11 February 2015
Conference supports H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed's 'Dubai Innovation Partners' initiative

UAE - Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has announced that it will focus on 'Smart Learning Excellence' under the four tracks of Innovation Arabia 8 conference which will be held from February16 to18, 2015 in Dubai. The event is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University. The move is in line with the university's commitment to play a vital role as a pioneer in reinforcing quality in e-Learning and consolidating the culture of creativity, innovation and scientific research in the Arab World.

The 'Smart Learning Excellence' track will be held under the theme 'Instructional Design and Technologies Towards Smart Learning'. It will focus on attracting and encouraging students, researchers, experts, academics and stakeholders in the education sector to discuss their projects demonstrating efforts towards smart learning. The track will also review the techniques used to shape borders between education and workplace, formal and informal learning, individual and collective learning, and learning and development of social and institutional practices.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU explained that the purpose of Innovation Arabia 8 is to find out innovative solutions to make the best use of promising opportunities to accelerate the region's economic and social sustainable development. He pointed out that the conference reaffirms HBMSU's support for the 'Dubai Innovation Partners' initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote international cooperation in innovation, paving the way to improve the quality of life and ensure a better future.

Al Awar added: "There is a consensus among educators on the importance of skills such as critical thinking, creativity and innovation, leadership, problem-solving, media and informatics knowledge, which fall under the framework of 'Smart Learning.' Therefore, through the 'Smart Learning Excellence' track, we seek to activate the channels of communication between regional and international pioneers to develop effective ideas and solutions to enhance the skills required in the 21st century. We are confident that hosting an event with such a high level of professionalism will add to our efforts that encourage innovation in learning in line with the ambitious objectives of Dubai Innovation Strategy that ultimately aims to position the emirate as a global hub for innovation and creativity."

Al Awar concluded: "The importance of the 'Smart Learning Excellence' track is to focus on a range of key areas, including 'Smart Learning from experts,' 'Assessment Strategies for Smart Learning,' and 'Smart Learning in Diverse Technology Learning Environments' along with policies for integration of smart learning, quality, and many others. The conference will be a global forum to highlight the most important success stories from the Arab World in the past two decades as well as the exchange of best practices, visions and strategies. It will be an important platform that will enrich knowledge, stimulate scientific research, and promote a regional culture of creativity and innovation."

Innovation Arabia 8 will discuss policies and strategies and present leading academic researches under four main tracks: 'Quality and Business Management,' 'Health and Environment,' 'Smart Learning Excellence,' and 'Islamic Banking and Finance.' It will also include, awards programs, direct meetings and networking opportunities with prominent academicians, decision makers, researchers, experts, and representatives of international organizations, government agencies and private organizations. They will discuss the latest emerging trends and current and future industry challenges as well as come up with appropriate solutions to sustain the Arab region's continuous development.

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© Press Release 2015