Jeddah – Saudi Arabia, October 1, 2011: INJAZ-Saudi Arabia, headed by Eng. Nael Fayez recently signed an MOU with Elixir Consultancy Group, represented by its Managing Partner Eng. Hani Ibrahim Khoja. With this agreement, Elixir will help INJAZ expand its successful programs to schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a sustainable and effective manner. INJAZ-Saudi Arabia is a non-profit organization (NPO) founded in 2007. INJAZ-Saudi Arabia delivers free educational programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness to Saudi youth between 11 and 18 years. INJAZ has successfully signed strategic partnerships with; a) the Ministry of Education, b) many Saudi companies, and c) volunteer private sector business men & women whom are highly experienced and want to help train the next generation of business leaders. “INJAZ-Saudi Arabia’s goal is to reach 100,000 male and female students across Saudi Arabia inside their classrooms by 2018”, stated Nael Fayez. “We want to be an integral part of helping the country significantly reduce unemployment”, he added.
 
“Elixir is a business consultancy group formed in 2005 with a vision to help local companies, governments, organizations, & individuals succeed globally via strategic, creative solutions”, stated Eng. Hani Khoja. “So helping INJAZ-Saudi Arabia help youth become more employable and productive to society fits perfectly with our vision.” INJAZ-Saudi Arabia will be launching a new product in partnership with the Ministry of Labor called Kawadir to prepare Saudi students for the job market by equipping them with the tools and skills necessary and desired by the private sector. “Our specific roles will be to help market this highly needed product to private sector sponsors as well as attract volunteers from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deliver the content to students”.

Partnership to promote green buildings, water & energy rationing to balance economy & environment & maintain urban identity in the Arab world

July 20, 2011

The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development, Qatar’s leading research, consultancy and training institute and the developer of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS), has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA). The agreement was signed by Gulf Organisation for Research and Development Co-founder and Chairman Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Horr and JEA President Eng. Abdulla Obaidat.   

The strategic partnership aims to build new channels of cooperation and to promote sustainability on a large scale through effective initiatives for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, encouraging the use of environmentally safe materials, and supporting green building projects. These in turn will help achieve economic and environmental balance and maintain urban identity in the Arab World.

Under the agreement, JEA is authorized to use the tools and materials available through Gulf Organisation for R&D’s free and unrestricted Educational License under both the Service Provider and Managing Partner categories of QSAS for one year. The Association can also use Gulf Organisation for R&D’s research materials to provide consultancy services on green buildings, simulators and system integration testing. 

Gulf Organisation for R&D and JEA will be submitting a proposal for a joint venture on Eco-Labelling systems for Arab Countries to the Union of Arab Engineers that will facilitate the use of environmentally safe products in green building projects. The two parties are also considering the creation of a Joint Arab Award for sustainable construction and green buildings to highlight and promote eco-friendly projects in the Arab World.

Through the MoU, the two groups will push for broader adoption of standards under Gulf Organisation for R&D’s QSAS, an integrated system for assessing green buildings that encourages optimum consumption of energy, water and environmental resources. QSAS has the potential to open up new doors for investments into the green sector in areas such as renewable energy, recycling, and advanced control systems technologies for the regional markets. It will also facilitate regional information-sharing and further drive the Arab World’s transition to a knowledge economy.

Gulf Organisation for R&D will work with JEA on research and development related to environmental issues and human resources development within the real estate sector. The Organisation will hold conferences and interactive workshops in collaboration with the Engineers Training Center, the scientific arm of JEA, to refine the skills of workers and provide them with the knowledge needed to develop and apply sustainability concepts to modern architecture.

Dr. Al Horr pointed out that the MoU reflects the organisation’s interest in building strong strategic partnerships with leading local, regional and international institutions and organisations to develop innovative solutions in various areas related to green buildings, renewable energy sources, industrial materials, environmentally safe building products, and recycling, among others. He added that the new collaboration affirms the wide acceptance enjoyed by QSAS at both the local and regional levels due to its relevance to the cultural and environmental visions of the Arab World. 

