Delegation from Bahrain's Ministry of Education visits Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University to explore opportunities in education

UAE, August 16, 2015 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) hosted today (Sunday, August 16, 2015) a high-profile delegation from Bahrain headed by its Minister of Education, H.E. Dr. Majid Bin Ali Al-Nuaimi. The group was received by Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and Chairman of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE). The delegates visited the university to explore opportunities of cooperation as well as initiate mutually beneficial projects to enhance the level of education in the GCC and the Middle East in line with international standards. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Nuaimi and the accompanying delegation, which included Dr. Riad Yusuf Hamza, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council; and Mr. Moamar Easa Al Mannai, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain - Cultural Attaché -Abu Dhabi; learned about HBMSU’s ‘smart’ education model, which utilizes the latest technologies to reach out to learners who are unable to enrol under the classroom model of education. They were also informed about the university’s expansion plans in the field of scientific research, innovation and training, and smart learning. In addition, both parties discussed their roles in promoting higher education in the region.

In his speech during the meeting, H.E. Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of smart learning as an ideal platform that provides an opportunity for all those who are unable to attend the traditional campus setting due to certain restrictions, enabling them to take advantage of a flexible methodology to get a quality education in conformity with the highest international standards. He also praised the role of the university as a refined and distinctive educational structure for conducting distinct modern and sophisticated programs based on innovative learning methods that contribute directly in re-shaping the future of higher education in the Gulf region.

H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi added: “We are committed to work in accordance with the directives of the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE to promote closer cooperation between the two countries in the field of education. These cooperative frameworks will form a solid pillar for establishing a strong relationship with students who represent the hope of the future. We look forward to building strong associations that will become a model for excellence in networking between countries in the field of education and scientific research. We once again reiterate our absolute commitment to build an effective partnership with HMBSU as it adopts ambitious expansion plans to continue its march of development and leadership under the remarkable directions of Dr. Mansoor Al Awar to spread a culture of ‘smart’ learning in the Arab World.”

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive a high-profile delegation consisting of educational professionals from Bahrain headed by H.E. Dr. Majid Bin Ali Al-Nuaimi. The visit gives us an opportunity to share HBMSU’s path-breaking, technology-focused approach to education and reinforces the university’s distinction as a pioneer in ‘smart’ learning in the Middle East. We remain committed to enhance the standard of education in the region by offering modern and convenient educational methods to the present generation. We look towards working closely with Bahrain in the field of e-Learning which will further strengthen the ties between both countries.”   

Dr. Al Awar delivered a welcome note before elaborating about HBMSU’s educational approach and the programs and courses it offers.  The delegates were also given a brief introduction about HBMSU by the Vice Chancellors of various departments, including Academic Affairs, Technology Development, Learner Development, and International Cooperation and Corporate Communication. Later on, a session was held at the Chancellor’s Meeting Room to explore means of collaboration between the two parties.