Dubai, April 23, 2006 - The American University in Dubai (AUD) has signed an agreement with Cisco systems, worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the regional Cisco Networking Academy, to become a Local Cisco Networking Academy. This agreement will benefit AUD students through the integration of the latest advances in enterprise system technologies in the networking concentration courses or through the eventual creation of professional electives. It will also allow AUD to set up an entire state-of-the-art computer networking lab.

Dr. Khalid Khawaja, Chair of IT Department, AUD said: "AUD allows its undergraduate students the unique opportunity of specializing in one of the key enterprise computing areas, which includes Networking, Database and Applications Development for Business & e-Commerce. We are happy to be associated with a renowned company as Cisco, one of the world leaders in Computer Networking technology."

The Academy program will require training and certification of AUD's networking faculty members, while providing them access to the Cisco training material, guides and simulation tools.

Commenting on the vital role of UAE University, the regional Cisco Networking Academy, in implementing this agreement with Cisco, Dr. Khawaja added: "We are pleased and excited to have the opportunity to establish this work relationship with UAE University in Al Ain. AUD always welcomes these academic collaborations which can only enhance the total educational program."

"As a Cisco Regional Academy, hosted under the College of Information Technology of the UAE University, we are dedicated to serve the academic community in the UAE at large by providing best in class training programs for our Cisco Local Academies in the GCC.  The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program, through extensive hands-on exercises, helps bridge the gap between what is being taught in the class room and what is being implemented in today's era of computer networks", said Dr. Khaled Shuaib, Director of the UAE University-Cisco Regional Networking Academy.

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Notes to editor:
The American University in Dubai is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. Fall 2005, enrolment is 2,356 students representing eighty nationalities.

AUD offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. A four-year Bachelor's degree is offered in Business Administration (BBA), Visual Communication (BFA), Interior Design (BFA) and Information Technology (BIT).

The AUD School of Engineering, established in 2001 through collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers the Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree in Civil, Computer and Electrical Engineering.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offered as a generalist degree, with the option to specialize in either Marketing or Finance.

Through its Center for English Proficiency, the University also conducts Intensive and Academic English programs designed to develop university-level English language skills.

The University's faculty possesses outstanding academic credentials, and the vast majority are or have been practicing professionals of note. AUD's multi-complex facility has been conceived with the objective of supporting the University's programs (both academic and extra-curricular) to an American standard. The campus surroundings include Dubai Internet City and Media City. This reflects HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for Dubai as the technological hub of the Middle East, together with the University's role as a technological reference point.

About The Cisco Academy Program:
Launched in 1997, the Academy program has grown to more than 11,000 Academies in 151 countries, with curricula taught in 11 languages. Over 1.9 Million students are active in Academies in high schools, colleges and universities, technical schools, community-based organizations, and other educational programs around the world. The Academy's blended learning model integrates face-to-face teaching with a challenging web-based curriculum, hands-on lab exercises, and Internet-based assessment.

The web-based curricula were developed by educators for simultaneous delivery to all Academy sites through a Global Learning Network. Certified instructors provide face-to-face support in a specially equipped Academy lab to reinforce learning and ensure student progress. Internet-based assessment provides immediate feedback to students and teachers - providing mastery, as well as measurement.

For more information, please contact:
Lina Anani/Sami Al Shorafa
ASDA'A Public Relations
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P O Box 28063
Dubai, UAE
Tel : (971 4) 3344550
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
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© Press Release 2006