News - ALHOSN University

Contents 

Issue 10 | June 2011 

Cover Topics 

P6 

American Corner 

Inauguration 

ALHOSN News 

Dr. Quraish Al Qasser, visits AHU 

Delegation from Kettering University 

P2 

2010 Commencement 

Ceremony 

P9 

P10 

ALHOSN Events 

CRC organizes advanced building 

design software seminar 

Distinguished Guests from the 

University of Salford 

P3 

P14 

31 st conference of Arab Association 

of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers 

Read More........... 

Academic News 

Faculty Of Business 

Faculty Of Engineering & Applied Sciences 

Faculty Of Arts & Social Sciences 

P16 

P17 

P22 

P30 

P32 

Read More........... 

Student Activities 

“The Green Sheikh” H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al 

Nuaimi joins ‘Earth Day’ 

5th International Day 

Read More........... 

US Department of State’s Dawn McCall 

visits American Corner 

ACAD News 

P8 

Read More........... 

US Institute of Peace’s Manal Omar visits 


Editorial Team 

English 

Dr Hassan Belhiah 

Arabic 

Dr Mohamed Hasab El Naby 

Proofreader 

Dr Saleh Al Nusairat 

Wafa Moussa 

Ahmad Arabieh 

Design 

Mehdi Al Tayeb 

ALHOSN Newsletter 

Semi-annual Newsletter Issued 

by the Marketing and Public 

Relations Department 

For inquiries, please contact the 

Marketing & Public Relations Department 

Phone: +971 2 407 0700 

Fax: +971 2 407 0799 

E-mail: connect@alhosnu.ae 

www.alhosnu.ae



Dr. Quraish Al Qasser, Advisor to the Prime 

Minister of Iraq, visits ALHOSN University 

Dr. Quraish Al Qasser, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq 

visited ALHOSN University and met with the University 

Vice Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni. 

During the visit, Dr. Al Qasser and Professor Sabouni explored 

the idea of establishing a framework for collaboration between 

ALHOSN University and Iraqi universities on various academic 

and research activities. It was pointed out that ALHOSN 

University, which is open to students from all nationalities, 

currently has around 40 registered Iraqi students and that 

the University is keen on admitting more students from the 

Republic of Iraq as it seeks to diversify its student body. Dr. Al 

Qasser indicated that he is very enthusiastic about potential 

collaboration with ALHOSN University since it offers a North 

American-style education with a local flavor in line with the 

University motto of “Global Knowledge with Local Vision”. The 

meeting was attended by Prof. Abdul Illah Al-Jumaily, Cultural 

Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Abu Dhabi, 

and several ALHOSN University faculty members from the 

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of 

Business, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dr. Al 

Qasser toured the University campus and visited the American 

Corner in the Library Building. At the end of the visit Dr. Al 

Qasser thanked Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni for inviting him to 

visit the university and reiterated his interest in seeing some 

initiatives of collaboration with ALHOSN University develop 

in the near future. 

Delegation from Kettering University, USA, sets 

foot at AHU 

2 

Delegates from Kettering 

University, USA, arrived to AHU 

on 27th March, and shared their 

expertise with faculty and students. They 

also discussed the implementation of 

student exchange programs between 

the two universities. 

Prof. Robert Simpson, Provost and 

Vice President for Academic Affairs, 

and Prof. Basem Alzahabi, Professor 

and Associate Head of the Mechanical 

Engineering Department, who 

represented the Kettering University 

delegation, met with ALHOSN 

University’s leadership and discussed 

how the University could operationalize 

a memorandum of understanding signed 

last year. 

Prof. Alzahabi delivered a lecture 

entitled ‘The Importance of Simulation 

for Engineers’ during the ‘New Generation 

of Building Design Softwares Seminar’ 

hosted by ALHOSN’s Center for Research 

and Consultancy on the first day of the 

visit. Kettering delegates also met with 

the department heads of the Faculty 

of Engineering and Applied Sciences 

and discussed the hosting of ALHOSN 

students starting fall 2011. A plan has 

been drafted to explore the option for 

transfer of credits for part of their study 

to obtain a dual degree. 

The delegation finalized plans and 

Memoranda of Understanding with 

ALHOSN’s Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, 

Vice Chancellor and CEO, and Dr. Hamdi 

Sheibani, Provost and former Dean of 

the Faculty of Engineering and Applied 

Sciences. 

Last December 2010, AHU and 

Kettering University signed an International 

Articulation Agreement in which the two 

parties pledged to encourage and promote 

educational, professional and intercultural 

activities among their faculty, students, 

and staff. The agreement remains in force 

through 2013.


Soft skills development workshop for staff by Sur 

College of Applied Sciences’ Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh 

ALHOSN University recently 

hosted a workshop on soft 

skills development for its staff 

conducted by Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh, 

Associate Professor at the Oman Ministry 

of Higher Education’s Sur College of 

Applied Sciences. The activity highlights 

the University’s focus on balancing the 

personal and professional growth of its 

employees. 

Dr. Singh shared with the attendees 

several techniques and strategies that 

will enable them to enhance their 

social interaction, job performance 

and career growth. He reinforced his 

workshop with engaging activities and 

role plays touching upon aspects of 

communication, teamwork and decision 

making. 

Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh is a former 

Dean of the Faculty of Management 

Studies at Gurukul 

Kangri University in India. He has 

written over 40 articles on managementrelated 

subjects and is a lifetime member 

of the Indian Commerce Association. 


Distinguished Guests from the University of Salford 

Visit ALHOSN University 

In its continual search for collaboration with academic 

institutions worldwide, the University senior leadership held 

a meeting with two prominent guests from the University 

of Salford, namely Professor Ghassan Aouad and Dr. Mike 

Kagioglou. 

Professor Ghassan Aouad is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for 

Research and Innovation at the University, while Dr. Mike 

Kagioglou is Reader of Process Management in the School 

of Construction and Property Management and Head of the 

School of the Built Environment. 

Last year, the University signed a three-year agreement, 

stipulating that the two universities will engage in joint 

research activities, teach and develop new degrees and training 

programs, exchange visits by staff, teachers and students, and 

co-develop student progression pathways. 

The meeting at ALHOSN Campus was a chance for the 

attendees to discuss progress made thus far and to brainstorm 

on areas of development for the next phase. Professor Ghassan 

Aouad and Dr. Mike Kagioglou delivered a PowerPoint 

presentation on the MERIT PhD Program, a part-time program 

carefully geared towards students holding a full-time job or 

who have a preference to conduct their research within the 

comfort of their home countries. Students enrolled in this 

program can complete the requirements within three years. 

Each PhD candidate is assigned an academic supervisor from 

the University of Salford, and a local advisor, selected by the 

student who must be approved by the University of Salford. 

The Commission for Academic Accreditation’s Visit 

On May 17 – 20, 2011, ALHOSN University hosted an external review 

team who came to campus as part of the University’s application 

for full accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering 

(BSCE) Program and initial accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in 

Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Program. 

The team was led by Prof. Thomas Armstrong from the Commission for 

Academic Accreditation (CAA) at the U.A.E Ministry of Higher Education 

and Scientific Research and included team members, Prof. Said Abdel- 

Khalik (team chair) from Georgia Institute of Technology, Prof. Kenneth 

Ball from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Prof. 

Robert Cox from Purdue University. 

The team spent four days reviewing the Civil and Mechanical 

Engineering programs, touring the lab, classroom, and library facilities, 

and meeting with various groups of faculty, staff, 

and students. Currently, ALHOSN University has 

eighteen academic programs accredited by the CAA. 

3



ALHOSN’s female students awareded the Society 

of Women in Engineering SOWIE scholarships 

ALHOSN University welcomed the incoming 2011- 

2012 batch of members of its Society of Women in 

Engineering (SOWIE) who have been accepted as 

scholars during a the awareded ceremony held last March. 

The University decides which departments and how many 

students benefit from the scholarship program on a yearly basis. 

This year the University provided 10 scholarships to female 

students enrolled in the 2009-2010 Civil Engineering program. 

Under the terms of the contract, ALHOSN shoulders the 

full tuition fees for the second half of the total credit hours 

required for graduation, taking effect on the granting date of 

the scholarship. 

Members of the partial SOWIE scholarship program have to 

meet several criteria regarding full-time status, GPA and other 

scholarship regulations set forth by the university. 

ALHOSN University identifies academic needs 

of Fujairah students 

ALHOSN University presented how its 

programs could meet the academic needs 

of Fujairah-based students during the Fujairah 

Elite & Academic Education Exhibition at the Fujairah 

Exhibition Centre. 

Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamad 

bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, UAE Supreme Council 

Member and Ruler of Fujairah, the expo provided a 

platform to introduce local students to the programs 

offered by top universities, colleges and training institutes. ALHOSN 

University took this opportunity to discuss how its curricula, impart ‘global 

knowledge with local vision’ to youths. University representatives also 

talked about the importance of adopting a holistic learning education, citing 

ALHOSN’s various community outreach and social development initiatives. 

“The exhibition enabled us to gain valuable insights on the conditions and 

needs of Fujairah students and how our particular educational philosophies 

and academic programs can help them live up to their potential. The event 

also served as an excellent venue for sharing best practices and helpful 

information with our fellow educational institutions. We received very 

positive feedback from attendees and we look forward to welcoming many 

of Fujairah’s students to our community. ALHOSN would like to thank 

the Fujairah government, particularly the Council for Education Care and 

Academic Affairs, for the warm hospitality,” said Ms. Wafa Mousa, Marketing 

& PR, ALHOSN University. 

