UAE Universities Aim To Fulfil Diverse Industry Expectations With Broad-Based Curricula, Highlight Experts At DIAC Forum

Curricula in institutions of higher learning increasingly integrate elements of ethics, social and cultural aspects to suit the growing multicultural work environment. Graduates are also equipped with broad-based learning and a specialty in more than one discipline to suit a wide variety of job profiles, according to Professor Abdullah Al Shamsi, Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Dubai.

Al Shamsi’s comments came during a panel discussion titled ‘Industry Expectations from the UAE Education Sector’ at the third Education Forum that was organised today by Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster.

Delegates from key educational institutions and government departments, as well as representatives from leading universities, faculty members and private sector professionals participated in the DIAC Education Forum. The event focused on identifying the effectiveness of the UAE education system in shaping the skills of tomorrow’s workforce to meet the requirements of the industry and employers.

The panelists who took the podium at the event included David Van Lochem, Human Resources Director, IBM Middle East; Diaa Mohamed, General Manager, Human Resources Middle East, Hewlett-Packard Co., and Marita Mitchein, Board Area, Human Resource Business Partner, SAP. The session was moderated by Francis Matthew, Editor-at-Large, Gulf News.

Professor Abdullah Al Shamsi added: “Current international college curricula address various important topics that are of global relevance. Graduation requirements from curricula point of view are universally similar. The depth is even more apparent in the post-graduate programmes. Furthermore, communication skills are becoming extremely important. Team work and professional skills are also accorded importance. In the UAE, issues that are demanded by employers are actually met in one way or another in most if not all of the accredited universities.”

David Van Lochem, Human Resources Leader, IBM Middle East, said: "We select fresh graduates via an assessment centre. It is not only about what they know, it is more about identifying and developing their ultimate potential and whether they have what it takes to convince internal and external customers."

Underlining the objectives of the DIAC Education Forum, Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Education Cluster – TECOM Investments, said: “Assessing the industry needs is very crucial for the universities and the education sector in general. It will assist the graduating students in finding jobs and create a better link between the industry sector and higher education institutions.

“As part of the third Education Forum series, Dubai International Academic City brought together experts from the industry and academia and provided a platform to initiate a dialogue on what is expected from students entering the workforce.”

Dubai International Academic City, part of the Education Cluster – TECOM Investments, hosts 27 higher education institutions from 11 different countries that cater to approximately 18,000 students.

Students at DIAC have access to over 300 higher education programmes, including undergraduate and post-graduate disciplines in engineering, IT, media, business, fashion design, healthcare and mass communications.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis To Highlight Offerings At International ICT Expo In Hong Kong

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced it will showcase its cutting edge facilities and unprecedented growth as the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries at the International ICT Expo 2011 in Hong Kong.

The expo is considered a powerhouse for information and communications technology and links product and service providers with buyers. The event will be hosted from 13-16 April at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong S.A.R.).

In 2010, the event featured more than 570 exhibitors from 14 countries. It included group pavilions from Australia, Canada, China, India and Taiwan. The trade fair attracted over 28,000 buyers from 136 countries, including professionals in the field of internet, intranet, computers, telecommunications, computer networks, multimedia technologies, wireless, wire line, entertainment and broadband.

Adnan Juma Al Bahar, Vice-President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “ICT Expo is considered as one of Asia’s unique platforms that we are confident will help us showcase our competitive advantage to potential investors looking to set up their headquarters in this region. The expo will also help create and drive strategic alliances with international technology companies that will support the integrated tech-park’s growth.

“Besides helping attract new organisations to set up regional headquarters at DSO, the event will open doors for international ICT companies to realize the solid value proposition and the benefits of operating in this region from within the premier technology park.”

Amongst other advantages, DSO extends investment incentives for hi-tech companies including preferential leasing rates, subsidized EDA tools and staff accommodation.

Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products seeking to establish regional headquarters and R&D centers in the Middle East and Africa.
 

ENPARKs Second Green Brunch Event To Highlight Ease And Benefits Of Retrofitting Buildings In Dubai

The Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK), a sustainable community model for commercial and residential use and a member of TECOM Investments’ Sciences Cluster, today announced it will host the second green brunch gathering to highlight the positive effects of green retrofitting for both commercial and residential spaces in Dubai.

