• 

The College of Information Technology at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) held an IT Marathon for school pupils in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council; His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, and Dr. Shayma Al Kobaisi, Acting Dean of the College of Information Technology. Also present on Thursday 14^th May, 2015 at the IT Building on the Al Ain campus were a number of officials, professors and students.

Dr. Al Qubaisi, stressed that the Abu Dhabi Education Council is keen develop students in terms of their skills, creative thinking and ability to innovate. This is done through the provision of quality education based on linking science and innovation with the learning experience. Therefore, ADEC seeks out cooperation with many local institutions to provide opportunities for students to participate in initiatives that contribute to the development of their potential and that stimulate competitiveness as well as positive community interaction.

She added that the IT Marathon, organized in cooperation with the College of Information Technology at UAEU, is in line with ambitious goals to build a knowledge economy by ensuring students are abreast of the latest innovations and get the chance to demonstrate their information technology skills.

The Vice Chancellor of UAEU added that, “UAEU strives to organize competitions for school students in order to inculcate the values of excellence and innovation and establish a culture of invention. UAEU works to create an environment for creativity to flourish. The university seeks to attract good quality students who can contribute positively to the UAE in various ways.” He addressed the students saying, “Your presence today is important and opens up new routes into knowledge, not only today but as future students in the College of Information Technology at UAEU, the future awaits. UAEU is committed to making the College of Information Technology a leader not only in the Middle East but also on a global level.”

Dr. Al Qubaisi met with the Vice Chancellor, his deputies, deans of the colleges and professors involved in curriculum development with Abu Dhabi Education Council. During the meeting key initiatives from ADEC and from UAEU were addressed and ways forward to achieving more in areas of mutual cooperation were discussed.