The Fujairah Elite & Academic Education Exhibition was attended by 

representatives from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific 

Research, the Ministry of Education, the Government of Fujairah’s Council 

for Education Care and Academic Affairs, and the Fujairah Education 

Zone. It was organized by Tomouh Advertising, Exhibitions & Conferences 

Organizing Company. 

‘Global Knowledge with Local Vision’ concept is 

brought to Al Ain 

4 

ALHOSN University presented 

its unique brand of ‘Global 

Knowledge with Local Vision’ to 

students, parents and educators in Al Ain 

during the 2011 Al Ain Education & Career 

Fair at the Al Khabisi Celebration Hall in 

Al Ain. 

The University outlined the career 

prospects related to its undergraduate 

and graduate programs ALHOSN’s 

representatives explained that all 

programs were developed in collaboration 

with North American academic experts 

and are accredited by the UAE Ministry of 

Higher Education and Scientific Research. 

Also the representatives presented 

various social advocacies, such as its 

various environmental protection 

initiatives, its campaign to attract more 

women to technical and scientific courses, 

and its encouragement of multicultural 

harmony via community-outreach 

initiatives such as the American Corner 

and the International Day festivities. The 

University stressed that its programs are 

open to students of all nationalities. 

Al Ain is of prime historical significance 

for the Emirates because it is the birthplace 

of the founding father of the UAE, the late 

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is ►


also home to the country’s highest number 

of UAE Nationals. Education is thus a 

priority component of its development 

plans and ALHOSN is committed to 

helping Al Ain’s students receive worldclass 

education while staying true to their 

cultural values. 

The Al Ain Education & Career Fair 

has been attracting over 5,000 visitors 

every year since it was first inaugurated 

in 2009. Established in support of the 

UAE’s Emiratization program, the fair is 

regarded as one of the leading events in 

the culturally-rich city of Al Ain. During 

the three-day career and employment 

event, ALHOSN University joined an elite 

group of educational and private sector 

organizations, which included the ADNOC 

Group of Companies, Ernst & Young and 

the Abu Dhabi Airports Company. ■ 


Western Region Development Council and AHU join 

ranks on Al Gharbia’s education agenda 

ALHOSN University 

affirmed its full 

support for the 

educational development 

plans of the Western Region 

Development Council 

(WRDC) during the first-ever 

‘Al Gharbia Universities and 

Colleges Fair’ held recently 

in Abu Dhabi’s Al Gharbia 

region. 

WRDC, the central 

coordinating body tasked to 

oversee development and 

promote opportunities in 

the Western Region of Abu 

Dhabi, organized the fair to 

familiarize students from Al 

Gharbia region and its vicinity 

with educational programs 

and scholarship prospects 

from top universities. The 

Council invited ALHOSN University to showcase its career 

paths furnished through its 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate 

programs. 

During their tour of the Madinat Zayed City and Ghayathi 

City wedding halls, ALHOSN officials took the opportunity to 

cast light on their various extra-curricular activities and social 

and environmental advocacies. 

Al Gharbia is home to the largest oil refineries and fertile 

farms in the country. It thus needs the right manpower to 

sustain its development and 

enhance its competitiveness. 

ALHOSN is committed to 

helping the Council build, 

attract and retain local 

talent by introducing Al 

Gharbia’s young talents to 

its educational programs 

and instilling its philosophy 

of ‘Global Knowledge with 

Local Vision’. 

Through partnerships with 

major organizations such as 

ALHOSN University, the 

Western Region Development 

Council aims to achieve 

its four major goals, which 

consist of economic and social 

development, enhancement 

of infrastructure, promotion 

of investment, and 

improvement of enterprises. 

CEC News 

CEC Signs a Collaboration Agreement with ADEI 

A 

collaboration agreement was signed at ALHOSN University premises on 

May 4, 2011 between the Training & Continuing Education Center (CEC) and 

Abu Dhabi Educational Institute (ADEI). This agreement provides for joint 

collaboration between the parties. Under the terms the agreement, the parties are 

mutually responsible for facilitating training in several administrative, vocational, 

technical, engineering, language, health, and state-of-the-art technology. 

CEC and ATM O&M Company Training Agreement 

A 

training agreement was 

signed between the CEC 

and ATM O&M Company 

Limited, Abu Dhabi. The CEC already 

completed a one-thousand-hour 

training agreement for the company, 

after which both parties agreed to 

renew the agreement for another 

800 training hours. The signing took 

place in April 2011. 

The agreement was put into 

force on April 10, 2011. The parties 

will collaboratively execute the 

agreement and the training will be 

on the premises of the company, 

whereas the CEC will conduct the 

training activities and provide the 

requirements. The first agreement 

resulted in qualifying the staff of 

the Company working in English 

language skills as well as other fields 

such as computers and management. 

Both parties are working on 

completing the procedures and 

understandings for incorporation 

into future agreements. 

The agreement was signed for 

and on behalf of ALHOSN University 

by Dr. Hassan Al Samarrai, Director 

of the CEC and for and on behalf of 

the Company by Mr. Allen Harris, 

Director of Business Development. 

5


ALHOSN ACAD News 

Abu Dhabi’s first “American Corner” 

Opens at ALHOSN University 

ALHOSN University has been 

selected as the site for the city 

of Abu Dhabi’s first “American 

Corner”. The facility is the third of its 

kind in the UAE, which has similar 

corners in Fujairah and the city of Al 

Ain. The ALHOSN American corner was 

inaugurated on Sunday January 23, 2011. 

The American Corner is a resource 

center for US history, culture, policy and 

business. Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice 

Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University 

and founding president of the American 

Concrete Institute’s (ACI) - UAE Chapter, 

originally approached Engineer Elias B. 

Sayah, American Chamber of Commerce 

Vice President in Abu Dhabi, with the idea 

of establishing an American Corner in the 

capital in 2008. The US Embassy in Abu 

Dhabi issued its approval in June 2010. 

The American Ambassador, Mr. Richard 

Olson, formally opened the facility in the 

presence of dignitaries from across the 

UAE and the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. 

The ALHOSN University Board of Trustees 

and the Board of Directors of the Abu 

Dhabi Holding Company also took part 

in the festivities marking the event. 

“The American Corner embodies our 

commitment to our university motto of 

‘Global Knowledge with Local Vision’. 

ALHOSN is honored to be the home 

of Abu Dhabi’s first American Corner 

and as such will develop programs to 

promote better understanding between 

the people of the US and the UAE. The 

corner is also intended as a vehicle for 

reinforcing our ties with key professional, 

business and civic organizations in the 

US and creating partnerships with them 

on various academic, economic, and 

social projects” said Prof. Sabouni, Vice 

Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University. 

The corner is located at the ground 

floor of ALHOSN’s newly renovated 

Community Resources Center along 

with other international outreach offices, 

including a virtual lab connected to the 

University of Salford in Manchester, 

England, and a bureau for the ACI-UAE 

Chapter. The corner will host special 

events via video-conferencing to the US 

and other parts of the world as well as 

house a collection of US-related books 

and electronic resources. Computer 

stations for student use and a conference 

room for students and faculty to hold 

informal discussions will also be part of 

the venue. 

The opening of ALHOSN’s American 

Corner was marked by a ribbon-cutting 

ceremony followed by a garden reception 

next to the Community Center. University 

students, faculty and staff as well as other 

community representatives attended the 

festivities. 

6


American Corner activities & events 

(March – May 2011) 

“Seven Years in the Middle Kingdom: The Digital Divide: Is it Real? 

A Retrospective Look at an American 

Professor in Mainland China” 

by Prof. Gregory Mavrides 

ACAD News 

The American Corner at ALHOSN University hosted a 

presentation on May 10 th 2011 titled “Seven Years in the 

Middle Kingdom: A Retrospective Look at an American 

Professor in Mainland China” by Gregory Mavrides, Professor 

in Psychology and Sociology at ALHOSN University. 

This successful talk showcased Prof. Mavrides’ impressions 

of and personal experiences with China’s educational and 

healthcare systems as a visiting professor and consulting mental 

health professional. The presentation provided both factual 

descriptions of daily life in China as well personal accounts of 

what it was like for an American professor to work and live in 

mainland China for over seven years. The presentation and 

discussion was then followed by question and answer period. 

The American Corner at ALHOSN University hosted a 

presentation on Sunday, April 4 th 2011 titled “The Digital 

Divide: Is it Real?” by Mr. John D’Amicantonio, Information 

Resource Officer from the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi. It was 

a successful event showcasing the reality of the Digital Divide. 

Mr. John was accompanied by Mr. David Benze from the US 

Department of State and Mrs. Rula Khalafawi, an Information 

Resource Director from the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi. 

Virtual Library at the American Corner 

Training on the Virtual Library for the Master 

of Education Students 

On Sunday, May 8 th 2011, the American Corner at 

ALHOSN University hosted a presentation for the 

Master of Education (MEd) Students on how to use the 

Virtual Library including how to make use of it in their projects, 

research and further studies. The presentation was given by 

the American Corner Coordinator, Ms. Huda Kindi. After the 

presentation, the students from Prof. Hassan Mustapha’s 

class used the virtual library to access the databases for their 

research. 

Movie Time 

For the culmination of Earth Week, the American Corner 

in cooperation with the Green Club screened an Oscar 

winning documentary on Al Gore’s campaign ‘An 

Inconvenient Truth’ to make the issue of global warming a 

recognized problem worldwide. This was the first of a proposed 

series of monthly movies to be screened at the American Corner. 

