Microsoft to work with Mohammad Foundation

Dubai: Microsoft chairman Bill Gates spent his first day in the UAE giving keynotes address, meeting with government leaders, and even finding time to sign two partnership agreements with local philanthropic foundations.

Gates made the biggest announcement of the day at the Microsoft Government Leader's Forum, where he told the audience that Microsoft was entering into a partnership with the Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation.

The agreement is aimed at increasing research and infrastructure for higher education throughout the Arab world. Most of Gates' visit to the UAE focused on education and the impact of the IT sector on the region's economy.

"Technology has touched millions of lives and played a significant role in fostering economic development across the region," Gates said.

"Microsoft's goal is to work in close partnership with governments and partner organisations to help them use technology to accelerate social and economic development."

Gates also announced a partnership between Dubai Cares and Microsoft to establish e-learning hubs that aims to improve ITC literacy among parents and school staff.

Microsoft also announced a renewed five-year commitment to the Partners in Learning programme, which aims to bring technology to those without computers, a training programme in Qatar, and online, educational services in Oman.