Following the success of its first event themed ’Energy Efficiency’ in July 2010, the second green brunch gathering, titled ‘Green Retrofitting’ will be held on 29 September at the Amwaj Rotana Hotel, Dubai. It will elaborate on the advantages and rewards of applying modern retrofitting processes to existing buildings in terms of saving maintenance costs, creating healthier living spaces and minimising the operational footprint on the environment.

Practical and notable case studies will be presented by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, a member of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), British University in Dubai, and the TECOM Investments’ Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED).

Dr. Ayesha Abdulla, Managing Director, TECOM Investments’ Sciences Cluster, said: “We wish to emphasize the all-important message that green retrofitting is an inexpensive, one-time procedure that has immense moral, health and environment benefits. Dubai is in need of authentic green buildings that are energy efficient and which operate in an environmentally responsible manner. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate to critics of green buildings that green retrofitting is not difficult or costly.”

Ahmed Lootah, Senior Business Development Manager, ENPARK, said: “Around the world, the progressive and evolving thought is that embracing sustainable building practices is a moral obligation and not really a matter of choice. Keeping our mandate in mind, ENPARK is pleased to organise yet another event in the Green Brunch series, which is aimed at advancing public awareness on the green issues facing our society.”

The first edition of the ‘green brunch’ series hosted in July 2010 was themed ’Energy Efficiency’ and focused on different aspects of the energy and environment industry. The series that saw a conspicuous number of attendees from both the government as well as the private sector was part of ENPARK’s initiatives to promote its business partners by showcasing their achievements in the local market through offering regional case studies.

The ‘Green Brunch’ series feature presentations and open debates to help raise awareness of new energy and environment-related technologies and solutions available in this market.

TECOM Investments and its entities adopt a proactive approach through various initiatives to inform and educate on green issues and contribute to reducing the region’s carbon footprint. As part of this overarching objective, TECOM Investments has also compiled the ‘Sustainable Development Report’ – the first of its kind to be released by a company based in the Middle East.

du Organises Seminar Under Auspices Of ’Masar’ Emiratisation Programme To Highlight Emotional And Cultural Intelligence

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, graduate trainees from du’s ‘Masar’ programme designed, executed and organised a seminar which discussed the importance of emotional and cultural intelligence in the workplace. The event provided hands-on, practical advice and demonstrations that spurred discussion and debate among the participants.

“These Seminars aim to give Emirati fresh graduates who are enrolled in the course, and those who have already graduated from our Masar programme and are currently working in du, the opportunity to meet pioneering Emiratis across various sectors in the UAE, have an open dialogue with them and benefit from their experience,” commented Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du.

The seminar provided day-to-day examples and practical advice for young professionals on how to become successful individuals. In addition, the motivational Emirati training expert, Wael Al-Sayegh also delivered a presentation, during the event, on ‘Emotional Intelligence and Inter Culture Intelligence’ and the importance of this skill set, in achieving in today’s competitive business environment.

In addition, the seminar also featured an inspirational discourse by Ismail Mohammed, du’s Vice President of First Line Operations and Customer Support, who shared his career experiences with the participants on the importance of cultural intelligence and touched upon what young Emiratis could face after graduation, in order to help them choose the right job and succeed professionally.

du’s Masar graduate training programme – part of du’s ongoing Emiritisation strategy – this year enters its fourth year of operations. From the very beginning, the company instituted an unit responsible for the development of UAE Nationals, including training and recruitment, which created du’s highly successful Emiratisation strategy.
 

DWTC’s Congress Wins Highlight Dubai’s Leading Position On Global Events Calendar

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that it has won the bids to host eight new prestigious congresses at its world class venues in 2011 and 2012.

Covering key sectors that include healthcare, transportation, legal and technology, these events are expected to attract approximately 70,000 industry leaders and visitors, reaffirming Dubai’s position as the leading gateway for business tourism in the region.

Most recently, DWTC supported Dubai in its successful bid to host the World Heart Foundation’s (WHF) next World Congress of Cardiology (WCC). This is the first time in WHF’s history that this global congress will be held in this region.

