PROJECT CLOSING OF THE 2006 UAE Educational IT Challenge

Date: March 04, 2006
Venue: Ministry of Education
Location: Dubai
Time: 11am
Press release [Englsh and Arabic][Photos]

Record Number of Entries Received For The UAE IT Challenge from Students, Teachers and Educational Institutions in the UAE, GCC, Jordan and Egypt

The UAE Educational IT Challenge 2006 entries officially closed on February 15, with a record number of entries received from students, teachers and educational institutions in the UAE and for the first time from Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar and Kuwait.

An initiative of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates University, Ministry of Education, Knowledge Village and ITEP, the UAE Educational IT Challenge was launched under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

On behalf of the Executive Committee Dr Abdulla Al Karam noted that a record 743 entries were received. This far exceeded the 487 entries received in the 2004 challenge and organizers were surprised and impressed that so many students, teachers and organizations had participated.

Projects cover a broad spectrum of educational topics ranging from teaching applications, communication tools, teaching people with special needs, road safety, tourism, the environment, the history of the UAE and many other interesting and educational topics.

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Judging panel and Director of Knowledge Village commented that “the response is outstanding and shows the large number of innovative and high quality projects being done by students, teachers and organizations in the UAE and other surrounding countries”. In reference to the judging process, Dr. Al Karam said judging had already begun, and that the finalists would be announced on March 28, with all finalist projects open to the public for viewing on April 22.

The UAE IT Challenge was originally modeled on the global challenges of Stockholm and Rome. VIP’s, ambassadors and overseas guests have been invited to attend this year’s event.

The winners will receive their awards from His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chancellor of Higher Colleges of Technology and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research at an award banquet to be held on April 22.