Dubai-based Wollongong University becomes first UAE university to offer NCUK International Foundation Year

DUBAI, The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has become the first university in the UAE to partner with NCUK, a leading university consortium.

This partnership will offer students the opportunity to study an internationally recognised foundation course in Dubai and receive a guaranteed placement before travelling abroad to study for a bachelor degree at a university in their chosen country.

The International Foundation Year (IFY) gives students access to over 4,000 degrees across more than 40 leading universities internationally. Since forming in 1987, NCUK, an education entity dedicated to giving students guaranteed access to universities worldwide, has supported over 35,000 international students to attend universities globally.

One of the many benefits offered by the programme is that students who do not qualify for direct entry into bachelor degrees abroad can study in Dubai for one year, before travelling to any NCUK partner university in countries including Australia, the UK, USA, New Zealand and Canada.

Students will be able to study degrees from fields, including Business, Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science and Medicine. In addition to this, students who decide to continue their studies in the UAE will also be able to complete their bachelor degrees at UOWD.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Mohamed Salem, President of UOWD, said, “The launch of the International Foundation Year is a critical part of our plans to cement UOWD as an education hub for the UAE, and continue our efforts to provide a truly borderless education experience built on a strong foundation of quality and accessibility.”

Andy Straughan, Associate Director, Africa, Middle East, Europe and Americas for NCUK, commented, “Partnering with UOWD is an exciting extension to the significant growth and demand NCUK has undergone across the MENA region over recent years. In UOWD, a highly experienced and long-established tertiary institution within UAE, we are extremely confident that students from across the region will have an unrivalled opportunity to study a world-class qualification within a world-class teaching environment, with outstanding faculty.”

The IFY typically takes nine months to complete and students take four subjects which will prepare them with the foundational knowledge required for their undergraduate studies, in addition to providing students with the necessary academic requirements for visa purposes.

The eligibility for IFY includes students to be at least 17 years old, have completed 12 years of high school education, and have a recognised English language qualification such as IELTS 5.0.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Innovative initiatives to promote culture of political participation launched

ABU DHABI, The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) has set a communication plan to interact with all segments of society to promote a culture of political participation, including programmes to raise awareness and introduce the community to parliamentary work and achievements in the UAE.

Over its 15-year journey, the ministry launched a host of innovative initiatives with one comprehensive vision to promote active participation among Emirati citizens. It has held 165 lectures and workshops that drew 28,428 participants, in addition to nine fora to raise political awareness among university students with a total 7,278 attending the sessions.

The MFNCA considers strengthening the culture of political participation to be a strategic objective. The MFNCA has been working to achieve that goal since its establishment, rolling out a series of awareness programmes that target all segments of community and introduce them to the Political Empowerment Programme launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2005.

The programmes also aim to raise awareness about parliamentary practices in the UAE, the Federal National Council (FNC) elections, and the FNC’s mandate and accomplishments in service of the country and its citizens. These initiatives and programmes have a wide appeal, reaching 3 million users on social media.

On the same note, the MFNCA launched several innovative initiatives, including: the Electoral Process Journey initiative, which aims to familiarise the community with the organisational stages of FNC elections; Online Training Workshop on Parliamentary Practices in the UAE; Test Your Knowledge of Parliament, which uses modern technologies to enhance political awareness, the application of Zayed and political participation; and the ‘You Are in the Federal National Council’ virtual reality (VR) initiative, which allows participants to virtually attend the FNC sessions.

Also on the list is the MFNCA official website, which offers extensive information about all aspect of parliamentary work in the UAE, in addition to the Political Participation magazine, the yearly online newsletter ‘Tamkeen’, and a series of corporate education newsletters.

The Ministry launched landmark knowledge initiatives as well, optimising the use of its social media platforms. These include Constitutional Culture, Electoral Culture, and A Glossary of Parliamentary Terms.

The Ministry is committed to continuously developing its initiatives that target various segments of the community, including a visiting programme that aims to educate employees at government entities (both federal and local) about the FNC by allowing them to attend its sessions.

The MFNCA also organises various events, lectures, and workshops that have developed into prominent platforms for knowledge and awareness. Most notable among these are the Political Awareness Forum for University Students; the Electoral Culture Virtual Majlis; Innovation Labs; regular Youth Circles organised by the MFNCA in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority to listen to young people’s views and suggestions, and then use them to develop the Ministry’s operations and FNC elections processes.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Fujairah Crown Prince receives Ambassador of Italy, Consul Generals of Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan

FUJAIRAH, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, has met with the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, Nicola Lerner, and Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul-General of Italy, at the Emiri Court.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Italian diplomats and wished them good luck to enhance bilateral relations between the UAE and Italy.