The Gulf Organisation for R&D Chairman further explained that his organisation has always been committed to disseminating knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and promoting innovation and development. This, he said, lies within the framework of the Organisation’s vision of enhancing the role of QSAS as a basic criterion for assessing sustainability in the urban setting environment and as one of the most comprehensive systems of its kind at the global level.

“We developed the QSAS system for sustainability assessment to reinforce the status of Qatar as the ‘green building’ capital of the Middle East. This system has proven to be effective in enhancing quality within the construction sector in a manner that keeps pace with rapid developments taking place at the national front, particularly after Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Our main focus is to make Qatar a model of leadership in sustainable development at the global level under the inspirational vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and H.H. the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. We seek to uphold the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which calls for the proper management of the nation’s environmental resources to ensure harmony and consistency in economic and social development and environmental protection. But we were also committed to design QSAS in a way that meets the needs of the GCC and the Arab World in general,” said Dr. Al Horr.

“Our partnership with the Jordan Engineers Association is strong proof of the importance of the system in finding sustainable solutions, creating a positive economic climate and highlighting the important role of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development as a driving force behind the region’s comprehensive development,” he concluded.

Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Obaidat said: “The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development has proven to be one of the most prominent contributors to Qatar’s development and a key supporter for sustainability throughout the region. It has been successfully spreading knowledge and providing consultation based on the latest scientific research and training and qualification programs in accordance with best practices. Indeed, the Organisation has played a major role in promoting green building design and construction through the introduction of QSAS, which is now at par with the world’s top construction-and sustainability-related systems. The system thoroughly considers the environmental, climatic and geological conditions of the entire region.”

“In this context, we are pleased to be collaborating with the Organisation and are confident that this will reflect a positive move towards our continuing efforts to develop the capabilities of concerned practitioners, engineers and professionals alike, particularly in the area of sustainability. We look forward to closely working with Gulf Organisation for R&D and benefiting from its various initiatives and activities such as its workshops and conferences which include the Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition. This event provides an integrated mechanism for promoting the implementation of sustainability concepts in regional construction projects,” added Mr. Obaidat.

“In keeping with our efforts to advance the development of sustainability concepts in the Middle East, we are pleased to team up with the Jordan Engineers Association in promoting cooperation with prominent local and regional authorities particularly in publishing sustainability standards and strengthening the culture of innovation and creation,” said Prof. Dr. Ali Malkawi, Founder and Director, T.C. Chan Center, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

“We are confident that we will be able to share our experiences with countries across the region, as QSAS is designed in line with the climatic, geographical and environmental requirements of the Gulf region and is adaptable to the needs of the region,” Dr. Malkawi added.
 
Deputy President of the Jordanian Engineers Association Eng. Majed Al Tabaa lauded the agreement as the first Qatari-Jordanian cooperation in the field of engineering. He said the agreement represents a major leap in the level of cooperation between both parties and opens a wider range of prospects in marketing the engineering work of both countries.

Al Tabaa pointed out that the Association was the first to introduce green building technology in Jordan through the establishment of the National Green Building Council, in collaboration with the private and public sectors. They also organise several workshops, seminars and specialized conferences. He added that the Council mainly focuses on pursuing joint projects with different Arab engineering bodies and he also lauded Qatar’s commitment to such initiatives.

Al Tabaa said: “The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development has proven its worth as one of the most prominent forces behind Qatar’s development and one of the most important supporters for sustainability in the whole region through its efforts to spread knowledge and offer consultancy services based on scientific research, training programs and qualification programs in accordance with recognised best practices. Indeed, the Organisation has played a major role in promoting the Green Building Design and Construction concept by launching QSAS, which is now competing with world-renowned international systems in the fields of construction and sustainability, because of its conformance with the environmental, climate and geological conditions of the region as a whole.”

“In this context, we are pleased with the new collaboration with the Organisation and are confident that it will create a positive impact on our continuing efforts to develop the capabilities of concerned practitioners, such as engineers and related professionals, making them more proficient with environmental sustainability concepts. We look forward to closely working with the Organisation and to benefit from its various initiatives and activities like workshops and conferences including the Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition, which provides an integrated platform to promote and encourage the adoption of sustainability concepts in various construction projects across the region,” he added.

