Oxford Brookes University signs First International MBA Partnership With UAE Learning Hub

Dubai, 13th February 2008: Executives working in the UAE and across the Middle East can now join the elite alumni of the Oxford Brookes University by passing a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) managed by the Etisalat Academy. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations, which took place today at the Etisalat Academy's facilities in Dubai.

Dr Doaa Fares, General Manager Etisalat Academy said: "The academy is pleased to launch this MBA program in collaboration with the Oxford Brookes University. This is another landmark achievement for the Etisalat Academy. Our aim is to offer the highest possible standards of education and a world-class curriculum to professionals across the Middle East and North Africa. This agreement is a clear testament to our success in providing the facilities and environment in which to offer the ultimate in business and technical education."

The agreement was signed by the Etisalat Academy's General Manager, Dr Doaa Fares and Dr. David Langford, Dean of the Business School from the University of Oxford Brookes, in the presence of Christopher Des Forges, Dean of Business Futures, International Business, Victor Vilton, Head of MBA Program at Etisalat Academy, and number the Academy's stuff. This landmark historic agreement, the first of its kind for the University of Oxford Brookes, brings the highest benchmark of business learning to the UAE, cementing the country's position as the regional hub for talented professionals.

Dr. David Langford said: "We are pleased to launch this program in cooperation with Etisalat Academy, one of the largest training and professional preparation institutions in the region, and we are proud of our modern MBA programs, which has been designed according to the latest changes and challenges faced by those of different specializations in various industries For different segments of the market. Master's programs are designed according to the agenda coincides with the time most students varying conditions, especially those involved in the labor market, where they can complete their higher studies in the evenings or during weekends. The way the MBA program will be raised in will bring benefit from most of the resources offered by the college faculty members, and maintain a quality guarantee transactions that the University offers."

Dr. Langford added: "The relationship with Etisalat Academy is an important first step in the development of a collaboration offering rich potential and mutually beneficial outcomes". 

HE Mohammad Hassan Omran, Chairman, Etisalat met yesterday with senior representatives from Oxford Brookes University at Etisalat head office in Abu Dhabi. Etisalat's Chairman highlighted the company's achievements, including its role in developing the telecommunication sector across all countries it operates in, and its contribution to education. The meeting was also attended by other Etisalat officials including HE Ali Al Sharid, CEO of Etisalat Services, HE Abdul Aziz Al Sawaleh, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dr Doaa Fares.

The MBA offered by the Etisalat Academy and the University of Oxford Brookes takes place over a period of 30 months although it can be completed in a shorter time in some cases. It is organized into three phases, one in the UAE at the Etisalat Academy, a second via distant learning and the final which must take place during a 45-day stay at the University of Oxford Brookes in England. All participants who successful pass the course will be invited to graduate from the University's Oxford Brookes campus.

The course has been designed to take into account the work pressures of the region, with courses taking place in evenings and weekends. Participants can also take a study vacation during their course, if they require it.

Interested parties will need to register for the MBA curriculum and should be above 25 years old and have a TOEFL mark of over 320 or IELTS certificate and submit official documents and letters from their working places (for those who work for the public or corporate sector) and finally approach the personal interview that will be organized at Etisalat Academy premises.

The MBA programme will be available for students in the Gulf during the first phase, before being extended to allow applications from other parts of the Middle East and South Africa. Students will be able to participate in this program from abroad or by physically attending the classes. English courses will be organized from today for students to prepare to meet the programme's requirements. Registration for the program will start at the beginning of April, and courses will commence in July.

For further information, please visit www.etisalat.ae.

-Ends-

Press release issued by Corporate Communications Department - Etisalat

For further media information, please contact:
Ahmed Bin Ali,
Vice President Corporate Communications
Tel: 02 6182173             
Fax: 02 6334448
PRD@etisalat.ae       
www.etisalat.ae

© Press Release 2008