PRESS RELEASES

Official Press Event: Knowledge Village, 17 December 2003
[Arabic Version]

Release Date: December 17th, 2003

Dr Al Karam Director, of Knowledge Village to lead International panel of judges for UAE Educational IT Challenge

Dubai, UAE. An international panel of judges has been invited to evaluate the project submissions for the recently announced UAE Educational IT Challenge, launched under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Speaking at a press conference to update the media on the progress of the challenge and to appoint Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director of Knowledge Village to lead an international panel of judges, Dr. Jim Horton, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said that Dr. Al Karam’s appointment was confirmed by the Executive Steering Committee of the challenge.

“The committee cited his wide experience and enthusiastic support for innovative projects which would add value to the judging process and ensure that the highest standards of excellence are achieved.”

The judging panel, to be led by Dr. Al Karam which will comprise both educational and industry representatives, and the judging of projects will be done to international standards.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Karam noted that “The number of entries received so far is extremely encouraging, and with a deadline of February 25th 2004 we are on track to exceed last years total of 235 projects.”

Explaining the judging process, Dr. Karam said evaluation of projects would begin in February, with finalists being announced in mid April 2004. Winners will be announced at a special awards function to be held in Dubai on April 25th 2004, in the presence of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Education and Scientific Research.

There will be awards for best student and teacher projects for secondary schools, colleges and universities, including three special awards for UAE nationals. Projects will be judged based on their innovation, usefulness, educational value and how many people are using the projects.

“All finalist and winning projects will be displayed during the awards ceremony, and winners will be encouraged to interact with IT companies present in order that projects may be commercialized.” “In addition, the winners will be invited to participate in the global Stockholm and Rome challenges” added Dr. Al Karam.

In 2002, winners of the UAE challenge successfully reached the finals of both the Stockholm and Rome international challenges, with whom there is ongoing dialogue.

Further information regarding the challenge can be found on the website at www.uaechallenge.com

For further details please contact Mr. Robert Brown, Program Coordinator on tel. 02-6941467 or Ms Kashmira Tamhane, Executive Director, 20/20 Management on tel. 04-3430968 or Mobile 050-6556794.
Website : www.uaechallenge.com