Developed by gathering the best practices of 40 local, regional and international certified systems around the world, QSAS is an integrated green building assessment system and one of the most comprehensive sustainability assessment systems worldwide. It makes use of the Arab region’s environmental and cultural data, and is provided with an advanced system that adheres to the recent technological advancements through the use of internet to carry out all technical and administrative processes necessary to implement its functions.

The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development is a non-profit organisation entirely owned by the Qatari government. It leads efforts to make a difference within the construction industry by promoting sustainable building standards and eco-friendly practices. It has outlined its vision to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, through the promotion of scientific research in collaboration with major local, regional and international organisations, research institutions, technology-oriented consultancies, real estate and construction companies and government authorities to find effective solutions for various environmental challenges and to ensure socioeconomic stability. The Organisation, along with the standardisation department in the Ministry of Environment, is the representative of Qatar in the Green Buildings Sub-Committee established by the Secretary General of the GCC Standardisation Organisation. It was also involved in a number of local, regional and international forums and conferences to promote QSAS.

The Jordanian Engineers Association is a professional non-governmental organisation involved in advisory and research work. It mainly focuses on spreading awareness and raising the efficiency of engineers and engineering consultancy organisations in various aspects of the sustainable building industry. It also provides the local and regional market with the necessary expertise that can advance the implementation of the urban sustainability concept to help secure a better future and stay up-to-date with the rapidly growing advancements and developments currently taking place worldwide.

Move to bolster cooperation in healthcare education, research and knowledge development

Abu Dhabi, 20 July 2011:

SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, has signed an MOU with the UAE University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Services (FMHS) to enable collaboration in the development of health services, health education and scientific research at SEHA’s teaching hospitals and their affiliated clinics.

The move comes as SEHA addresses the need to improve the clinical education and training of medical students, interns, resident, physicians and healthcare professionals as per its mission of offering healthcare provision and research on par with international standards.

“The MoU with FMHS is an excellent step that will see two world class institutes work in collaboration to extend the spirit and letter of academic research and education in healthcare. SEHA has a mission to develop healthcare infrastructure and knowledge that is on par with international standards, and our association with FMHS will allow employees and students to benefit from rigorous study and development,” said H.E. Saif Bader Al Qubaisi, Chairman and Managing Director, SEHA.

The MOU signing, held at offices of SEHA, was attended by an FMHS delegation that included Professor Mohamed Yousif Baniyas, Vice Provost for Medical Sciences and Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Professor Ruth Langer, Associate Dean; Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, Assistant Dean for Scientific Research and Graduate Studies; Professor Mutairu Ezimokhai, Assistant Dean for Education and Academic Affairs; Dr Leena Amiri, Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs; Dr Suleiman Al-Hammadi, Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Medical Director, Emirates Health Services; and Dr Iain Blair, Interim Director, Global Health Research Institute and Director, Master of Public Health Program.

While signing the MoU, Mohammed Al Hameli, Chief Support Services, SEHA, said, “It is an honour to be part of an occasion that will enhance cooperation between two world-class entities and lead to collaborative action to change healthcare research, education and delivery in the UAE. We are determined to continue striking public and private sector partnerships to provide excellence in healthcare.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SEHA and FMHS will share resources and collaborate towards the goal of improving medical leadership, health care delivery and education, and scientific research, while trying to catalyse an optimal environment for conducting research in biomedicine, clinical fields, healthcare quality and patient satisfaction.

“FMHS is glad to cooperate with SEHA on the very important issue of healthcare research, academic progress and knowledge development,” said, Professor Mohamed Yousif Baniyas. “FMHS is recognized as a premier national medical college working to building health care capacity in the UAE, and we are confident that our specialized clinical expertise and research in the fields of healthcare sciences and technology research will be boosted due our cooperation with SEHA.”

Certain SEHA research and training facilities will be affiliated with FMHS, which will allow FMHS employees to use them for research and academic work. At the same time, SEHA employees will be entitled to perform educational duties at FMHS, and receive academic titles.

Photo - Signing Ceremony

Cellcrypt, the leading provider of encrypted cell phone voice calling, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Injazat Data Systems, to enter further discussions to form a closer business relationship and strategy to jointly pursue future defense and government related opportunities relating to secure voice products throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
 
Injazat Data Systems, a leading UAE information technology and managed services provider, would offer Cellcrypt the necessary IT and technical services to fully support Cellcrypt’s secure voice solutions. Both companies acknowledge that they have complimentary and synergistic workstreams, products and services that, when combined, would offer the defense and security markets turn-key solutions for globally encrypted voice communications.
 
