Minister of State for Higher Education visits Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education, has visited Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) as part of a series of field visits aimed at strengthening communications with higher education institutions in order to encourage constructive dialogue and exchange views on the reality and the future of education in the UAE.

Dr. Belhoul was welcomed by the faculty, administrative body and senior officials led by Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, who reiterated his institution’s continuing commitment to supporting the development of the educational system in accordance with the latest technological innovations, best international practices and scientific foundations. This will help achieve UAE Vision 2021’s goal of preparing a new generation characterized by knowledge, innovation, and the ability to build a competitive knowledge-based economy.

The Minister was briefed on HBMSU’s leadership in supporting national efforts to develop higher education in line with the requirements and objectives of the UAE’s ‘smart’ transformation and learned about the smart learning methodology adopted by the university which employs the most advanced tools and techniques to meet students' needs in the UAE and the Arab World. He commended the leading steps taken by university, especially in terms of implementing a ‘lifelong learning model’ which helps individuals to gain scientific knowledge and achieve operational efficiencies and ultimately contribute to overall development and prosperity.

The Minister met with learners and alumni of doctoral, master and bachelor's programs and listened to their insights on the significance of smart learning in supporting academic and professional careers. The learners shared the opinion that educational innovative technologies such as the ‘virtual classes,’ play an important role in the provision of flexible learning methodology, which is further characterized by ease of use and availability around the clock, which in turn promote the possibility of reconciling the university and working life. The learners and graduates also provided Dr. Belhoul with an in-depth briefing on the ongoing support of HBMSU through the opening of direct communication channels between the learners, the academician and the Deans during the study and after graduation, particularly through its series of quality initiatives like the ‘Business Incubation Center,’ ‘e-CAPS’ and the ‘Orientation and Skills Development’ program, among other services as well.

The Minister commented HBMSU’s cultural diversity, which characterizes the faculty members and proves to be beneficial to learners who are given the opportunity to learn from various leading international experts, pointing to the significance of the ‘University online book store,’ which includes rich knowledge resources that facilitate the development of ideas and scientific research.

Lastly, Dr. Belhoul expressed his gratitude in meeting the learners and graduates, urging them to exert more efforts in order to achieve academic excellence and contribute to the country’s comprehensive development.

The Minister commended HBMSU for serving as a model for the future of smart education in the Arab World. He emphasized that such a scientific stature at this level of excellence and leadership provides a solid pillar for achieving the national agenda of ‘UAE Vision 2021,’ specifically the development of a high-level education system that keeps pace with the UAE’s remarkable developments under its wise leadership. He also underscored the need to further improve communication among higher education institutions in order to share best practices, insights and creative ideas to achieve leadership in higher education as well as global competitiveness in scientific research.