On February 9 th 2011, the American Corner at ALHOSN 

University hosted its first ever event after the official 

Opening Ceremony. It was a successful event of 

a presentation on how to use the Virtual Library, given by 

Information Resource Officer from the American Embassy of 

Abu Dhabi, Mr. John D’amicantonio. The audience consisted 

of 22 female students from different departments including 

Architecture, Urban Planning, Software Engineering, Civil 

Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Business Administration. 

Over 20 faculty members attended and engaged in an 

informative question and answer session with Mr. John over 

the benefits and usage of the plethora of information offered 

via the Virtual Library. 

The Virtual Library is available to all interested from ALHOSN 

faculty, staff and students via the University’s American Corner 

or Library. 

7


ALHOSN ACAD News 

US Department of State’s Dawn McCall visits 

the American Corner 

ALHOSN University welcomed Ms. 

Dawn McCall, Coordinator of the 

US Department of State’s Bureau 

of International Information Programs 

(IIP), to its American Corner on the last 

day of her three-day visit to the UAE. 

During her visit, Ms. McCall met with 

a number of school officials, staff and 

students and discussed a host of issues 

related to the education sector, including 

the place of the American curriculum in 

higher education in the UAE, education 

and privatization, and recent trends in 

education, employment and the labor 

market. Ms. McCall was accompanied 

by Mr. John D’Amicantonio, Information 

Resource Officer at the US Embassy in 

Abu Dhabi. 

“We are happy to receive Ms. McCall 

at our American Corner and show her 

how this facility has become a resourceful 

center for US history, culture, policy and 

business for our students and for the 

people of Abu Dhabi. Although she could 

only stay with us for a short while, we 

had an interesting exchange of ideas on 

how the American Corner at ALHOSN 

can be a catalyst to strengthening bonds 

with our American friends and we look 

forward to hosting more events at the 

Corner” said Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, 

Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN 

University. 

Ms. Dawn McCall oversees the 

development and implementation of IIPs 

programs and services that advance US 

foreign policy goals and national interests. 

US Institute of Peace’s Manal Omar visits 


8 

Ms. Manal Omar, Director of Iraq Programs at the 

United States Institute of Peace, visited the American 

Corner on 20 th March 2011 and talked about her book 

“Barefoot in Baghdad”. 

Raised in the US, Ms. Omar shared valuable insights into how 

an Arab American woman fights for the rights of Arab women. 

She commended ALHOSN University for strengthening ties 

with the US and called for the UAE’s support in protecting the 

welfare of the Iraqi people. 

Ms. Omar formerly worked with the nonprofit organization 

‘Women for Women International’ where she served as 

Regional Coordinator for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sudan. She 

also worked as a full-time journalist for the UN Educational, 

Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as well as the 

aid and development charity, OxFam, in the Middle East. Over 

the past few years she has been focusing on the emergency 

humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon. 

“Ms. Omar is a model for Arab women who want to make a 

difference in the world and serve as a bridge between cultures. 

ALHOSN University was honored by her presence and treasures 

the advice and wisdom she imparted during her short stay. Our 

American Corner welcomes more discourse on the roles and 

achievements of Arab women and the need for harmony and 

peace among the people of the world” said Prof. Raymond 

Tennant, Chair of the American Corner Committee, AHU


ALHOSN’s Society of Women in Engineering joins other 

AHU students at “Kalam Nawaem Talk Show” interview 

with Hillary Clinton 

Student members of 

ALHOSN’s Society of Women 

in Engineering (SOWIE) 

joined other ALHOSN Students and 

staff in a delegation the attended 

the “Kalam Nawaem Talk Show” 

special episode held at Zayed 

University auditorium featuring 

an interview with former US First 

Lady and current US Secretary of 

State, Hillary Clinton. ALHOSN 

delegation consisted of 15 students 

and 5 faculty and staff including 

the Vice Chancellor and CEO, 

Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Head 

of Effectiveness & Accreditation 

Center, Prof. Raymond Tennant, 

Chair of Management Information 

Systems Department, Dr. Fadia 

Hegazy, Director of Student Affairs, 

Ms. Ghada Qabha and SOWIE Vice 

President, Dr. Reem Sabouni. The 

episode was aired on television 

channel MBC 1. 


Center for Research & Consultancy organizes 

advanced building design software seminar 

ALHOSN University’s Center for Research and Consultancy 

(CRC) held a seminar on advanced building design 

software at the University’s Male Campus under the 

patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE 

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Techiesoft 

FZ LLC, one of the most integrated IT, CAD/Engineering and 

Project Management solutions providers in the Middle East, 

showcased the features and capabilities of four of its top 

structural design tools during the event. 

Titled ‘The New Generation of Building Design Softwares’ 

the seminar kicked off with opening remarks by Prof. Abdul 

Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University, 

who inaugurated a new initiative called the “Clean Engineering 

Pledge” advocating the boycott or utilization of pirated programs 

by signees among attending Engineers and Engineering students. 

A presentation on ‘The Importance of Simulation for Engineers’ 

was also delivered by Prof. Basem Alzahabi, from Kettering 

University, USA. 

“We are very pleased with Professor Sabouni’s initiative of 

the Clean Engineering Pledge. The message sent to Engineers 

and Engineering students joining the workplace is that integrity 

comes first, and commitment to such a pledge by steering clear 

of pirated software and disengaging from any team that does 

not abide by it is the best way to display a strong work ethic. This 

will create a healthy environment for the benefit and safety of 

engineers, clients, and the community at large” said Mr. Ajaya 

Kumar, Techiesoft CEO. 

Among the Techiesoft products presented were ETABS, the 

industry standard for building analysis and design software 

for almost 30 years; SAFE, a design tool for concrete floor and 

foundation systems; CSiCOL, a comprehensive software package 

used for the analysis and design of columns; and SAP2000, a 

highly-integrated general-purpose structural program. Techiesoft 

pledged to provide 1 million USD worth of free software to 

advance ALHOSN University’s building design programs. 

Since its establishment in 1987, Techiesoft has grown from 

a reseller to a technology-driven solutions and consultancy 

company offering high-end business solutions under its four 

major divisions of IT Solutions, CAD/Engineering, Project 

Management, and Office Business Solutions. The company is 

currently diversifying towards Information Security to beef up 

its industry-leading services, support and training portfolio. 

9


ALHOSN News Events 

2010 Commencement Ceremony 

10 

Under the Patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh 

Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of 

Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, and 

in the gracious presence of H.H. Sheikh Khaled 

Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Etihad 

Airways Board, 362 graduates were honored for 

their academic achievements during the 2010 

Commencement Ceremony held at the Emirates 

Palace Hotel Auditorium in Abu Dhabi. 

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, board member of the 

UN Global Compact Business Ethics Initiative 

and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental 

Group, delivered the keynote address. H.E. Khalifa 

Mohamed Rubaya Al Muhairi, Chair of the Board 

of Trustees, and Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, 

Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University, 

extended their congratulations to the graduates of 

the following programs: 

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 

Department of Education 

 

Bachelor of Education (Elementary Education 

in Arabic and Islamic Studies) 

 

Master of Education 

Faculty of Business 

Department of Business Administration 

 

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 

 

BBA in Accounting 

 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

Department of Management Information 

Systems 

 

Bachelor of Management Information 

Systems 

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences 

Department of Architectural Engineering 

 

Bachelor of Architectural Engineering 

Department of Industrial Engineering 

 

Bachelor of Industrial Engineering 

 

Master of Engineering Management 

Department of Software Engineering 

 

Bachelor of Software Engineering 

Department of Urban Planning 

 

Bachelor of Urban Planning 

Of the 44 female and 13 male students who 

received special awards, 3 females were at the top 

of their respective programs. Two of them graduated 

with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary 

Education in Arabic & Islamic Studies while the third 

earned a Master of Education degree. The three 

managed to graduate with a perfect GPA of 4.0. This 

affirms ALHOSN’s commitment to encouraging ِArab 

women to pursue successful careers in their chosen 

fields. The commencement ceremony began at 7 

p.m. and ended with the faculty recessional and 

reception at 9:20 p.m. 

“Learning is a continuous process, so we hope 

that our students will use the world-class knowledge 

and skills they have acquired at ALHOSN to further 

improve themselves and the communities around 

them. We thank them for living up to the ideals of 

our University and for making us proud. We wish 

our graduates the very best as they enter this new 

chapter in their lives” said H.E. Al Muhairi. 

In his graduation address, Prof. Sabouni said: “We 

live in a world that is at an all-time high mobilitywise, 

a world where geographical boundaries are 

increasingly blurred and at times overshadowed 

by the power of the Information Super-highway, 

globalization, and outsourcing. I encourage you 

to embody our University’s motto of ‘Global 

Knowledge with Local Vision’ while trying to make 

headway in your career, and to be life-long learners 

in order to leave an imprint on your community. 

Real knowledge does not stop at graduation; real 

knowledge begins at graduation.”



2010 Commencement 

Ceremony Honors 

362 Graduates 

11



2010 Commencement Ceremony 

12


ALHOSN University showcases holistic 

approach to education at GETEX 2011 


ALHOSN University put the 

spotlight on its holistic approach 

to education during the Spring 

2011 edition of Gulf Education & 

Training Exhibition (GETEX) – the largest 

education fair in the Middle East and 

Asia, which took place at the Sheikh 

Saeed Halls of the Dubai International 

Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

The Assistant Provost for 

Administration and Finance, Prof. 

Ahmad Zohdi, led ALHOSN delegation 

which included Marketing and PR 

representatives, Admissions and 

Registration staff as well as teachers 

and their students. The delegation 

encouraged more female participation 

in the University’s technical courses 

and highlighted its commitment 

to community service and social 

development. This is in line with 

ALHOSN’s philosophy of holistic learning 

aimed at imparting ‘Global Knowledge 

with Local Vision.’ 