Bidding for this illustrious event against Singapore, Kyoto and Cape Town, Dubai’s win further enhances its already established reputation as a key global player in the events industry.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre said: \\\”Our success in attracting congresses of such world class stature is a powerful testament to Dubai’s leading position as a regional business hub. The robust market outlook of the exhibitions, congresses and events sector continues to drive economic growth into the region, with many world-renowned associations looking to increase their exposure in sustained-growth markets like Dubai. At DWTC, we have invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class services to support and fuel this growth, and we remain committed to providing the ideal global networking platform to host these prestigious international events.\\\” Acknowledged as the leading international scientific forum designed to update and increase knowledge in the field of human genome research, the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) will convene its 15th annual Human Genome Meeting at the DWTC in March 2011, with a main focus on genomics and hereditable disorders. Also in March, DWTC will also host Microsoft Tech Ed, the premier technical education and networking event for technology professionals interested in learning, connecting and exploring a broad set of current and soon-to-release Microsoft technologies, tools, platforms and services.

DWTC will be hosting the World Hospital Congress in March 2011. DWTC has further cemented its commitment by partnering with the Dubai Health Authority to win the bids to host the 21st World Diabetes Congress in December 2011, the Annual Conference of the Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) in November 2012, and the recently announced 2012 World Congress of Cardiology.

In a bid to support the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) strategic plan for 2020: ?Safe and smooth transport for all’, DWTC will host the 59th International Association of Public Transport (UITP) World Congress in April 2011, together with the Mobility ’&’ City Transport Exhibition. For a city that has seen its population surge from 1.2 million people in 2005 to a predicted 5.15 million by 2020, Dubai is recognised for its forward-looking policies and is well positioned as the ideal city to host this international gathering for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry.

The International Bar Association’s (IBA) Annual Conference is also set to take place at the DWTC in October 2011. The IBA’s Annual Conference is the largest international gathering of lawyers and bar associations in the world, and will provide an opportunity for lawyers from around the world to meet and hear first-hand about legal developments in various jurisdictions.
 

Three dimensional animated movie to be produced to highlight the UAE plastic-bags-free initiative

The Ministry of Water and Environment plans to produce a three dimensional animation movie in order to enhance the initiative of UAE plastic-bags-free.

According to Khalid Mohammed Al Saedi, Acting Director of Awareness Department at the ministry, said the film aims at educating the young generation about proper way of conserving the natural resources.

He also noted that this movie is the first of its kind to address the young generation in order to teach them better environmental behaviours to make the UAE plastic-bags-free by 2013.
 

DMI To Highlight Contemporary Social Issues In Arab World As Part Of Ramadan Programming

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the Middle East, will delve into the core of Arab societies during the Holy Month of Ramadan to unravel the intricate fabric of modern life through its two channels Dubai TV and Sama Dubai TV.

While showcasing contemporary issues and challenges, DMI will highlight the mismatch that stems from the rapid rhythm of life in the Arab world. The two TV channels from DMI will capture these issues through several genres such as comedy, intricate social drama, and specialized programmes that will invite experts to the studio and seek their professional recommendations.

The social series Zaman Al A’ar (Era of Shame) will demonstrate the quantum leap in the history of Syrian drama through a series of sharp confrontations against the values in the current Arab way of life and the mixed concepts under the label of ‘modernity’. It will seek to address inherent questions such as shame, its psychological origins, source, and how it impacts our lives. From the first few minutes of the series, viewers will appreciate the exhaustive creativity and excellence demonstrated by the authors Hassan Sami Yousuf and Najib Nasseir.

Through his crisp directorial calibre, Rasha Sharbatji has attempted to embody the beauty of his artistic vision. Effectively complemented by actors such as Tayyem Hassan, Bassam Kousa, Mona Wasef, Khalid Taja, Solafa Memar, and Dima Bayya’a, the series offers a comprehensively captivating plot and leaves an enduring impression as a true representation of regional life.

Focusing on social life, Dubai TV will also offer Haqqi Berqabti (I Will Take My Rights) – a comedy with an Egyptian flavour. The stars Hassan Husni and Majida Zaki, who represent Sayyed and Samia, are old classmates from law school. Both fall in love and get married. They own a law firm, but each of them operates independently due to their highly competitive characteristics.

Rash marriages and the consequences on children, resulting in a generation that carries the burden of social issues, will be the focus of the Khaleeji series Omr Al Shaka (Age of Burden) on Dubai TV, starring Hayat Al Fahad and Ahmed Al Salman.

Sama Dubai TV, on its part, will air programmes that highlight diverse social issues. Viewers will find the children of Shaikh Al Jalil struggling to outdo each other’s properties in the drama Hadeel Al Layl (Nightfall), one of the largest productions in the GCC region. Shahd, Khalid Al Breiki, Hussan Rajab, Saif Al Ghanem, Aisha Abdul Rahman, and a host of regional stars will showcase their acting prowess in the series.

