Dubai: 31 July, 2007 - Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), members of TECOM Investments, participated in the 3rd QS Asia Pacific Professional Leader in Education (APPLE) conference and exhibition 2007, held in Hong Kong recently to strengthen ties with the Asia Pacific knowledge industry. Dubai International Academic City was one of the sponsors of the event.

On the sidelines of the exhibition and conference, representatives from DKV and DIAC held discussions with education administrators and policy makers from all over the world. They underlined the role of global partnership in assessing the quality of education in Asian universities and highlighted the benefits these universities could bring to the education clusters in Dubai.

Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City also presented their future plans to create a regional destination for international education in line with the objectives spelt out in Dubai Strategy 2015.

Ibrahim Jamel, Director of Business Development, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "As part of Dubai's academic cluster, we seek to build links with the global institutions. We believe our partnerships will bring additional benefits to the education sector in the region, in addition to attracting overseas students as we expand our graduate and undergraduate programme portfolio."

3rd QS Asia Pacific Professional Leader in Education (APPLE) conference and exhibition held under the theme 'Asian Universities - promoting quality and equal opportunity through global partnership' attracted around 500 international educators from over 200 institutions representing 40 countries.

"The event was a perfect platform for the Dubai academic clusters to showcase their capabilities and seek partnerships. At the same time, our discussions during the conference also helped the Asian and global educational institutions understand our requirements. We are confident the interaction will lead to alliances which will benefit the academic sector in the UAE and the region," added Ibrahim Jamel.

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About Dubai Knowledge Village
Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), launched in 2003, places the Middle East on the map as a destination for learning excellence. Its 1 KM long picturesque campus provides a ready environment for a variety of knowledge-based entities including training centres and learning support entities. This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic strategy to develop the region's talent pool and accelerate its move into a knowledge-based economy.  Benefits for Dubai Knowledge Village partners include 100% foreign ownership, 100% freedom from taxes, 100% repatriation of assets and profits and effortless visa issuance procedures. DKV has over 350 partners which include training centres, professional centres and HR companies. DKV also enjoys the distinction of being the world's only Free Zone totally focused on professional training and learning support services.
About Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) located in the Dubai Academic City is the world's only Free Zone dedicated to higher education. A regional base for premier international higher education institutions, DIAC is the world's first dedicated tertiary cluster development. Spread across an area of 25 million square foot, the DIAC campus provides an environment of vitality and inspiration for students and faculty. IAC partners also enjoy special privileges like 100% foreign ownership, 100% freedom from taxes, 100% repatriation of profits and effortless visa issuance procedures for students, faculty and staff. DIAC offers a self contained environment with world class facilities for recreational activities including restaurants, cinema, gym and sports grounds. A well appointed hostel accommodation provided within the campus allows for a well rounded educational experience. There are currently over 20 international universities of higher learning in Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City from diverse regions including Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, UK and Ireland operating out of DIAC, catering to over 9,000 students.  These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programmes on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes.

For further information please contact:
Hayet Zenati
Account Executive
JIWIN,
The Public Relations Arm of Dubai Press Club
T:+9714 361 2831
F:+9714 368 8 001
Email: Hayet.Zenati@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2007