“GETEX continues to be a valuable 

channel for us to advocate the 

incorporation of social responsibility 

and national identity into the learning 

experience. The diversity of the event’s 

audience is an excellent springboard 

for us to enhance the regional and 

international visibility of the ALHOSN 

brand of academic excellence. GETEX 

also enables us to take part in major 

dialogues on the challenges and 

opportunities that characterize the 

educational systems across the Middle 

East and Asia” said Prof. Zohdi. 

13



31 st conference of Arab Association 

of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers 

Held under the Patronage of H.H. 

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al 

Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher 

Education and Scientific Research, the 

31 st Annual Conference of the Arab 

Association of Collegiate Registrars 

and Admissions Officers was hosted 

by ALHOSN at the Emirates Center 

for Strategic Studies and Research in 

Abu Dhabi. Researchers from 30 Arab 

universities participated in this year’s 

conference, which focused on how 

quality and accreditation standards are 

impacting enrollment and registration 

services offered by universities in the 

Arab World. 

Organized under the theme 

‘Enrollment and Registration: Quality and 

Accreditation Standards,’ the conference 

gathered local and international 

participants to confer on the topic as 

well as several key areas, including 

the expected competencies from 

college students, trends in admission 

requirements, and the role of universities 

in molding student knowledge. Dr. 

Hamdi Sheibani, current President of 

ARAB-ACRAO and Provost of ALHOSN 

University, chaired the event. 

“The enrollment and registration 

processes are crucial first steps that 

facilitate the smooth transition to 

higher education. Unfortunately, 

some institutions in the region tend 

to take them for granted. This year’s 

ARAB-ACRAO conference underlines 

the importance of these activities and 

emphasizes the need to adopt higher 

standards for their execution across the 

region. ALHOSN is honored to be hosting 

an event that will have a significant 

impact on the development of the Arab 

region’s higher education system” said 

Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, current President of 

ARAB-ACRAO and Provost of ALHOSN 

University. 

ARAB-ACRAO held its first conference 

in 1976 at the University of Kuwait, which 

has since served as the organization’s 

headquarters, secretary-general and 

financial supervisor. The professional, 

educational and volunteer non-profit 

group’s goal is to raise acceptance and 

registration standards across the region’s 

universities. It encourages the exchange 

of knowledge and experience in these 

areas to support the advancement of 

universities’ systems in the Arab region. 

Included among ARAB-ACRAO’s work 

areas is its Annual Meeting, which was held 

last year in Lebanon under the theme ‘The 

Challenges of Admission and Registration 

Under Technological Development’. 

14



15

Academic ALHOSN News 


FACULTY OF BUSINESS 

“Sala” magazine organizes seminar on technology and 

social media at ALHOSN University 

Sala magazine recently held the third part of its series of 

seminar programs at UAE Universities on technology and 

social media, in collaboration with ALHOSN University 

and under Samsung’s sponsorship. Dr. Fadia Hijazi, Chair of 

Management Information System Department, at ALHOSN 

University and Mr. Hikmat Al Zein, Publisher & Corporate 

Communication Consultant, KGI, gave lectures on the various 

ways in which technology and social media are transforming 

business and industry. The audience actively participated in the 

session, asking a wide range of questions on various issues. At 

the end of the event, Dr. Fadia Hejazy conveyed her gratitude 

to Samsung, the leading manufacturer of electronic devices, 

for its generous sponsorship of the event. Subsequently, lots 

were drawn among student attendees where a female student 

was lucky to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab. 

QBDA 

“Akoun” Workshop empowers students 

to start own business 

16 

The Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development’s 

(ADCED) brought its Akoun entrepreneurship campaign 

to ALHOSN Campus to train youth on how to set up 

their own businesses. 

Participating ALHOSN students were given ideas on how 

to start and manage their own small businesses and overcome 

entrepreneurship’s various challenges. They were also given 

background information on the Akoun program initiated by 

ADCED in partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise 

Development, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and 

Industry, the Western Region Development Council and 

Twofour54. 

Among the event’s attendees were entrepreneur Omar 

Busaidy; Khalifa Fund’s Hesam Morsy; Twofour54’s Afra Al 

Marar; ADCED’s Anoud Al Alawi, Afra Al Mehairi, Jennifer 

Green, Ali Al Saloom; and the ALHOSN University Business 

Administration Department’s faculity Prof. Ahmad Zohdi, Dr. 

Husam Malkawi, Dr. Somkiat Mansumitrchai, and Dr. Candy 

Chiu. 

“This country’s youths definitely have the potential and 

the enthusiasm to become successful entrepreneurs. What 

they need is more motivation and knowledge. Initiatives such 

as Akoun are vital to promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of 

UAE youths and complement ALHOSN’s own commitment to 

providing ‘Global Knowledge with Local Vision.’ Our students 

are looking forward to Akoun’s entrepreneurship competition 

this year to prove that the younger generation can excel in 

business as well,” said Prof. Ahmad Zohdi, Assistant Provost 

for Administration and Finance, ALHOSN University. 

ADCED holds Akoun workshops in university campuses 

across Abu Dhabi catering both to Emirati and expatriate 

students. ALHOSN was chosen for its diverse student 

population and its growing reputation as a centre for academic 

excellence. ALHOSN students were encouraged to join the 2011 

edition of Akoun Bright Ideas Bright Futures Awards, an annual 

competition where students submit creative business proposals 

that could lead to the creation of a successful business. A total 

of AED 100,000 worth of prizes is at stake at this year’s awards. 

The Akoun program was launched in 2009 to support the 

goals of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 by expanding the 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector and opening up 

opportunities for entrepreneurial growth. It is overseen by 

ADCED, an economic policy advisory council that facilitates 

local economic diversification and growth by fostering closer 

ties between the public and private sectors..

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING 

Field Trip to DuPont Company 

QBDA 



Students of Material Sciences (IND) 

and Studio III (ARC), accompanied 

by their instructors Dr. Noha 

Hassan and Dr. Naima Benkari, visited 

the UAE offices of DuPont Company. 

Mr. Tony Azzam, Business Manager 

at DuPont, gave a presentation about 

the company and its innovations. After 

that, Ms. Arc. Marie Azbini, from the 

Department of Landscaping, spoke 

about the materials manufactured by 

DuPont for landscaping projects. The 

students also listened with great interest 

and delight to the presentation of Eng. 

Mohammad Kaafarani about “Corian”, 

the latest production of DuPont in 

construction materials. The students 

were fascinated by the integration of 

this material in several iconic projects 

in Abu Dhabi 

After the lunch break, the students 

went for a trip to the Sharjah unit 

where furniture and other appliances 

are manufactured using “Corian”. 

Students and instructors cherished the 

opportunity to learn more about the 

numerous applications of the Corian. 

The Splendors of Mesopotamia: 

A lecture in History of Architecture 

ALHOSN Landmark Design 

The students enrolled in an introductory course to History and Theory 

of Architecture enjoyed a fine visit to the Splendors of Mesopotamia 

Exhibition. The exhibition was organized by The Tourism Development 

and Investment Company (TDIC) in the recently built Manarat Al Saadiyat 

Gallery. The exhibition showcased masterpieces from the British and Al Ain 

museums. Students also visited the Sumerian Art of clay modeling conceived 

by one TDIC artist. “This visit is a real chance for me and my students to 

see live illustrations highlighted in one of the most important chapters in 

the course of History and Theory. We are so grateful to the TDIC team in 

Manarat Alsaadiyat for making our visit to the Exhibistion so special and 

so rewarding” said Dr. Naima Benkari, Assistand Professor and Director of 

Planning and Campus development, ALHOSN University. 

Under the supervision of Dr. Mohamad Kashef, Chair to select a winning design with potential for construction on 

of Architectural Engineering Department, studio campus. Students were excited to design a landmark for their 

II students prepared creative designs for potential campus and motivated to have one of their designs built while 

landmark structures for ALHOSN University future campus. still studying Architectural Engineering. 

The designs aimed to create a contemporary image for the 

University. The designs were inspired by the current logo of the 

University, which symbolizes a significant part of the history 

of UAE. Alhosn Palace functioned as the office and home 

for Abu Dhabi ruler, government departments and courts of 

justice. The students integrated with their designs other local 

cultural symbols such as sailboat features, crescents, and tent 

elements. The students’ designs incorporated interlocking 

geometries and dynamic compositions that reflect the diversity 

of study fields in the University including Engineering, Business 

and Education. Students’ projects are to be included in the 

architectural competition during the fall semester of 2011 Ahmed Alsuawaidi Haneen Ismail 

17



Civil and Architectural Engineering Students 

Participate in Concrete Mix Design Lab 

In keeping with ALHOSN’s strategy of 

connecting the academic experience 

of students with practical skills, 

ALHOSN’s Civil and Architectural 

Engineering students participated in 

a concrete mix design lab experiment 

carried out at the concrete lab at the 

University. The mix design experiment 

aimed at enhancing the practical 

knowledge of the participants by 

exposing them to the adapted method 

for designing concrete mixes. 

The group observed the mixing 

process that involved selecting the 

suitable mix proportions (Cement, Coarse 

& Fine Aggregates and Water), detailed 

procedure for the mixing process in the 

mixer, and finally pouring the concrete. A 

slump test to check the workability of the 

concrete mix was performed. Students 

were also shown how to prepare the 

cubic specimens for compression test. 

