Emaar Education unveils University of the Arts for MENA region and the Subcontinent

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• Senior art educationalists appointed to lead the initiative
Dubai, UAE; - Emaar EducationEmaar Education LLC, the wholly owned subsidiary of real estate major Emaar Properties, has unveiled the University of the Arts to promote arts education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the Subcontinent, and appointed Emeritus Professor Robert Ely to lead the initiative.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties said: "Emaar's venture into the education sector is well-aligned with the company's Vision 2010 of becoming one of the world's most valuable companies. The establishment of the University of the Arts is another step by Emaar towards becoming a provider of world-class education. The decision to enter into the arts education industry is strategic as there is growing demand for local arts education of international standards in the MENA region and Indian Subcontinent. The University of the Arts initiative will help to nurture creativity and cultivate global talent in these regions."

The University of the Arts is a key part of Emaar EducationEmaar Education's plans to open over 100 educational institutions including nurseries, international schools, business schools and universities in locations close to and within its master-planned communities in the MENA region, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia.

The University of the Arts will respond to the demand for creative professionals for the knowledge economy, based on entrepreneurship, ideas and intellectual property. Headquartered in Dubai, the University of the Arts will create a network of campuses, each distinct and with its own identity but linked as an international networked university.

Boon Yew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar EducationEmaar Education, added: "Emaar EducationEmaar Education is focused on an integrated curricula that assure the overall development of students, and we are pleased that Professor Ely has agreed to spearhead our arts education initiative. Professor Ely has an established and illustrious track record and had contributed significantly to the development of the world-class arts education system in Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. We are confident that Professor Ely would be able to bring to Emaar EducationEmaar Education the same high standards of arts education that those countries offer."

Professor Ely, President of Art Schools, Colleges and Universities for Emaar EducationEmaar Education, said: "The University of the Arts is a unique initiative by Emaar and a great opportunity to realize one of the largest and most exciting education opportunities in the world. Higher education is a global business with the capacity to change the world we live in and the world we offer to our children and their children. We are privileged to be part of the vision of Emaar's Chairman and by the bold success of the company in building futures and look forward to contributing to that success."

Professor Ely's memorable academic career saw him being awarded a full Professorship in 1996 by a committee of Vice Chancellors for his contributions to the Arts and to Arts Education with over twenty years experience in top positions. In 1997, he was awarded the Freedom of the State by then Texas governor George W Bush for his contributions to education and a Distinguished Honorary Professorship by Stephen F Austin State University. He was accorded the title of Emeritus Professor when he left the United Kingdom in 2000 after more than seven years at the helm of a University College in London. He holds a PhD in Education and is a prolific writer and researcher as well as a practising artist.

Professor Ely added: "My experience in Singapore fuels my confidence in cultivating a new generation of qualified art practitioners and enthusiasts, and gives me great insights into how to turn ideas and visions of education for the arts into a global reality. I hope to play a part in replicating my success in Singapore in the MENA region and Indian Subcontinent."

Apart from education, Emaar has also announced ventures in the healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors.

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Note to Editors

About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest real estate companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Powered by its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, Emaar is charting a new course of growth with a two-pronged strategy of geographical expansion and business segmentation.

Emaar has highlighted its remarkable global growth by debuting on the Financial Times Global 500 ranking, which provides an annual snapshot of the world's largest companies. Emaar has been assigned A- and A3 ratings with stable outlook by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services, respectively.

Replicating its successful business model in Dubai, Emaar is extending its expertise in creating master-planned communities to international markets. Emaar is also developing new competencies in malls, hospitality & leisure, education, healthcare and finance, which have evolved from its integrated approach to customer service and property development.

Listed on the Dubai Financial Market, part of the Dow Jones Arabia Titans Index and certified to ISO9001:2000 for quality standards, Emaar is developing Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing the US$26.6 billion King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project. Emaar's portfolio currently covers the following countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Libya, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the US, the UK, France and Canada.

An award-winning developer, Emaar has strengthened its product sale competencies, market reach and best practices through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. Emaar acquired John Laing Homes, America's second largest privately held home builder; Hamptons International, UK's premier realtor; and formed a joint venture with US-based Turner International to strengthen execution capabilities.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani and Accor Hotels to strengthen its presence in hospitality, and will launch ten luxury Armani Hotels & Resorts world-wide and 100 Formule 1 budget hotels in India. The company is opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Subcontinent. Emaar acquired Singapore-based leading education provider, Raffles Campus, to extend expertise to its educational institutions.

Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East & North Africa
Tel: (+971 4) 335 5969;
Fax: (+971 4) 335 6080
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, n.william@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2007