Microsoft's Student Advantage program allows students to download Office 365 ProPlus for Free.

Dubai, UAE, 11 January 2015

Microsoft has announced its partnership with GEMS Education to deploy the Student Advantage program across all GEMS schools in the UAE. The program not only enables students to have full access to the latest Microsoft Office technologies, but also provides them with the digital means to experience an enhanced learning in and out of the classroom.  

GEMS Education will be the first private institution in the Middle East to roll out the Student Advantage program across its schools. The program is a global initiative by Microsoft that offers Office 365 ProPlus to students at no additional charge when institution desktops are already licensed for Office 2013 Professional Plus or Office 365.

"GEMS value-driven education is expressed through 'Leading through Innovation' and 'Growing by Learning'.  We believe in giving our students the tools they need to prepare for life beyond the classroom, empowering them to decide on their own futures, and be the best that they can be. The Student Advantage program is an excellent way to empower our students and educators alike to use technology to help achieve those goals. We are proud to partner with Microsoft to deploy this program within our schools, and to encourage and stimulate their learning experiences beyond the classroom," said Gordon Stewart, Senior Project Director for GEMS Education.  

With access to most used applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync and InfoPath, the Office 365 Pro Plus for students allows them to run Office on up to five machines and Mobile devices across multiple platforms.

 "Microsoft has made a long-term commitment to working with schools and educators in the UAE to expand the world of learning through technology. We are striving to support the development of the education system in the UAE, allowing students to enter into the world of digital learning leveraging the Cloud, mobile devices and digital applications. The main aim of the Student Advantage program is to encourage and inspire students and educators alike, to learn and teach respectively, on a technologically global platform revolutionizing the education ecosystem," said Ahmed Ameen Ashour, Education Lead at Microsoft Gulf.

Through the Student Advantage program, students at a young age will be able to start building their technological and collaborative skills while equipping for success in a digital era.

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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 United Arab Emirates. 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.

About GEMS Education
GEMS Education is a pioneering education company. Through our schools, consulting practice and our charitable foundation we are advancing education for all. Every day in our schools around the world, we prepare thousands of children of all ages for real world success. We are a catalyst and delivery partner. We work with governments, donor agencies and private clients to improve education systems, and provide vital training for young people in an increasingly competitive world. Through the Varkey GEMS Foundation we campaign for, and support initiatives that change lives through education.

For more information, press only:
Lisa Santa Maria, Account Executive, ProGlobal Media
E: lisa.santamaria@proglobal.ae,
T: 04 3124833, 0556073069

For more information, please contact:
Feda Kassem   
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971) 4 4507 600
Email: feda.kassem@bm.com

© Press Release 2015