Dr. Sharaf Al-kheder, Assistant 

Professor of Civil Engineering at ALHOSN 

University, supervised the students who 

were hooked to the details of concrete 

mixing all along the experiment. 

IE holds its 3 rd Annual Open Day 

 

 

 

Mr. Andrew Bunny, VP-Engineering & Quality, Abu 

Dhabi Ship Building 

Mr. Jean Daoud, HSE Officer, Zones Corp. 

Mr. Abdulaziz Zurub, HSE Division Manager, Abu 

Dhabi Municipality 

While the first two speakers shed light on manufacturing 

and production challenges and opportunities, the second and 

third speakers focused on Health, Safety, and Environment 

regulations and requirements. 

The Industrial Engineering Department held its third 

annual open day under the theme: “IE’s from classroom 

to spotlight” on April 20 th . Four distinguished guests 

were invited to present and share their knowledge with IE 

students. The presenters were: 

 

Mr. Faleh Alhajja, Factory Manager, GHUZLAN 

EMIRATES FURNITURE & DÉCOR 

IIE Chapter activities- Picnic 

On March 11, 2011, the Institute of Industrial Engineering 

Student chapter organized a barbecue picnic for 

students and faculty at one of the Abu Dhabi Corniche 

parks. Both students and faculty enjoyed their time and food 

outside the “class room”. 

18


Industrial Engineering students 

and faculty visit EMAL and ESI 

The Industrial Engineering Department at ALHOSN 

University organized two field trips to Emirates Steel 

Industries (ESI) and EMAL (Emirates Aluminum Company 

Limited) on the 14 th and 28 th of March respectively. 

During the visit to ESI, and after being briefed about ESI 

safety procedures and policy, students toured major sites 

such as Steel Making Plant (SMP), Quality Control (QC) labs, 

Treatment Plant, and finally Raw Material Yard. Students were 

happy to learn and monitor several key processes such as 

rolling, casting, and fabrication. 

Similarly, and during the visit to EMAL, faculty and students 

met with Mr. Nazar Soofi, Project Manager, Ms. Shazia from 

Corporate Affairs, and other engineers who explained the 

production and manufacturing processes to ALHOSN students. 

After a brief introduction about EMAL’s mission, vision, values, 

and safety policy and procedures, students toured the plant and 

saw first-hand how EMAL’s Aluminum manufacturing processes 

unfold. Students gained insights into several IE disciplines such 

as safety, manufacturing, quality and production. 


Al Bedaya School Mural Project 

by Interior Design students 

Amani Khaled 

Amena Al Romaithi 

Al Bedaya School (K1 to 

K3) in Shamkha, Abu 

Dhabi approached the 

Interior Design Department 

to design murals for their 

school. Second year students 

completed the project as part 

of their community service 

and INT 251 ‘Second Year Core 

II’ studio course. 

The Department of Interior Design becomes a member of the 

Association of Interior Designers & held its 2 nd Appreciation Day 

The Interior Design Department is 

now a member of The Association 

of Professional Interior Designers in 

Dubai (APID). The president of APID, Ms. 

Fahida Kamber Al Awadhi, was a guest 

speaker at the Department of Interior Design 

Appreciation Day. 

The Department of Interior Design held 

its second Appreciation Day on May 10th 

2011. Prof. Sabouni, Vice Chancellor & CEO 

of ALHOSN University, and Ms. Al Awadhi 

presented the awards to the students. The 

event was attended by Mr. Mohammed 

Al Sayed, Mr. Clint Moore from Al Bedaya 

School, representatives from Interior Design 

companies and AHU faculty members. 

During the ceremony, distinguished students 

were given awards for Highest Overall GPA, 

Best Studio Work, Best Positive Attitude and 

Student Showing Most Potential. 

19



Interior Design Department’s 

workshop 

Furniture Designs by Interior 

Design students 

The Department of 

Interior Design, in 

partnership with 

Jotun Paints, organized a 

workshop in Creative Paint 

Techniques on Sunday March 

27th. Second and third year 

students had the opportunity 

to learn about several paint 

techniques that can be used in 

the real world. The workshop 

was at ALHOSN University’s 

studio building. 

As a requirement for 

the first furniture 

design studio, INT 

474 Furniture Design and 

Detailing, 10 students 

designed a series of coffee 

tables. This table above 

was designed by Dhabia 

Almuhairbi. It is made in wood 

and has been spray-painted 

white. 

First graduate of Interior Design 

Asra Rashid is first student to graduate from 

Interior Design. For her Capstone project, she 

chose to design the interior of a private jet. 

The concept for her design was inspired by 

Islamic patterns and she used sustainable materials 

throughout her design wherever possible. 

“I believe it is our job as designers to spread 

awareness and to provide our clients with the options 

of going green and becoming more sustainable. It is 

very important to use materials that do not have a 

negative impact on the users’ health. Studies have 

shown that many materials, finishes, paints and most 

glue in our interior environment release toxics that 

can cause allergies and sickness. I have tried to use 

eco-friendly materials, as well as materials that can 

be recycled, re-used and repaired easily,” said Asra 

Rashid. 

Android Training 

20 

Students from the Software 

Engineering Department joined 

their instructors, Dr. Adel Khelifi, 

Mr. Murad Al-Rajab and Dr Mohamed 

Ghazal, for a an Android Training Course 

at Khalifa University, Sharjah Campus. 

The training was offered to teams that 

will participate in the Mobile Application 

Contest 2011 (MAC’2011). 

Instructors and students alike found 

the training very valuable. They also 

became certified in this new generation 

of programming language. The training 

was a hands-on guide to designing 

and building mobile applications using 

Google’s Android open-source platform. 

The course focuses on a comparison 

between Android and other mobile 

environments, the setup of the Android 

Eclipse-based development tools, the 

Android SDK, its essential features, 

as well as the advanced capabilities and 

APIs, such as background services and 

graphics. 

By the end of the training, each 

student was able to build his own Android 

application incorporating key aspects of 

the platform


Software Engineering students visit Etisalat Head Office Data Center 

Software Engineering students, accompanied by their 

instructors, Dr. Adel Khelifi, Ms. Haifaa Kattan and Mr. 

Murad Al-Rajab, visited the Etisalat Head Office Data 

Center at Abu Dhabi. 

Mr. Omar Al Shehhi, Data Center Operations Manager at 

Etisalat Head Office, delivered a fascinating presentation about 

the Data Center’s structure and capacity. The students were 

impressed with the presentation about the Center - one of the 

three Etisalat state-of-the-art data centers - which hosts critical 

applications of a large number of government departments, 

multi-nationals, and local private companies. The Center boasts 

world-class hosting standards that serve both Etisalat’s needs 

and those of its customers. Its facilities are designed to cater 

for disaster recovery requirements with redundancy being 

built in at all levels. 

Mr. Yousef Ahmed Ali Al Sharhan Alneaimi, from the Etisalat 

Department of Marketing, also spoke about the Etisalat 

eSolutions. This initiative puts in place a single point of contact 

for all of Etisalat’s e-solutions in order to continue the ongoing 

process of streamlining the region’s dominant communications 

provider to meet the greater challenges of a more competitive 

era. Students and instructors cherished the opportunity to learn 

more about the numerous Information Technology applications 

of Etisalat. 

At the end of the visit, students, instructors and Etisalat 

Head Office Data Center representatives made a pledge to 

further develop the collaboration between ALHOSN University 

and Etisalat Head Office Data Center for a sustainable built 

environment in the UAE. 


The Software Engineering Department holds 

its second annual Industry Advisory Board meeting 

The meeting took place on the 10th of May 2011, with 

participants from leading Software Engineering 

companies in Abu Dhabi, including Technip, ADMA- 

OPCO, Martrade Sultan Logistics, Injazaat Data Systems, 

and the SWE faculty members. The Industry Advisory Board 

provides advice and support to the department on various 

educational and academic programs and activities. Specifically, 

it provides guidance on strategies, assists in maintaining 

an effective liaison with the department and the external 

communities, and helps maintain and upgrade the national 

reputation the department presently enjoys in teaching and 

research activities. Many topics of interest were discussed 

during the meeting, such as aligning teaching with industry 

requirements, identifying the main SWE tools utilized in the 

industry today, and running workshops in different areas (e.g., 

Networks, Programming, and Databases). 

The SWE Department obtained approval from the 

upper management to conduct field trips to these leading 

companies in the upcoming semester to enable students to 

gain a better understanding of the way Software Engineers put 

their knowledge into practice. At the end of the meeting, all 

participants signed a membership charter to continue serving 

as SWEIAB for the SWE Department. Gifts acknowledging 

ALHOSN University’s appreciation for this service were also 

given to participating companies. 

SWEIAB Members are: 

 

Dr. Mahmoud AlFarekh / Managing Director, Martrade 

Sultan Logistics 

 

Mr. Khaled Basaweed / Injazaat Data Systems 

 

Mr. Alaa Al Badwana / Manager of Information 

Technology, ADMA-OPCO 

 

Mr. Hisham Hobaishy / Head of Information Systems 

Applications, ADMA-OPCO 

 

Mr. Pierre VALY / CDC Manager, Technip 

 

Mr. David Honeyman / Recruitment Manager for Meddle 

East, Technip 

 

Mr. Mohamed Al-Hebsi / CDC Deputy Manager, Technip 

21



ALHOSN Software Engineering team’s water 

conservation platform wins at 6 th Mobile Application Contest 

Software engineering students from 

ALHOSN University clinched top 

honors during the 6th Mobile 

Application Contest (MAC 2011) held last 

May 21, 2011 at the Park Rotana Hotel in 

Abu Dhabi. 

