the capacity of educational staff to embark upon the latest global changes taking place in the field of e-learning worldwide.

“Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University is determined to provide high quality programs using virtual learning environment, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, addressing critical activities of economic development in the Arab World, pioneering in e-learning, providing unique learners experience and growing knowledge and its dissemination through excellence in research and knowledge transfer.” Concluded Hadj Hamou

For more information about academic programs and courses offered by the University of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-e please visit the Web site of the University www.hbmeu.ac.ae or visit the University premises, Dubai International Academic Building No. 11.

Arab Media Group Supports Dubai Autism Centre’s Third Annual Autism Awareness Campaign

Arab Media Group (AMG), the largest media organisation in the UAE, today announced its support of Dubai Autism Center’s third annual April Autism Month initiative through promoting the education and outreach campaign across its spectrum of print and radio entities.

Titled ‘Together Again’, the month-long campaign is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Dubai Autism Centre.

The campaign is particularly dedicated to raising awareness about parents of children with autism, their trauma and the grief they experience on a daily basis.

During the month of April, AMG will run print advertisements for Dubai Autism Center through its newspapers Al Bayan, Emarat Al Youm and Business 24-7. The group will also air the campaign’s key messages through leveraging the reach of its Arabian Radio Network (ARN), the region’s fastest growing radio network and communications service that broadcasts across eight frequencies.

Mohammed Al Mulla, Executive Director, Arab Media Group said: “We are thrilled to support Dubai Autism Center’s annual campaign that seeks to touch an emotional chord in people through raising awareness on the syndrome, even while highlighting the challenges faced by parents of autistic children.

“As an organization that prioritises people at the core of all that we deliver, we believe our media arms will help the campaign reach a large number of people and create a better understanding of autism and the implications associated with it.”

Founded in 2005, AMG owns a wide array of media properties, including Awraq Publishing, Done Events, and Shoof Advertising. It also comprises Tawseel, an independent distribution company, and Masar, a printing house.

The ARN bouquet comprises Al Arabiya, Al Khaleejiya, and Noor Dubai in Arabic; Virgin Radio, Dubai Eye, and Dubai 92 in English, and City 101.6, and HIT96.7 in the South Asian languages of Hindi and Malayalam respectively.

Noor Dubai TV, Nickelodeon, MTV Arabia are the three television platforms under the Arab Media Group umbrella.

HE Dr. Anwar Gargash Launches Dubai School of Government Alumni Association

His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the DSG Board of Trustees, today inaugurated the Dubai School of Government Alumni Association.

High-ranking government officials, various heads of private and public sector organizations and business leaders from throughout the region attended the event, which was held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The Dubai School of Government (DSG) also announced the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, as the first Honorary President of the DSG Alumni Association. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan is an alumnus of a specialized training program from the School, which is the first in the region to offer curricula in public policy and administration through partnerships with globally renowned institutions.

Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, said: “The launch of the DSG Alumni Association is a significant milestone for the School. It celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni and ensures that every past student of the institution remains connected. The new body is also an effective platform to keep these professionals informed of the latest developments in public policy, while providing them with continued access to DSG’s community of policy experts.

“It is an honor for the association to be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, who is one of our distinguished graduates. We are proud of our academic growth, and look forward to strengthening our bonds with former students who have benefited from our academic and executive education programs. We believe the establishment of the DSG Alumni Association will help to promote ongoing interaction among our past students who now hold high-ranking positions as top professionals in the region.”

During the inauguration ceremony, the School also honored the contributions of HE Mr. Nabil Alyousuf. As Executive President, Mr. Alyousuf has guided the development of the School since its inception in 2005. Mr. Alyousuf is also Vice Chair of the Dubai School of Government’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is actively engaged in the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices, and training of policy makers in the Arab world. The School is focused on capacity building and conducts various programs that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04-3293290.

Winners Of 5th Annual Young Entrepreneur Competition Awarded

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders (MBRE) will be honoring the winners of the fifth Young Entrepreneur Competition (YEC) with cash prizes for the first time, on April 14th at an awards ceremony held by MBRE.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of the MBRE’s Board of Directors, the awards ceremony will award the top 5 winners from schools and Universities across the UAE with certificates and a trophy.

The categories include; Best Marketing, Best Technology, Best Team-work, Best Profitable Business, Best Cultural, Best product design, Best Kiosk, Best UAE National Team, Best Unique Business, Best Handmade Product, Best Artistic Projects, Best Environmental Awareness.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment said:
“The YEC 2009 attracted over 280 projects that were far more creative than previous years. In terms of selecting the overall winner, we were looking for business ideas, products that are creative, innovative are well marketed and have the potential to be a profitable business. We look forward to congratulating the top five winners at the MBRE award ceremony on April 14th and working with the overall winner to develop their business plan.”

