Ajman University Forms Strategic Alliance with Microsoft Gulf to Collaborate On ICT Education Initiatives

MoU signed to impart training to teachers on Microsoft's latest technologies and empowering students with IT skills

Dubai, UAE, September 1^st, 2008 - Furthering its commitment to transform the UAE into a knowledge based society, Microsoft Gulf today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST). As part of the agreement, the students and teachers of the university will receive training on Microsoft's latest software and technologies. The collaboration aims to enhance the use of ICT based education in the local market and equip students with IT skills. The agreement was signed by Dr. Ahmed Dabbagh, Academic e-Services Director, Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) and Khalid Lootah, Public Sector Director, Microsoft Gulf at the campus.

In addition, Microsoft will work with AUST to integrate the technologies into the curriculum and provide guidance and support to draft a national strategy on the role of ICT in education. AUST students will also be eligible to participate in the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Furthermore, the agreement offers AUST participation in the Microsoft IT Academy program that allows academic institutions to conduct certified training courses on Microsoft technologies. Microsoft will also play a crucial role in finding the right jobs for students who are certified.

Khalid Lootah, Public Sector Director, Microsoft Gulf said, "The agreement reflects Microsoft's long-term commitment to collaborating with academic institutions to contribute to socio-economic development and accelerate the evolution of a knowledge-based society. For technology to become an effective tool for learning, it must first be an effective tool for teaching. An important part of our work at Microsoft is providing teachers with the skills training and curriculum they need to make technology an integral part of classroom instruction. We welcome the opportunity to work with Ajman University that is using IT to empower both teachers and students thereby enabling them to compete in today's global economy."

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Ahmed Dabbagh, Academic e-Services Director, Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) said, "Our aim is to provide students with the highest levels of technical and professional training programs to give them the best opportunities once they graduate. An important part of that vision is adding more advanced e-solutions to our methods of teaching as we have already started e-learning and creating a cyber and virtual environment across our campuses. By integrating the power of technology with our curriculum, we are preparing our students for the future. We have a strong relationship with Microsoft and we look forward to our long-term association with them to help us realize the vision of H.E. the President Dr. Saeed Salman in providing high-quality education and making the Futuristic University a reality".

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About Ajman University of Science and Technology
Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) is an academic private institution providing higher education services. It is a licensed and accredited institution which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs as well as vocational training. It was established in the Emirate of Ajman- UAE in 1988 by virtue of the Emiri Decree No. 4/88 issued by His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ajman. AUST includes 10 colleges, offers 32 accredited programs and boasts an alumni community of 18,449 alumni who have excelled in their professional life and have added an extra asset by forming a network of friends to the University. AUST's website is: www.ajman.ac.ae

About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middle east

Microsoft contact:                                                    
Dina Al-Ghussein                                                         
Microsoft Gulf                                                 
Tel: 00-9714-3917000                                    
Email: v-dinagh@microsoft.com                                   

Media contact:
Sharon Depenha,
Asda'a Public Relations
Tel: 00-9714-3344550
Email: s.depenha@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008