The SAWACAE (‘Mobile Software 

Application for Water Consumption 

Awareness’) mobile communications 

platform developed by Hussain Al-Bloushi 

and Mohamed Sobhi Toubar pushes 

content created by water and electrical 

distribution companies on the Middle 

East’s water scarcity issue to mobile 

phone users. It provides information on 

water conservation, water security and 

other environmentally-related news, and 

awards won by consumption-conscious 

consumers. The ALHOSN team used 

various cutting-edge programming 

tools, such as the Android Application 

Development Kit, the Oracle database 

management system, ASP.NET, and C#. 

Judges were impressed with the 

originality, quality and cultural focus of 

SAWACAE and awarded it third place 

out of a field of 15 competing teams. The 

victory was a remarkable achievement 

for ALHOSN given that the University 

was participating in the annual MAC for 

only the first time and its team had only 

three months to develop the application. 

The ALHOSN team was supervised by 

Dr. Adel Khelifi, Associate Professor and 

Chair of ALHOSN’s Software Engineering 

Department, and Dr. Mohammed Ghazal, 

Adjunct Professor at the Software 

Engineering Department. 

“We congratulate our very talented 

group of software engineers and 

would like to express our deep pride in 

their accomplishment. They are truly 

inspirations to the rest of our students and 

we believe that this is just the beginning 

of a bright career in the programming 

field. We would also like to commend 

Dr. Khelifi and Dr. Ghazal for guiding our 

students and showing how outstanding 

teaching and motivational skills 

combined with high-quality supervision 

can draw formidable performances 

from our youths. Our professors and our 

talented students involved in this project 

truly deserve our admiration,” said Prof. 

Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor 

and CEO, ALHOSN University. 

The annual Mobile Application Contest 

is a regional competition open to students 

majoring in Software Engineering, 

Communication Engineering, Computer 

Engineering, Computer Science, and 

Telecommunications interested in 

showcasing their skills in developing 

mobile applications and meeting fellow 

students from other Arab and North 

African institutions. MAC 2011 was 

hosted by Khalifa University’s Computer 

Engineering Department and sponsored 

by the UAE Telecommunication 

Regulatory Authority, Nokia, Research 

In Motion and the Khalifa Fund. 

This year’s MAC participants created 

applications based on the Android 

operating system and Nokia’s Qt 

Development Kit. Entries were judged 

based on originality, usability, quality, 

and cultural focus. 

The participation of the ALHOSN 

University Software Engineering 

Department in MAC 2011 comes in 

response to the booming market for 

mobile phone applications and the high 

demand for talented mobile software 

engineers. 

FACULTY OF ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES 

QBDA 

Department of Education Visits Abu Dhabi Educational Zone 

22 

Members from ALHOSN 

University’s Department of 

Education paid a visit to Abu 

Dhabi Educational Zone (ADEZ) and met 

with H.E. Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, 

Director of ADEZ, in order to discuss 

areas of potential cooperation between 

the Department and ADEZ. 

H.E. Al Dhaheri expressed his delight 

to have met with Dr. Mohamed Hasab 

El Naby, Chair of the Arabic Education 

Department and Prof. Mohammed 

Mousa, Academic coordinator at the 

department, and reaffirmed the need to 

further channels of communication with 

the Abu Dhabi Education Council, which 

takes on the responsibility of developing 

the educational sector in Abu Dhabi. 

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Hasab 

El Naby handed H.E. Al Dhaheri the 

University’s Shield on behalf of H.E. ►


Abdul Rahim Sabouni, the University’s Vice Chancellor and 

CEO, as a token of appreciation for his outstanding efforts 

in developing the quality of education in Abu Dhabi. H.E. Al 

Dhaheri was also presented with certificate of appreciation 

acknowledging his tireless efforts to enrich the educational 

sector in the country. ■ 

AHU’s Department of Education 

hosts Prof. Mahmoud Al Naka of the 

Academy of Arabic Language 

in Cairo 


Department of Education 

celebrates International Arabic 

Language Day at Al Manhal 

International School 


Education joyfully 

celebrated International 

Arabic Language Day on 

February 21, at Al Manhal 

International School in Abu 

Dhabi. Several of the current 

student teachers at the 

department helped plan and 

oversee the activities of the 

festive event. It was a tribute to 

the mother-tongue, the Quran, 

and the Arabic language. 

The ceremony was 

attended by Dr. Mohamed 

Saeed Hasb El Naby, Chair of 

the Education Department 

and the supervisor of the 

trainees; Prof. Mohamed 

Moussa, Coordinator of the 

Arabic Language & Islamic 

Studies; and Prof. Hassan 

Mustapha, Program Director 

of ALHOSN’s Master of 

Education. School teachers 

and students at Al Manhal 

School also took part in the 

event. 

The event was kicked off 

with the national anthem 

and a recitation of verses 

from the Quran. Mr. Khamis 

Al Band, headmaster of Al 

Manhal School, delivered 

a speech welcoming 

ALHOSN University and its 

Department of Education and 

commending the delegates 

for their unfaltering support 

for promoting the Arabic 

language. Mr. Khamis Al 

Band also hailed the efforts 

of the organizers, which he 

said reflect their love for 

their language and heritage. 

Students recited poetry, 

and so did Arabic language 

teachers who engaged in 

a poetry contest. Students 

vied for top honors in various 

linguistic competitions. 

Artist Mohammed Mandi 

displayed the beauty, finesse 

and richness of Arabic 

calligraphy in a special 

presentation, which was 

enthusiastically received by 

the attendees. 

ALHOSN University’s 

Department of 

Education recently 

hosted Dr. Mahmoud Kamel Al 

Naka, Professor of Education 

at Ain Shams University and 

President of the Egyptian 

Association for Curricula 

and Methodology. Professor 

Al Naka delivered a lecture 

entitled “Scientific Research 

Planning and Correction”. 

Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, 

Vice Chancellor and CEO of 

ALHOSN University, received 

Departments of Education & 

Architectural Engineering engage 

in 1 st scientific cooperation 

Departments of Education 

and Architectural 

Engineering co-organized 

a lecture by Dr. Abdul 

Rahman Makhlouf, former 

director of the Department 

of City Planning and Director 

of the Arab Office of Planning 

and Architecture, entitled 

“Sheikh Zayed and the 

Urban Development of Abu 

Dhabi” on February 28, 2011. 

The activity was held in the 

presence of Prof. Abdul Rahim 

Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and 

CEO of ALHOSN University, 

Prof. Al Naka in his office prior 

to the lecture and expressed 

his appreciation for his 

contribution. Prof. Sabouni 

explained that the lecture 

reflected the University’s 

interest in academic research, 

which forms part of ALHOSN’s 

various roles aimed at 

delivering quality education 

and serving all segments of 

society. 

Among the topics covered 

by Prof. Mohamed Al Naka’s 

lecture were the steps to be 

taken in conducting scientific 

research, prerequisite 

researcher skills, common 

researcher errors, and research 

problems, findings and 

recommendations. 

Provost Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, 

and a number of department 

heads, faculty members and 

students. The lecture provided 

insights into the personality 

of Sheikh Zayed (may God 

have mercy on him), and his 

vision in the planning of the 

city of the late Abu Dhabi. It 

also reviewed the urban development 

experienced by the 

city over the past half century. 

The event began with a an 

introduction by Dr. Mohamed 

Hasab El Naby, Chair of the 

Education Department, who 

expressed his delight at 

receiving Dr. Makhlouf in an 

initiative by Prof. Sabouni, 

whom he revealed as a longtime 

friend of the speaker. Dr. 

Mohammed Kashef, Chair of 

the Architectural Engineering 

Department, emphasized ► 

23



the social message imparted by Urban Planning. He also paid 

respect to Dr. Makhlouf, as he graduated under the supervision 

and guidance of Dr. Makhlouf’s own students. Dr. Kashef said 

that the lecture adds value to his students as it reveals the 

history of the development of Urban Planning in the city of 

Abu Dhabi. 

Dr. Abdul Rahman Makhlouf is regarded as a pioneering 

contributor to the development of the cities of Abu Dhabi and 

Al Ain. He also assisted in the urban development of other Arab 

cities such as Mecca and Medina. ■ 

Education Department Celebrates 

International Arabic Language Day 

at Al Nahda National School 

of Higher Education and Scientific 

Research in the United 

Arab Emirates. 

The lecture addressed the 

various aspects of strategic 

planning and its importance 

to institutions seeking advancement 

and progress. 

Prof. El Dessouky emphasized 

the need to adhere to the elements 

of strategic planning: 

goal sitting and objectives, 

defining control and, following-up 

standards in order to 

activate any strategic plan, 

and providing the necessary 

human and financial resources 

to ensure the success of a 

plan. He also highlighted the 

extent to which strategic planning 

can be applied to the field 

of education and learning and 

how it can be used to promote 

modern concepts of cognitive 

thinking and contemporary 

trends that consider the 

teacher as a thinker, decisionmaker 

and learning facilitator. 

Members of the Department 

of Education attended 

in the lecture and enriched it 

with their lively discussions on 

the mechanisms of the implementation 

of strategic planning 

at the education level as 

well as factors contributing to 

the success or failure in the 

design and implementation 

of such plans. 

24 

On May 3, 2011, members of the Department of Education 

participated the International Arabic Language Day at 

Al Nahda National School in Abu Dhabi. Several of the 

female student teachers at the Department helped plan and 

oversee the activities of the event, including poetic competitions, 

recitation of poetry, “say this but not that” which sheds light 

on the common mistakes in Arabic with corrections, and short 

story competition. The female students also prepared the “my 

language is my identity” magazine, which included a number 

of linguistic articles, and demonstrated the finesse of Arabic 

calligraphy as well as other topics related to the Arabic language. 