Another drama Al Jeeran (Neighbours) will present the relationship among the neighbours in light of the sudden social and economic changes in the Gulf community. The series is designed as a warning against the beginning of disintegration of the ‘neighbourhood’ concept, and its inability to withstand foreign influence that nurture selfish tendencies such as love of material ownership and accumulation of wealth, as well as class status – all at the cost of social relationships.

In the comedy section, Sama Dubai TV will air Sawalef Taffash (Stories of Taffash) with its independent tales for each episode and stable characters, embodying the general life environment in the GCC region between the ‘40s and the ‘50s.

The social comedy Hanna Wa Ranna will take us back to the era prior to oil discovery and the economic boom. With his spontaneity and wit at home and in the neighbourhood, Halloum will highlight the trials and tribulations of daily life of the bygone era.

Over the years, DMI has consistently brought its vast viewership base an eclectic choice of programming during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The bouquet comprises something for every member of the family, in line with the spirit of the season that draws people together for moments of shared brotherhood.

Musical Entertainment Is Highlight Of Dubai Summer Surprises At The Dubai Mall

As a key sponsor of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and leisure destination, will showcase a wide array of entertainment events, many centred around musical entertainment. Complementing the entertainment will be mall-wide promotions and bargain deals appealing to residents and tourists alike.

One of the big highlights of the The Dubai Mall’s DSS activities is The Hello Kitty Jungle Party which is to be held daily (excluding Tuesdays) from July 2 to 22 at the Star Atrium. Live theatrical musical performances by a cast of six Hello Kitty characters and one live singer will entertain children. The ever-popular Hello Kitty merchandise will be available at The Dubai Mall throughout the duration of these shows.

Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: ’’The Dubai Mall, as the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, is privileged to be a Key Sponsor of DSS 2009, the city’s summer shopping extravaganza. The Dubai Summer Surprises activities follows our own successful in-mall campaign, the Festival@The Dubai Mall, giving customers an extended stretch of bargain deals and in-mall entertainment. DSS is a key event in Dubai’s retail calendar and the entertainment showcase at The Dubai Mall will appeal to children and adults alike.”

Highlights of the most popular West End shows will be performed daily at the Star Atrium for two weeks only from 29 July. Popular favourites including Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Cats, Bollywood shows and more, combined into one spectacular performance, showcased by six professional dancers and four singers. The energetic and vibrant piece showcases over 100 costumes with a rendition of selected pieces from some of the world’s most exhilarating musical shows.

Other highlights of the mall’s DSS activities include Dubai Voices, a group of local children and students that will perform 23 to 25 July at the Fountain Oasis. The musical theme continues throughout DSS at The Dubai Mall with Africa’s leading Children’s Choir featuring children combining a mix of traditional African songs to modern leading songs. The choir will appear on July 29 to 30 from 6pm to 9pm also at the Fountain Oasis. All donations received on the day will go towards developing the local schools in the children’s own communities.

Also during DSS, from the start of July visitors can get a glimpse of the soon to open SEGA Republic, the 76,000 square foot indoor theme park coming to The Dubai Mall this summer. Featuring 17 games for kids and kids at heart, the SEGA Republic preview center gives just a small taste of the fun to come. In addition to 250 or so of the latest amusement games, look forward to a heart-stopping indoor rollercoaster, thrilling rides, and adrenaline-pumping motion simulators for all the family at the largest SEGA Republic theme park in the Middle East.

Visitors to The Dubai Mall can also enjoy the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic sized Dubai Ice Rink and over 900 shopping options now open – several of them having opened their Middle East flagship stores in the mall including the recent edition of anchor department store Galeries Lafayette. The mall’s entertainment precinct featuring Reel Cinemas, SEGA Republic and KidZania® will open shortly.

Breathtaking Tap Dances At The Festival@The Dubai Mall

Hundreds of people gather for each performance of The Tap Dogs v Break group which showcases a combination of highly professional dances, distinctive choreography and unique concepts. The entertaining dance troupe has been organised as part of the month-long Festival@The Dubai Mall.

The Tap Dogs vs Break show is performed by five male dancers and three female dancers. The highlight of the show is the tap dance, which requires the dancer to wear special shoes that are equipped with metal taps to give a distinct sound and beat.