Cellcrypt’s software-only solution allows a broad range of smartphones to be supported with its market-leading secure communications application with over-the-air deployment that can take as little as 10 minutes to personnel located anywhere in the world.

A key advantage of these solutions is the ability for Cellcrypt to provide government-grade security in an easy-to-use application that makes secure calling as simple as making a normal call on the same device.

‘The Middle East is emerging as an international outsourcing hub with communications and related services at the forefront of any future requirement. Secure communications will, in future, be dominant within this group and we recognise Cellcrypt as a leading brand in that field. This MOU will allow our companies to more closely investigate a joint strategy to combine our individual strengths and pursue this market in the near future,’ said Ibrahim Mohamed Lari, Managing Director of Injazat Data Systems, ‘In order to more closely serve the government and security communications sector, it makes sense that Injazat’s comprehensive portfolio of IT services, combined with Cellcrypt’s unique products, should be shaped to make a more formal business relationship and enter this field.’

Matthew Cochran, President of Cellcrypt’s Middle East, Africa and Asian regions said: ‘Cellcrypt, with Injazat Data Systems supporting our applications and products with its world-class IT services portfolio, including the security of its premier Tier IV Data Centre, makes a compelling business case. We look forward to having deeper technical and business discussions with Injazat and its partners, so that we may address this emerging communications market. The aim is to eventually form a one-stop-shop, combining our capabilities, and offer a unique

service to our customers requiring the very best of industrial practices. We look forward to taking that concept forward with Injazat’s staff’.
 

UAE-based Holding to develop and promote properties worth USD 600 million in Poland

May 12, 2011

With property value of USD 600 million, the Military Property Agency of Poland (MPA) signs an MOU with UAE-based Tharaa Holding. As part of the Annual Investment Meeting conference and exhibition, a memorandum of under standing was signed yesterday between the Military Property Agency (MPA) of Poland and UAE-based Tharaa Holding to develop and promote properties owned by the agency in Poland.

As part of the MOU, Tharaa Holding through its development company Hadara, will develop selected land owned by MPA after studying the feasibility and valuations of the project.  Tharaa Holding will also assist MPA to promote its properties in the Middle East through it’s real estate brokerage arm RichVille Real Estate which operates out of Dubai.

Commenting on the signing, Krzysztof Michalski, President of MPA said: “This MOU paves the way for serious cooperation between our two companies to develop and promote our very attractive inventory of plots which were previously owned by the Polish Armed Forces at very strategic locations in the country”.

“We are excited about this opportunity to apply our expertise gained through the development boom over the past few years in Dubai on opportunities outside the Middle East given the economic and political problems here in the area. Of specific interest to us is a 55 hectares land with 2250 meters long  fortress building which was built in 1836 and could be a perfect mix-use development project given its outstanding location the Vistula river, and near a newly established airport and train station.  The land is just 30 km from the heart of Warsaw – the capital city of Poland,” said Tariq Ramadan, Chairman of Tharaa Holding.

Cristal Bliss Residences kicks off hospitality group’s Lebanon expansion

May 8, 2011

Cristal Hotels & Resorts, the most dynamic hotel brand in the region, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bliss 3000 SAL to operate the latter’s property in Beirut, Lebanon. The agreement was sealed during the 2011 Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s leading travel show held recently in Dubai, and marks Cristal Hotels’ first venture in Lebanon.

Under the terms of the MoU, Cristal Hotels and Resorts will operate the furnished apartments under the name Cristal Bliss Residences. The newly renovated and fully-furnished studios are especially appealing to corporate and leisure guests as they are within walking distance of the Corniche, Hamra Street, the American University of Beirut and the American University Hospital. Cristal Bliss Residences will be operational starting June 2011.

Residents will have access to high-speed wireless internet, cable TV, housekeeping and laundry services, the Atlantis Fitness Center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, ladies salon and the exclusive Cristal Spa. Guests can also dine at the roof deck restaurant offering Sea views.