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed Hasb El Naby, 

Chair of the Department of Education and the supervisor of the 

trainees; Prof. Mohamed Moussa, Coordinator of the Arabic 

Language at the Department of Education and the supervisor 

of the trainees; and Ms. Amie Siemens, Principal of Al Nahda 

School. Teachers and students at Al Nahda School also took 

part in the event. Dr. Hasb El Naby stressed that events like 

these are instrumental in helping students develop awareness 

of the importance of their mother tongue to be promoted 

internationally, locally, and educationally all kinds of activities 

promoting the Arabic language that represents our identity 

and heritage. 

Department of Education holds a 

lecture entitled “Strategic Planning” 

The Department of Education recently held a lecture 

entitled “Strategic Planning” at the Women’s Campus. 

It was delivered by Prof. Samir Abdullah El Dessouky, a 

Professor at the University and former Advisor at the Ministry 

Practicum training students 

from Education Department 

visit Zayed Center for Strategic 

Studies & Research 

Under the supervision 

of the Education 

Department Chair Dr. 

Mohamed Hasab El Naby, 

female practicum training 

students from ALHOSN 

University’s Education 

Department recently visited 

the Zayed Center for Strategic 

Studies and Research 

accompanied by students of Al 

Manhal International Private 

School. 

Mr. Jumaa Al Darmaki, 

Director of Museums and 

Belongings, welcomed the 

visitors to the Center which 

was established in 2009 in 

honor of the late Sheikh Zayed. 

Students viewed the 

special belongings of the 

late Sheikh Zayed, including 

cars which he used from the 

beginning of the Federation 

until he passed away as well 

as gifts received from fellow 

presidents, perfumes, and 

photos taken during hunting 

trips, international visits, 

and meetings with other 

presidents.


Book Fair in Collaboration with ALHOSN Library 

The Department of Education at ALHOSN University in 

collaboration with ALHOSN Library organized a twoday 

Book Fair May 1-2, 2011, during which it hosted the 

Arab Reader Centre (ARC) and Sharjah-based Arabic Language 

Protection Association (ALPA) to encourage reading in Aarabic 

and to highlight their role in forging university students 

personality. 

Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO of 

ALHOSN University, and Dr. 

Ali Abul Qader Al Hammadi, 

Director of the ARC and the 

Secretary General of ALPA, 

inaugurated the Fair in the 

presence of Dr. Mohamed 

Hasab El-Naby, Chair of the 

Department of Education, and 

Dr. Al Haj Salim Mustapha, 

Director of ALHOSN Library, 

and a host of professors, 

students, staff, as well as 

female students from Al 

Manhal International School, 

who toured the Fair eager to 

find new releases. 

In his interview with Abu 

Dhabi TV – UAE, Prof. Abdul 

Rahim Sabouni expressed his 

endorsement of this event, 

which encourages students 

to read and underscores 

the importance of reading 

amongst university students. 

He added that such events are 

in line with the university’s 

mission of promoting 

community service, in 

addition to effective teaching 

and academic research. 

Dr. Ali Abul Qader Al 

Hammadi commended, in his 

conversation with Abu Dhabi 

TV – UAE, ALHOSN University 

for hosting the event, which 

can contribute to generating 

interest among students to 

read. He pointed out that 

this event is the beginning of 

a long-term partnership with 

ALHOSN University, ARC and 

ALPA. 


“Smart King” Creative Play by Students of Education 

extracurricular activities for 

students and the University. 

Prof. Sabouni also pointed out 

that the University’s mission is 

not confined to teaching only; 

rather it extends to serving the 

community and conducting 

academic research. 

The play was attended 

by Prof. Mohamed Mousa, 

Professor in the Department 

of Education, Prof. Hassan 

Mustapha, Program Director 

of Master of Education, Ms. 

Ghada Qabha, Director of 

Student Affairs, as well as a 

large audience comprised of 

ALHOSN University female 

students, their families, and 

children from schools in Abu 

Dhabi. 


Education presented 

a play titled “Smart 

King”, in which female 

students performed the play, 

under the supervision of Dr. 

Mohamed Hasab El-Naby, 

Chair of the Department of 

Education. The play revolves 

around a boy who lost his 

Dirham while falling asleep 

on his way back home to his 

mother after selling butter. 

When the king heard about his 

story, he ingeniously managed 

to hoodwink the thief and 

return the lost Dirham to the 

boy. This story appears in the 

Arabic language textbook 

of the 4th grade. Presenting 

stories in the form of plays 

is one of the educational 

means advocated by modern 

approaches to teaching. Also 

implementing the curriculum 

through theatrical activities 

can be a source of motivation 

for students to participate 

actively in the learning 

process. 

Prof. Sabouni, Vice 

Chancellor and the CEO of 

AHU, who attended the 

play, commended the efforts 

exerted by the students to 

make this play successful, 

as well as the outstanding 

supervision that went into 

the preparation for the play, 

especially at this critical 

juncture in which students 

are preparing themselves for 

the final examinations. This 

affirms the importance of 

25



Prof. Jane Zuengler hosted by 

the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 

Prof. Jane Zuengler, Nancy C. Hoefs Professor of English 

at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-editor of 

the Applied Linguistics journal, addressed the changing 

scene of publishing in applied linguistics journals. In her talk, 

Prof. Zuengler addressed several issues pertaining to publishing 

in applied linguistics, including the upsurge in the number of 

submissions, the dividends brought about by ScholarOne, 

manuscripts from traditionally underrepresented countries 

(e.g., GCC countries), and the globalization of knowledge 

construction and dissemination. Prof. Jane Zuengler explained 

that after the introduction of ScholarOne, online submissions 

from overseas have increased in leaps and bounds, especially 

from China, Iran, and Spain. She added that this proliferation 

bodes well for journals in applied linguistics since editors are 

always on the lookout for voices from the periphery. Prof. 

Zuengler also discussed reasons behind the rejection of 

publications from “less privileged communities,” such as style 

of writing, outdated referencing, little access to international 

and academic journals, and lack of relevance to mainstream 

scholarship. She suggested that authors in the periphery be 

mentored or work in collaboration with authors from North 

American Universities in order to increase their chances of 

having their work published in North American journals. 

Prof. Jane Zuengler, Dr. Hassan Belhiah, Assistant Professor 

at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at ALHOSN, and 

Brad Hughes, Director, UW-Madison Writing Center, are 

currently drafting a proposal for an intercultural partnership 

for undergraduate peer mentoring in writing between the 

UW-Madison Writing Fellows and ALHOSN University. This 

collaboration has many goals: The ALHOSN student tutors and 

the UW-Madison students tutors would benefit from working 

together on their respective writing; they would practice 

and discuss and think critically about collaborative tutoring 

methods; they would have an intriguing intercultural exchange, 

learning more about students from a different part of the world 

and about academic writing done in Abu Dhabi and in the US; 

and their collaboration would help strengthen the English clinic 

at ALHOSN and the Writing Center at UW-Madison. 

“If You Have a Visually Impaired Student in Your Classroom” 

Presentation and Workshop by Dr. Benny Rosenblum 

Dr Benny Rosenblum, Associate 

Professor at The University of 

Arizona Tucson, Arizona, who 

is visually impaired herself, developed 

and discussed her views on access to 

learning for students who are blind or 

those with low vision. Children with 

visual impairments have unique learning 

needs because of their reduced access 

to information that other children take 

in visually. Depending on the degree 

of vision loss, the child with a visual 

impairment may use tools such as 

optical aids, Braille, assistive technology, 

and instructional materials that allow 

for access to the general education 

curriculum. To best support a child 

with a visual impairment in the general 

education classroom, it is essential to 

observe how the child uses any remaining 

vision, touch, and hearing. The core 

curriculum must also specify areas of 

need for children with visual impairments. 

Dr. Rosenblum further explored factors 

that affect learning, gender differences 

in social skills as well as literacy skills. 

Finally, she demonstrated some of the 

most recent assistive technology tools 

currently available for use by learners 

affected by such special need. 

Dr. Rosenblum was so kind as to 

donate a guide for teachers, which she 

developed herself, entitled “When You 

Have a Visually Impaired Student in Your 

Classroom”. The book will be added to the 

current University Library acquisitions. 

26 

Special Congratulations 

Faculty Academic Promotions (2010 - 2011) 

Name 

Promoted to 

Prof. Mohamed Moussa Professor 

Prof. Hassane Bouzahir Professor 

Dr. Samia Loucif 

Associate Professor 

Dr. Mohamad Kashef Associate Professor 

Teaching Staff Promotion (2010 - 2011) 

Name 

Promoted to 

Ms. Huda Kindi Teaching Assistant (Rank 2) 

Ms. Rania Akkad 

Assistant Instructor 

Mr. Mohamad Obeidat Assistant Instructor 

Ms. Rekha Pillai 


Ms. Haifa Kattan 


Mr. Ayman Abu Lail Lab Instructor

NEW APPOINTMENTS QBDA 

Prof. Mohamed Ezzat Sobaih 

Professor 

Civil Engineering 

Dean of Faculty of Engineering and 

Applied Sciences 


Prof. Gregory Mavrides 

Professor 

UGR 

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 


PhD in Civil Engineering (1974) 

Sherbrooke University, Canada 

Thesis: The Development and Representation of 

Occupant Performance in Building Evacuation Modeling 

PhD in Clinical Social Work (1990) 

Columbia University, USA 

Thesis: Patient and Therapist Variables Associated with 

Continuance and Satisfaction in Outpatient Psychotherapy. 