In the same context, RAK Crown Prince met also, separately, with Asem Ababneh, Consul General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Amad Abdulhamid, Consul-General of the Republic of Iraq in Dubai, and Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Dubai, who paid a courtesy visit to Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad.

The Crown Prince of Fujairah wished them good luck and success in their assignments to promote cooperation ties and joint relations binding the UAE and their countries.

Salem Al-Zahmi, Director of the Office of H.H. the Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the meeting.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAEU participates in various activities, ?competitions during Space Week

DUBAI, As part of the UAE University’s (UAEU) participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, the National Space ?Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) and ?College of Science co-organised a series of events ?and activities during “Space Week” from 17th to 27th October, 2021.

The activities ?included workshops and events to ?showcase research and development in various ?areas of astronomy and space sciences, with students, faculty members and ?visitors ?participating. ? Prof. Ahmed Murad, Deputy Commissioner-?General of the UAEU Pavilion at Expo 2020 and Associate Provost for Research, explained that the ?NSSTC and College of Science “Space Week” ?activities were organised in conjunction with the ?Space Week, one of the ten thematic weeks ?organised by Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme of ??”Man and Planet Earth Programme”. It discusses the benefits, solutions, and challenges of ?exploring beyond the planet’s orbit and the ?opportunities for exploration and the development ?of space science?.? ?”In the backdrop of the emergence and rapid ?growth of the UAE’s Space Sector, the UAE?U’s collaboration with various country ?pavilions, resulting in its active participation in several Space Week events is a ?testament of the university’s contribution to the ?development of Space Science and Technology R&D ?and Education ecosystem and its ?commitment to help stimulate globally recognised ?space-related activities in the country,” Dr. Aquib ?Moin, Associate Professor of Physics, UAEU. ? The UAEU pavilion conducted three ?activities on research and development in radio ?astronomy in collaboration with Curtin ?University, Australia. Held at the Australia Pavilions, they included discussions on ?innovative sensor systems, ground infrastructure ?for radio astronomy and space science ?observations and measurements, emerging ?technologies, collaborative multi-station ?operations, academic and technological research ?and development, public awareness, and ?prospects?.? The French pavilion hosted an event on “Remote ?Sensing and Earth Observation and Workshop”, ?to showcase current research ?and development in remote sensing and ?earth observation. The event featured talks and ?discussions on topics related to remote sensing and ?earth observation. As part of the event, the NSSTC ?experts conducted a ??”workshop” on earth observation with high-?resolution imagery.?? ? The “Education in Space Science and Technology: A ?road to youth empowerment” event focused on the ?strategic importance and the various elements of ?the academic knowledge required to support the ?rapidly growing global space sector. “?Human Spaceflight and Robotic Space ?Exploration” aimed to highlight the excitement and ?scientific value of manned space missions and ?introduce the audience to various aspects such as ?the astronaut’s experience, the possibility of ?discovery, and the importance of human presence ?in outer space?.?? The ?Switzerland pavilion hosted these events.? Under a collaboration between the NSSTC, College ?of Science, UAEU and the Intercultural and ?Communications Institute (ISIT), France, several activities were conducted with liberal arts and sciences students to explore space in ?the shape of a multi-faceted cultural and scientific ?event. A French art and space documentary: “Inner ?Telescope”, presented the deployment of ?artwork at the International Space Station. The ?France pavilion hosted these events.?

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Startup Hub, Dtec conclude 2nd edition of Emirati Development Programme

DUBAI, Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (Dtec), a Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wholly-owned entity, recently concluded the second edition of the Emirati Development Programme, which saw Sherina Al Sowaidi of Liftoff named the winner of this year’s programme competition.

Al Sowaidi competed with 26 other start-ups during the final stage of the programme. The finalists, who presented their smart business concepts to an expert panel, are now eligible to start and launch their businesses with support and guidance. She will receive additional business acceleration support from the organisers, including joining a Dtec programme for start-ups for a year to receive training, guidance and mentorship.

