UAE, May 14, 2018- Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), chaired a high-level delegation to Egypt, during which he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Ministry of Telecommunications & Information Technology (MCIT), represented by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and the Library of Alexandria. The prospects of cooperation in the development of the intelligent education system and the creation of joint channels for the exchange, dissemination, enrichment and settlement of knowledge in the Arab World were also discussed. The visit was an opportunity to explore new horizons to consolidate the UAE-Egyptian relations in the field of educational, intellectual and cognitive development, in line with the University's commitment to instilling a culture of intelligent education based on innovation, excellence, quality and scientific research, locally and regionally.

Joint efforts with the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT)

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar met with Yasser Al-Qadi, the Minister of Communications, who signed a joint cooperation protocol for the development of the smart education sector and the promotion of entrepreneurship in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century, in a step towards further strengthening the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Egypt in the field of education. It focuses on the development of a clear roadmap to set up an innovative model of smart education in the Arab World with Emirati-Egyptian adherence. Al Awar and Al-Qadi emphasized the necessity of channeling synergies towards optimal investment in modern technology, in line with the ambitious strategic aspirations to make intelligent learning the first pillar and the foundation for the advancement of the educational sector, as well as enhancing the Arab World's reputation as a leading center of knowledge, education and academic excellence in the world.

Quality education and intelligent e-content

HBMSU signed a cooperation protocol with ITIDA in the presence of His Excellency the Egyptian Minister of Communications to develop an integrated system of intelligent education and technological innovation to support the development efforts in the Arab World. Under the agreement, the two parties will work to ensure quality in the field of intelligent learning and learning by establishing a ‘quality framework’ for those providing education, academic programs and scientific research using information technology, in addition to cooperating in the establishment of an Arab accreditation center for teaching and intelligent learning, and evaluation and testing centers for academic and professional programs. The joint efforts will focus on facilitating the implementation of academic programs between HBMSU and its counterparts in Egypt in various vital disciplines, especially software engineering and organizational excellence.

Library of Alexandria to launch ‘Embassy of Knowledge’ in HBMSU campus

In a strong boost to the UAE-Egypt cooperation, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar signed a strategic partnership with Dr. Mustafa El-Faqi, Director of the Library of Alexandria, which is a global seat of science, knowledge and culture, currently headed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as Honorary Chairman. Under the cooperation protocol, the Library of Alexandria will open a ‘Knowledge Embassy’ this September on the HBMSU campus, making it the first ‘Embassy of Knowledge’ outside the country. Both parties will work together to develop the Unified Arab Index, develop and share the Digital Asset Warehouse at the Library and explore new horizons for fruitful partnership in lifelong learning, professional development programs, library science, bibliography and archiving, in order to advance the modernization of educational outputs in line with the era of the knowledge economy.

The Agreement also included establishment of center for the development of intelligent e-content, with an aim to support the academic and professional needs and continuous community education, and to establish a research center and boost creativity on electronic media, to be the focus in the field of education and intelligent learning. It was agreed to build the capacity of students and faculty members in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, through the development and dissemination of courses and educational conformity according to the standards adopted by both sides.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar said: “It is an honor to forge this new partnership between the UAE and Egypt, which is the result of many extensive discussions and previous workshops between the University, the Ministry of Education, the Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme and the Egyptian Ministry of Communications. We held meetings to explore ways to integrate technological innovations in reshaping the education sector and draw a new future for higher education in the Arab World. We also commend the partnership with one of the historic libraries in the world which houses 3,000-year old archives and content, a place of huge importance in enhancing the intellectual, educational and learning production in the Arab World to attain global excellence. We are confident that this partnership will be an addition to our efforts and the initiatives of the universities that look forward to boost new growth in the Arab World. The Memorandum of Agreement with the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and the cooperation also with the Library of Alexandria affirm the confidence of the government, academic institutions and cultural and educational organizations in the Arab World in HBMSU as the first academic entity working on shaping the future of higher education through smart education approach which supports our endeavors towards a knowledge-based and competitive economy.”

Al Awar added: “These new partnerships are strategically important and form a significant move towards adopting the joint efforts to make a positive change in education and knowledge on the regional level and achieving the aspiring goals to surpass the traditional education to reach an integrated education system in line with the technological and telecommunication revolution, which is known as the core feature of the 21st century. The visit was a distinguished step for us to share our leading experience in shaping the future of education in the UAE and the Arab World, which was based on essential basis such as smart education, lifetime learning, innovation, quality and scientific research.”

Cooperation with Alexandria University

HBMSU delegation’s visit was concluded with a meeting with Dr. Essam Al Kurdi, President of Alexandria University, to discuss the best ways to achieve the goals of knowledge and education cooperation, thereby further enhancing the historical relationship between the UAE and Egypt. The smart education initiatives and training programs provided by the University were showcased during the meeting, which reflects the importance of smart education as a solid foundation that defines the future of social and economical development in the world.