Parties will focus on fostering local innovation and enabling jobs
Dubai, UAE, November 17, 2011: The first "Microsoft Learning Center" in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region will be set up by the Higher Colleges of Technology and Microsoft after the parties signed an Education Alliance Agreement today. The Agreement is designed to strengthen public-private partnerships in harnessing the power of technology in the education sector.
Under the framework of the Agreement, the Microsoft Learning Center will be located at the Higher Colleges of Technology and will serve as a specialized resource center for faculty and students, as well as a laboratory testing environment for development of Windows Phone 7, Windows Azure, and Kinect.
Dr.Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said: "We are committed to providing a world-class educational experience for our students as they prepare to enter a competitive knowledge-based economy as graduates."
"This partnership between HCT and Microsoft is strategically positioned to open up new avenues of collaboration and efficiencies for our many stakeholders - faculty, students, and administrators - so that we can further develop our emphasis on innovation in education, ensuring our students will have the skills of teamwork, adaptability, global awareness, technology and analytical thinking to make important contributions to our nation." Dr. Kamali added.
"By working closely with Microsoft on establishing this Learning Center, the Higher Colleges of Technology will also contribute to advances in cloud computing, as well as to the highly dynamic industry of games for learning though the Kinect technology. It is therefore enhancing its reputation as an ideal choice for UAE employers seeking well-educated and well-prepared graduates," Dr. Kamali said.
According to Samer Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf, "Microsoft has made a long-term commitment to working with the government, teachers and students in UAE to expand the world of learning through technology. Microsoft has over two decades of experience working with education institutions worldwide and developing innovative education products and solutions. We will leverage this expertise in these pioneering joint efforts to create exceptional educational experiences for students and teachers across the Higher Colleges of Technology."
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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 and the UAE. Microsoft Corporation's address on the worldwide web is: www.microsoft.com and Microsoft's Gulf web site is: www.microsoft.com/gulf.
About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 19,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.
HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences and Education. These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visit www.hct.ac.ae
Microsoft contact
Miriam Farshoukh
PR Lead - Microsoft Gulf
Tel: +971508249774
Email: a-mifars@microsoft.com
Media contact
Vikas Prabhakar
Asdaa Burson Marsteller
Tel: 9714 3344550
Email: v.prabhakar@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2011