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector, including DHL; Oliver Wyman, and International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); complimentary company setup with Dtec; Complimentary 3-month access to Dtec co-working; as well as the opportunity to exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hans Christensen, Vice President of Dtec, said, “Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber on the Emirati Development Programme follows a series of joint initiatives between the two entities. It is also in line with the strategies of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dtec to instil an entrepreneurial culture, especially in promising tech sectors that have gained traction recently with the spread of new digital-based work, education, and communication cultures.”

Since SMEs make up 94 percent of the companies operating in the UAE and employ more than 86 percent of the country’s workforce, the Emirati Development Programme will reflect positively on the national economy.

Hans highlighted the fact that the joint efforts of Dtec and Dubai Chamber support entrepreneurs and innovators to establish flexible start-ups that can attract investments and funding, helping them launch and expand.

Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Chamber, noted that the Emirati Development Programme is a key strategy of the chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, talents and innovative ideas from the Emirati youth. It contributes to establishing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can achieve their goals and business ideas successfully, she added.

The participants also took part in training sessions covering various topics of interest, which was led by experts from Dtec; LinkedIn; International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); Intelligent Finance Consultants (IFC); LPS Brands; and Think Media Labs (TMLs). The training focused on establishing and promoting the growth of technology businesses, the importance of sales to emerging entrepreneurs and how to develop and present an effective investor pitch presentation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE Cyber Security Council, Intersec to introduce first Cyber Security Lab in January

DUBAI, The UAE Cyber Security Council has announced a strategic partnership with Intersec, the world-leading emergency services, security and safety event, to introduce the first ever Cyber Security Lab at the global event running from 16th to 18th January 2022.

The 23rd edition of the flagship event has the theme of “Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety and security of future generations”.

The new Cyber Security Lab was developed to focus on investigative techniques, forensic capabilities, and public-private partnerships to prevent cross border digital terrorism.

Intersec’s elevated programme is reaching new heights in 2022 and will include cybersecurity as one of the many new additions taking centre stage as part of the event. Intersec’s innovation and technology focus is introducing the Cyber Security Lab to enable global and regional industry leaders to discuss critical aspects of the industry in a dynamic, knowledge exchange platform.

Highlighting its importance, Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government and Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, will be inaugurating the Cyber Lab conference.

Al Kuwaiti said, “The Cyber Security Council aims, during its participation in the global event, to shed light on the UAE’s innovative and advanced initiatives in cybersecurity and the country’s efforts to establish effective global partnerships, exchange experiences, and unify global efforts to address cross-border cyber-attacks to enhance global digital security.”

“The UAE is a global leader in cyber security, which was evident in the global competitiveness indicators, where the protection of our cyber security and maintaining business continuity in strategic sectors is a top priority in the council’s strategy to confront suspicious cyber-attacks proactively and with high efficiency. Cyber Security and the protection of digital assets remains top of the Cyber Security Lab agenda with wide global participation which enhances UAE’s position as an international innovative laboratory that presents new tools and advanced technologies capable of facing current and future cyber-attacks worldwide,” he added.

Al Kuwaiti has also praised the “Projects of the 50” that are set to establish a new phase of the country’s internal and external growth in cyberspace, consolidate its regional and global position in all sectors, and raise human competitiveness in the UAE to achieve global outstanding ranks.

Alex Nicholl, Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s Head of Intersec, said that this partnership demonstrates the importance of this sector and the innovative developments at the show in 2022. “We are thrilled to bring the highest level of government partners to collaborate and participate at the event. The UAE Cyber Security Council has embarked on a number of initiatives that reinforce a safe and secure cyber infrastructure in the UAE, we are honoured to be a part of their plans to share their vision across the world.”

Intersec 2022 will also feature some of the world’s best speakers in the UAE for the first time with global experts and government leaders headlining Intersec’s inaugural Cyber Security Lab at the three-day conference.

The cyber programme will include discussions on rapid changes in the industry, key trends and the growth in emerging innovations and technology advancements. An innovative line-up of live activities including an interactive three-day hackathon will include some of the region’s most ambitious students and exciting Start-Up’s.

Also new to the programme is the Intersec Cyber Awards recognising global and regional talent. A significant focus on diversity in Cyber Security will feature throughout the program, plus the role of education and academia in growing talent.

Cyber Security is one of seven product sections at the annual event, joining Commercial Security; Fire & Rescue; Perimeter & Physical Security; Safety & Health; and Homeland Security & Policing.

Source: Emirates News Agency