“Cristal Bliss Residences is only the start of major projects we have lined up to tap Lebanon’s dynamic hospitality market. It reflects our pursuit of facilities that are strategically located and carry our unique brand of business and leisure living. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Lebanese economy, so we look forward to playing an important role in providing world-class accommodations to Lebanon’s local, regional and international travelers,” said Peter Blackburn, CEO, Cristal Hotels & Resorts.

“We are pleased that one of our premier developments has found its place in such worthy hands. Cristal Hotels is a welcome addition to Lebanon’s hospitality community, not only because of the high quality of facilities and services attached to its name, but because of its commitment to various social and environmental causes. Bliss 3000 SAL is also working on other key projects with Cristal Hotels as it strengthens its presence in Lebanon and internationally,” added Toufic El Tal, Managing Director, Bliss 3000.

Cristal Hotels & Resorts aims to become the premier hotel operator in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The luxury hospitality group offers a wide choice of 3- 4- and 5-star accommodations for business or leisure throughout the region.

Agreement covers apprenticeship, technology research & professional development

March 30, 2011

Injazat Data Systems, the leading information technology and business process managed services provider in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zayed University covering cooperation in various educational, research and professional growth areas.

Under the terms of the agreement, Injazat will allow Zayed University students and faculty to visit its facilities for learning purposes and announce internship, capstone and research opportunities to the university’s students. Injazat will also send some of its experts to deliver lectures, seminars and other related activities at Zayed University.

For its part, Zayed University will coordinate workshops and brainstorming activities with Injazat. It will also provide updates on top graduates and accommodate interviews with potential job candidates as well as participation in internal career fairs. Moreover, Zayed University’s Institute for Community Engagement will provide continuous education opportunities to Injazat personnel. 

“Injazat looks to the UAE’s youths as its future talents and partners, which is why it pursues collaborative agreements with some of the country’s top educational institutions. Our MoU with Zayed University will enable us to participate in the IT literacy of students, provide mutual employment and professional growth opportunities, and accelerate the growth of local research and technological development,” said Ibrahim Lari, Managing Director, Injazat.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, stressed on the importance of the associating with business organizations from various sectors in order to exchange

expertise, provide services and scientific consultation, and benefit from experts thoughts. These initiatives have major positive effects on students and professors in identifying the needs and trends of the business market. This statement was delivered during the signing of the cooperation agreement with Injazat Data Systems.

Al Jassim said, “Zayed University is committed to continuously upgrade its academic, scientific, and technical programs. We aim to equip the new generation with advanced technological skills and to be highly capable of analyzing current problems and providing effective solutions,”

He added that H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of Zayed University, who emphasizes on the need for achieving the highest standards in all its curricula and programs offered by various faculties and in becoming a leading international university. H.E. reaffirmed that the technological aspect of academics is a strategic option, and must be implemented in the course of the educational process and its latest breakthroughs must be adopted. Al Jassim has also noted that the collaboration with Injazat Data Systems provides opportunities for practical training for the students, in addition to the benefits of information resources and provision of excellent job opportunities to academically successful students.

Injazat Data Systems delivers IT strategy, IT consultancy, systems integration and outsourcing services to more than 10,000 public and private sectors end-users. It currently employs 600 staff from more than 32 countries. Injazat falls under the Operations Group of Mubadala Development Company, a state-owned investment arm of the Abu Dhabi Government.

Agreement to focus on UK-based building services group’s facility, technical & energy services

March 22, 2011

Photo - Signing Ceremony

TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing and Development, an advisor and solutions provider serving the real estate markets, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brayan Polyteck Facilities Management LLC that will enhance its property value chain by tapping  its new partner’s facility management  (FM) expertise.

Under the terms of the agreement, TASWEEEK will introduce Brayan Polyteck’s products and services to its customers and attract new partnership opportunities that will generate business for the facilities management firm. Brayan Polyteck will in turn deliver its key Facility, Technical and Energy Services to TASWEEK and the property company’s referred clients.

Both parties have agreed to mutually fund projects on a case-by-case basis as covered by the MoU, which took effect last March 6, 2011.