The winner of the competition was selected on April 4th by judge panel, which comprises of members of the Ministry of Education, MBRE, Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority and will be announced next week at the awards ceremony.

ENDP’s High Praise For HSBC Emiratisation Efforts

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, presented HSBC yesterday with a
special award for its successful Emiratisation programme and ongoing commitment to the recruitment and development of UAE Nationals. The award was received by Mr. Youssef
Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC at the Emirates National Development Programme’s (ENDP) Annual Graduation Ceremony 2008.

HSBC had partnered with ENDP and the Dubai Institute for Human Resource Development earlier to ensure the highest standards for the development of UAE national talent. Through this partnership, over 100 UAE nationals had joined HSBC’s first specialised training programme entitled the ‘HSBC Emiratee Development Programme’.

The ‘HSBC Emiratee Development Programme’ is six weeks long and covers language, communication and computer skills together with the standards of work behavior expected
in a large organisation. Successful completion of the programme results in the award of the internationally recognised ’Work Essentials’ qualification conferred by BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) of the UK.

This programme is then followed by job placements,
mentoring and further job-specific training designed to help the new recruits succeed in their new careers.

Youssef Nasr, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC said: “HSBC is committed to developing UAE’s national talent for they are the future leaders of the banking and finance industry and we are very honoured to be recognised for our efforts by ENDP. Emiratisation has been one of our strategic objectives and is at the top our agenda. We have been committed not only to recruit the best UAE nationals but also to train, develop, and provide them with a
challenging career plan. We currently have the highest number of UAE nationals amongst all banks in the country.”

“HSBC has set strategies to ensure that it remains the employer of choice for the very best talent in the market place and the ‘Best Place to Work’. We have introduced new career banding and market-related pay policies which enable the Bank to offer more flexible packages to retain talent. Moreover, the Bank introduced special policies concerning
paternity, maternity and adoption leave which are unique to this market.

The Bank has also introduced a number of flexible working arrangements which takes into consideration the personal circumstances of individuals who might find it difficult to work full time. Such facilities include Key time Employment, the option to work between 4 and 7.5 Hours per day, job sharing, term time variation and staggered hours,” said Joel Farnworth, Regional Head of Human Resources, HSBC.
As ’The world’s local bank’, HSBC diversifies its staff resources to contribute to societies where it operates.

Pushing forward with Emiratisation is a reflection of this goal.

Dubai World Championship Receives Patronage From His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Of Dubai

The inaugural Dubai World Championship has received a significant endorsement from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai after he granted his official Patronage for what is set to become one of the Middle East’s premier sporting events.

The Dubai World Championship is the grand finale to The Race to Dubai – a season-long competition which encompasses 52 golf tournaments around the world. The leading 60 players in The Race to Dubai will qualify for the Dubai World Championship ensuring that only the world’s best players will compete at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 19-22.

The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum means the Dubai World Championship will join an elite list of sporting events such as the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Tennis Championships which received patronage in their beginnings before growing to become leading events in world sport.

Abdul Wahid Al Ulama, Leisurecorp Vice Chairman, said:
“The significance of The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship cannot be underestimated and has already placed the Emirate of Dubai at the forefront of the global sports world as an innovator and leader in the historic sport of golf.

“We are truly honoured to have received patronage from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and with his support and guidance, we are certain that the Dubai World Championship will become one of the Middle East’s most important sporting events.”

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said:
“The European Tour is honoured that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has granted his official patronage for the Dubai World Championship. This gives us great confidence as we continue with The Race to Dubai and look forward to a successful inaugural Dubai World Championship on the superb Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.”

Preparations for the Dubai World Championship are well underway with the Greg Norman-designed Earth course unveiled by Leisurecorp in January. Stars Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Robert Karlsson and young Emirati golfer Khalid Yousef previewed the final four holes of the course described by the legendary Norman as “the most challenging mile in golf”.

David Spencer, Leisurecorp CEO-Golf, said:
“As a Dubai World company, Leisurecorp is extremely proud to support the Emirate’s growth as a world-class destination for sport and tourism and we believe that the Dubai World Championship is very much in line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s great vision for Dubai and the UAE.

“The excitement surrounding The Race to Dubai has made this European Tour season one of the most important in living memory. The Dubai World Championship will feature arguably the most impressive field of sporting talent ever assembled in Dubai, and they will all be competing for golf’s ultimate prize, which means that come November the eyes of the sporting world will be on Jumeirah Golf Estates.”