The Sheikh Mohammed IT Education Project has launched an online education e-Store, to make educational tools more accessible to UAE students.

In accordance with the directives of Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, the Sheikh Mohammed IT Education Project announced the launch of the e-Store, implemented in partnership with the leading e-commerce provider, Intern shop.

Maj. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, and Jamal Khalfan Al Howairib, Director of the IT Education Project, attended an official e-Store ceremony at Emirates Towers yesterday.
Home delivery

Al Howairib said: "This is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and addresses a clear need for easier access to educational tools. Students at all levels can now enjoy the benefits of this new e-commerce initiative.

"This will include home delivery of PCs and peripherals, software, books and other educational tools. They will all be available over the Internet at heavily subsidised prices, at a variety of individual payment options, including cash on delivery and easy installments."

Al Howairib added: "The software was programmed and designed by a group of German students. The program had been promoted through brochures, posters, handouts, notice boards, magazines, newspapers and Dubai TV."

It is hoped that the e-Store will benefit students not only by offering them value for money on hardware and software purchases, but also by giving them important practical e-commerce experience.

The www.estore.co.ae has been designed to be as user friendly as possible while maintaining security essential for any online marketplace. All products are listed in clearly defined categories to facilitate the selection process. Customer queries will be handled by specialists.

Refaat A. Kazoun, a Senior Trainer at the Project, said: "The e-Store will continue to grow, and will offer greater choice to a wider market. Plans for the next phase include allowing staff from the Ministry of Education and Youth to register as customers, and eventually every one involved in education in the UAE."

Kazoun added: "The e-Store is the online market place for the IT Education Project and features products from the world's leading IT vendors, such as Microsoft, IBM, Compaq, Dell and Nokia."

Students will no longer have to shop around for the best bargains. The e-Store will offer all goods for home delivery at heavily subsidised prices, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Upon registration, each student is given a special ID with which to access the site. The store is open for any registered student with Internet access. Shopping for educational products through the online education e-Store will also enable students to develop important e-commerce skills.

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