“Our partnership with Brayan Polyteck will enable us to enhance our value chain in terms of facilities management and support further growth of business across the Emirates. The company’s best practices will be of great help in enhancing the FM knowledge and capabilities of our management team. Our clients, on the other hand, will greatly benefit from gaining access to Brayan Polyteck’s world-class FM services,” said Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing.

“Moreover, the rapid development of services related to real estate facility management will sustain the real estate industry’s profitability and growth in the future,” Al Awar added.

Brayan Polyteck Facilities Management is a division of Polyteck Building Services, a UK-based company delivering a single point of service for all building services problems which currently maintains a property asset value of over AED 4.8 billion. The division’s comprehensive range of services includes planned and response maintenance, gas and electrical compliance, void management, recycling and waste management, estate cleaning, carbon minimization, stock condition monitoring, and electrical works.

TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing has over 20 years of innovation and leadership in delivering products and services covering Purchase and Sale of Strategic Assets; Asset Management; Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances; and Marketing Consultancy. The company relies on its core competencies of networking and know-how to provide clients with a one-stop shop for real estate and related services and marketing

February 24, 2011

Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the leading shipbuilder and naval support services provider in the Gulf region, signed yesterday (Wednesday February 23, 2011) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt-based DeBirs Yachts, a world-leading manufacturer of timeless and innovative motor yachts, during the ongoing International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2011 at ADNEC.

Under the terms of the MoU, Abu Dhabi Ship Building and DeBirs Yachts agreed to discuss and explore opportunities of collaboration in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for super yachts, as well as commercial, naval and other vessels. This will include for example, setting up new state of the art facilities in the region and/or developing ADSB’s existing facilities to establish a world class MRO facility for motor yachts.

Furthermore Abu Dhabi Ship Building and DeBirs Yachts will assess the feasibility and commercial viability of expanding the sales network of DeBirs Yachts in Abu Dhabi in order to increase DeBirs Yachts’ market penetration in the region. The MoU also covers opportunities of collaboration in research and development.

Mohammed Al Junaibi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, said: “The MoU may lead to exciting business opportunities for Abu Dhabi Ship Building and DeBirs Yachts as we may leverage our respective core expertise to develop value-added services and expand into the high-growth niche market for luxury yachts and boats. Abu Dhabi Ship Building already has a formidable portfolio in the commercial shipbuilding market and we believe that this MoU may enable us to provide an even wider range of choices and more value-added offerings to our clients.”

Rady W. Fahmy, Senior Director and Board Member, DeBirs Yachts, said: “Abu Dhabi Ship Building has an impeccable track record as a leading shipbuilder in the Middle East and we are therefore pleased to jointly explore opportunities of collaboration. With Abu Dhabi Ship Building’s world-class facilities and expertise and wide-reaching presence in the regional market, we are confident that we ultimately will be able to build a strong and lasting brand image in the luxury yacht and boat segment.”

November 13, 2010

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has announced that it has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IRCA Middle East, a member of IRCA Global Group, the international risk management solution provider in the areas of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ), to explore ways of jointly offering corporate training programs to SHEQ practitioners and to executives with a broader interest in enterprise risk management. Prof. Nabil Baydoun, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at HBMeU, and Mr. Thian Combrinck, Head of Operations at IRCA Global, signed the MoU during a recent ceremony held at the HBMeU Grand Meeting Room.

Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Nabil Baydoun said: “We will build on this strategic partnership with IRCA Middle East to further expand the learning programs of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. Risk management is a very important area of concern that has a direct impact on the social and economic progress of our society. HBMeU is therefore strongly committed to leverage our alliances with distinguished institutions such as IRCA Middle East to develop programs that specifically address risk management issues in the UAE and the Middle East, particularly those related to safety, health, environment and quality.”

HBMeU and IRCA Middle East will launch short courses and certificate programs and will collaborate on the design and delivery of customised learning programs in a commercially feasible model. Both parties will also ensure that the customised modules of learning and training methodology, and packaging of the said modules, will meet local, international, academic and professional standards. Under the terms of the MoU, HBMeU will be the sole authority to conduct course accreditation, faculty assessment and certification. HBMeU may also incorporate the jointly developed course in its existing courses.

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 learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners 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.
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