Oxford and Gartner to launch CIO Academy in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The University of Oxford's Saïd Business School and Gartner Executive Programmes, a unit of Gartner Inc, yesterday announced that they are to launch their CIO Academy in Abu Dhabi.

CIO Academy is a unique management development programme for the seniormost staff of any organisation with ultimate responsibility for information technology services. The programme has become established over several years at Oxford, helping many IT leaders to maximise the contribution of technology.

Rashid Al Mansouri, chairman of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), will be a special guest speaker on the programme. ADSIC is the government body responsible for delivering the UAE's acclaimed e-government platform.

"Delivering this programme in the Gulf is an exciting yet natural step for the university. We have built valuable relationships with many prominent organisations and are pleased to further develop our commitment and offering to the region," said Professor Michael Earl, acting pro-vice-chancellor, (Development and External Affairs), University of Oxford.

"CIO Academy supports the long-term vision of the UAE Federal Government and the Abu Dhabi Econ-omic Vision 2030 to develop a highly skilled and highly productive workforce," he said.

CIO Academy is open to nationals and expatriates providing a platform for their development through executive education and personal on-site tuition.

"CIO Academy is an exciting step forward for Gartner in the region," said Myles Bird, UAE country manager for Gartner.

"CIO Academy delivers the ability to fully understand the demands of the executive board on IT, demonstrate the value IT creates, and lead IT divisions to success," said Roger Kemp, group vice-president of Gartner.