The dances are produced by Diverse Choreography, a husband and wife team who have many years of experience both as dancers and choreographers.

The team will be performing next on Saturday May 23, 2009 at 5pm, 6.15pm, and 7.15pm, at the Star Atrium – Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall.

Greg Norman Announces Free Tickets For The Dubai World Championship

With less than 200 days to go until the eagerly-anticipated Dubai World Championship tees off on 19th November, Leisurecorp and sporting legend Greg Norman today announced that tickets to one of the hottest events on golf’s calendar will be free to all.

The move ensures that golf fans and those new to the game alike will now be able to see the climax to the inaugural Race to Dubai take place on what has been called ‘the world’s most anticipated golf course development’, for free. For those who want to experience the Dubai World Championship in luxury, two outstanding hospitality packages have also been announced.

Greg Norman, designer of the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the Dubai World Championship will take place this November, visited the course this week to oversee some of the finishing touches to the course, ahead of the tournament. Norman commented:
“The Dubai World Championship promises to be a new highlight on the golf and sporting calendars. The course is looking spectacular and I am thrilled that when we open the doors on November 19th, everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament for free. This course deserves a special tournament and what could be more special than having 60 of the world’s top players battle it out in front of a huge crowd”.

Fans are encouraged to register early for the free tickets at www.dubaiworldchampionship.com, the tournament’s website which was launched today. The website also provides details and sales information on the two hospitality packages that have been announced – both offering five-star facilities overlooking the 18th green, and one offering the unique experience of being amongst the first to play the Earth course, following the Championship.

Abdul Wahid Al Ulama, Vice Chairman, Leisurecorp, said:"When we conceived the Dubai World Championship with our partners at The European Tour, we established a set of founding principles which would ensure that we created new experiences for a number of audiences – the players, sponsors, media and, of course, spectators.

“In line with the shared vision of The European Tour and Leisurecorp, the move to offer free entry for all is a gesture in the tournament’s first year to encourage all golf fans from both the region and overseas to descend on Jumeirah Golf Estates in November and watch what promises to be a thrilling crescendo to the inaugural Race to Dubai. Hopefully, it will also encourage those new to the game to come to the Championship and experience what this great sport has to offer. Whether you are a pro golfer or a novice, seeing the world’s top 60 players battle it out at the magnificent Earth course is something not to be missed.”

The Hospitality Pavilion overlooking the 18th green of the Earth course, places spectators at the heart of the action. With gourmet catering in a dedicated dining and lounge area, an open-air balcony and a wide range of other benefits, The Hospitality Pavilion is ideal for client entertaining and networking opportunities with Dubai’s business leaders, or simply enjoying the golf in style.

TheUltimate Golf Package includes two day’s hospitality admission and the opportunity to play on the Earth course, in Championship conditions, in the week following the tournament.

Abdul Wahid Al Ulama added:“The hospitality options we are offering include a range of benefits, not least some of the best seats in the house, overlooking the 18th green. The Ultimate Golf Package will tempt those ‘golf fanatics’ who are looking for a unique experience – walking in the footsteps of the legends that they have just been watching battle it out for the Championship. It is a rare treat to have the opportunity to be amongst the first to play on a course designed by Greg Norman and inaugurated by the likes of Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Rory McIllroy. This is a ‘must-do’ for any keen golfer”.

Hospitality Pavilion package includes:
· Course and Hospitality Pavilion admission
· Access to premium dining and lounge facilities overlooking the 18th green
· Five-star food and drinks served throughout the day
· TV monitors displaying all the action from around the course
· Priority car park pass
· Official tournament programme and draw sheet
· Exclusive Dubai World Championship merchandise
· Dedicated Event Management team

Price AED 2,800 per person (minimum 4 persons), per day
Ultimate Golf package includes:
· Two days hospitality admission on Saturday and Sunday (Hospitality Pavillion) including
· Access to premium dining and lounge facilities overlooking the 18th green
· Five-star food and drinks served throughout the day
· TV monitors displaying all the action from around the course
· Priority car park pass
· Official tournament programme and draw sheet
· Exclusive Dubai World Championship merchandise
· Dedicated Event Management team
· Be a pro for a day – play the Earth course following the Championship

Price AED 8000 per person (minimum 2 persons), per day

For more information on free tickets and hospitality ticket sales please visit www.dubaiworldchampionship.com