Huge push for knowledge sector

Dubai: The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation launched 15 programmes to benefit learning and education in the region, to give those wishing to pursue their studies the means to do so.

1) The Arab Report on Knowledge: In collaboration with the UN Development Programme, the Foundation will issue an Annual Report on Knowledge Affairs that will provide an Arab Index to gauge the knowledge sector.

2) Improvement of University Education Quality Programme:

"Your Foundation will ... will work with the UN Programme for quality and accreditation in Arab universities, to build the independent Arab establishment, ... working in accordance with international criteria and experience," said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

3) Arab Research Network: It will finance research and encourage cooperation among Arab scholars. The network will start with the Public Administration and the Arab Council of Social Sciences projects.

4) School Teachers' Network: The network will train school teachers in the Arab world, to help them present and exchange ideas and to participate in research and case studies.

5) University Student Training Network: The network will help establish communication between university students who seek to find opportunities for practical training and Arab companies looking for promising graduates.

6) Scholarship Programme: The programme is for select young Arab professionals to help them pursue Master's degree in foreign universities.

7) Pioneers Programme: The programme addresses top graduates who want to continue graduate studies in Arab universities.

8) Online Programme for Women: The Foundation will offer women grants to cover their online education, personal computers and internet subscription. Mona Al Merri, Managing Director of the Dubai Press Club, said: "It is a great initiative for women."

9) Leadership Skills Programme: The programme aims at building potential as a leader. It is open to qualified young people working in government and private sectors.

10) Business Pioneers Programme: The programme will be carried out in collaboration with universities willing to help their students start their own business.

11) Business Sponsorships in Universities: The programme will encourage students to invent, and facilitate the application of new inventions in practical life.

12) Refugee Loan Programme: The programme will help refugees in disaster areas by making small loans to start small businesses.

13) Arab Database Programme: The programme aims to develop online Arab database by supporting ideas and projects of the young people in the programme and Arab sites on the internet.

14) Charity Programme: The programme helps to develop the potential of donators, individuals, charities or societies, to start projects and help turn charity recipients self-reliant.

15) The Knowledge Complex: "I always remember the Baghdadi 'House of Wisdom' that abides in the Arab and Muslim conscience as an Arab pioneering step to provide the suitable environment to produce knowledge and as an example of openness to the age and its living cultures," said Shaikh Mohammad.