Prof. Samir Abdalla ElDessouky 

Professor 

Faculty of Engineering & Applied 

Sciences 

Dr. Abu Reza Islam 

Assistant Professor 



PhD in operations research and computational sciences (1985) 

George Washington University, USA 

Thesis: Using Least Absolute Value Algorithm in a step 

wise regression prediction Models. 

PhD in Economics (1999) 

Simon Fraser University, Canada 

Thesis: An Economic study of forecast performances of 

provincial budget revenue estimates in Canada during 1971 to 1996. 

Dr. Mohammad Ishfaq 




Dr. Tawfiq Jaber 


Faculty of Engineering and Applied 

Sciences 

PhD in Economics (2005) 

Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan 

Thesis: Aid effectiveness, debt capacity and debt 

management in the economy of Pakistan. 

PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2010) 

Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada 

Thesis: Spaces of market-culturalism: The case of 

Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong 

Maha Ahmed Elhami 

ESL Instructor / TA in English 

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 

Bachelor in English Language and Translation (2007) 

October Six University, Egypt 

27


Student ALHOSN Activities News 

Driving safe 

ALHOSN University hosted a talk by Major Awad Al 

Bloushi, the Public Relations Manager of the Abu Dhabi 

Police and Traffic Department, on February 15, 2011 on 

the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of abiding 

by traffic rules and regulations. Major Al Bloushi presented a 

short movie on the four basic elements affecting driving in Abu 

Dhabi and urged students to consider them while on the road 

so that they can make the right choices. It was alarming to learn 

that the percentage of road accidents did not drop despite 

raising fines. The Traffic Department had originally thought 

that people were more prone to disobeying the law because 

of lenient penalties. The department is currently employing a 

combination of strict and costly penalties on violations. 

The Major noted that the majority of accidents involve 

the youth, many of whom end up either losing their lives 

or being permanently disabled. He appealed for the help of 

the students, calling on them to behave responsibly on the 

road and volunteer to educate their peers on the dangers of 

reckless driving. Many students from ALHOSN expressed their 

willingness to participate in the department’s initiatives. 

Students were deeply engaged in the Q & A session that 

followed the talk. They vowed to adhere to driving rules and 

regulations in the UAE in order to save their lives and those of 

other motorists. 

28 

2 nd Annual Career Fair reveals 

opportunities in Gulf’s top job 

destination 

ALHOSN University launched its 2nd Annual Career Fair 

to facilitate meetings between its current students, 

alumni and various local and regional employers. 

The fair aims to capitalize on the UAE’s current status as 

the Gulf’s top employment destination, with 49 per cent of 

the region’s expatriate workers favoring the domestic job 

market. Participating employers provided information about 

their organization, met with potential recruits, and targeted the 

core engineering, applied science, business, and educational 

competencies of ALHOSN students. 

“The huge turnout at this year’s fair shows how the UAE has 

proven itself to be one of the Middle East’s most stable and 

forward-looking job destinations over the past few months. 

The introduction of more worker-friendly policies in the UAE at 

the beginning of 2011 is spurring very promising employment 

opportunities, many of which are being featured in our event. 

Our employer profile for the 2011 fair offers a great advantage 

to our job-hunting students and alumni who want to be part 

of progressive organizations” said Ms. Mahasen Al Mahasneh, 

Career Development Coordinator, ALHOSN University. 

AHU shows support for UAE’s 

ambitious space research 

The University expressed 

its full support for the 

UAE’s growing space 

and satellite industry during 

the 2011 Global Space and 

Satellite Forum held at the 

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition 

Centre (ADNEC). 

The UAE’s space research 

and applications sector is 

currently the most advanced 

in the Middle East. Satellitebased 

land imaging and 

related services for the 

region alone are expected 

to become a USD 5.2 billion 

business by 2013. The country 

recently launched its second 

satellite, the governmentfunded 

Yahsat 1a, at a cost of 

USD 1.4 billion. Meanwhile, 

Abu Dhabi-based Aabar 

Investments is investing USD 

280 million on the 2030 launch 

of Virgin Galactic’s USD 7.5 

billion spaceport. Moreover, 

the Emirates Institution 

for Advanced Science and 

Technology has announced 

plans to unveil DubaiSat-2, a 

new remote sensing satellite. 

Members of the ALHOSN 

Student Council along with 

selected staff explained 

how the University’s various 

technical programs are 

aligned with the workforce 

requirements of the space 

and satellite industry during 

the Forum’s three-day run. 

Participating companies 

showed great interest 

in recruiting ALHOSN’s 

technically-adept graduates. 

The 2011 Global Space 

and Satellite Forum drew 

a broad attendance of key 

decision makers, professional 

delegates, space enthusiasts, 

regional governmental bodies 

and young professionals 

interested in space research 

and applications. Key 

members of the space 

technology and satellite 

communications sectors from 

across the Middle East, Africa 

and South Asia discussed 

diverse topics ranging from 

satellite-based internet 

services to space policies. 

Participants also touched 

on the parallel growth of 

supporting industries such as 

law and insurance.


1 st Indoor Soccer Tournament 

Ms. Haifa Kattan, Assistant Instructor, Software Engineering 

Department, ALHOSN University, was featured in the National 

Newspaper as one of the Arab participants. She was able to finish 

the race in about 4 hours, her first triathlon ever. 

Students Received Awards For 

Reading at ALHOSN Readers’ 

Cup Award Ceremony 


Male students, faculty, and staff participated in ALHOSN’s 

1 st indoor Soccer tournament and competed in 7 teams 

aspiring to win medals and a trophy. The tournament 

took place at AL Jazira Club arena over the period of one month. 

The Stars team, composed of Ibrahim Khaleel, Mohammad 

Issam, Mohammad Aziz, Adnan Chahin, Ahmad Khier, Abdalla Al 

Ramahi, were the 1 st runner-up and were awarded silver medals 

and a discount on tuition fees. 3D Max, composed of Ehab Abd 

Almalik, Mohammed Al Gufri, Hakam Alassadi, Mohammed 

Walid, Mohammed Mazen and Reda Ali, clinched 1st place. 

They were awarded gold medals, the champions’ cup, and a 

discount on tuition fees. 

Sports Club lends a hand to the 

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 

Student and staff volunteers from ALHOSN’s Sports Club 

lent a hand to the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. 

This is the second triathlon in the city, which features 

swimming, biking and running. Team ALHOSN was entrusted 

with Aid Station 10 located along the Corniche wave-breaker. 

According to the organizers, ALHOSN volunteers did “an 

amazing job at this aid station.” The morning team had to work 

incredibly hard, as the number of runners coming through the 

aid station was corybantic. The afternoon team had a more 

tranquil time, though the mercury was on the rise. By that time 

the runners coming through needed heaps of encouragement 

and “the girls were absolutely fantastic!” 

In this year’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, 230 volunteers 

were on hand to help participants. 20,600 items of sports drinks 

were consumed during the race and 70 medical staff were 

standing by to deal with injuries and other emergencies. 


students participated 

in the final phase of a 

5-month long Readers’ Cup, 

a 3-part reading competition 

which ran from December of 

2010 culminating in a Quiz 

Show (April 24th) and an 

award ceremony (May 2nd ). 

The contest was sponsored by 

the Abu Dhabi Authority for 

Culture and Heritage. 

A total of 30 students from 

both the male and female 

campus participated in the 

elimination reading round 

of the Readers’ Cup from 

December 10th to March 31 st . 

Ten intermediate students 

were assigned the business 

book “Who Moved My 

Cheese” and seven advanced 

students were given the 

classic American novel “To Kill 

a Mockingbird” to read for the 

competition. 

In the intermediate 

competition Amira Alshenawi 

won in the female campus 

with Abdul Aziz El Jechi 

taking the lead in the male 

campus. In the advanced 

competitions, Btol Zuhair 

Mohammed Sheikh emerged 

as female victor with Adnan 

Talal Mayassi at the top of the 

male competition. 

The four lucky winners 

received new iPads courtesy 

of Mr. Abdullah Buti Al 

Quabaisi, the Director of the 

Communication Department 

at ADACH. All finalists 

received a book from the 

esteemed organization as 

well. The ALHOSN Reading 

Committee comprised of 

Dr. Hassan Belhiah, Mr. 

Richard Baltus, and Ms. 

Amanda Tinnin are looking 

forward to another successful 

competition next year. 

29



‘The Green Sheikh’ H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi 

joins ‘Earth Day’ 

H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, 

a member of the ruling Ajman 

Royal Family, popularly known as 

‘The Green Sheikh’ for his environmental 

advocacy, was the honorary guest during 

this year’s ‘Earth Day @ ALHOSN’. 

Organized by the Green Club in 

cooperation with the American Corner 

and the Urban Planning Department, the 

eco-awareness event was part of activities 

held by the University in commemoration 

of the World Earth Day 2011. The evening 

featured a screening of ‘The End of the 

Line‘ a major documentary film on the 

drastic impact of overfishing on the 

earth’s oceans, followed by a panel 

discussion on key environmental issues 

with an emphasis on overfishing. 

The panel included Sheikh Al Nuaimi, 

Thabit Abdessalam from the Abu Dhabi 

Environment Agency, Proscilla Guzman 

from the US Embassy, and Tini Meyer, 

an international contemporary artist. Dr. 

Adnan Husnein, Green Club Advisor and 

Chair of the Urban Planning Department, 

acted as a moderator. The event was 

highlighted by H.E. Sheikh Al Nuaimi’s 

presentation on his environmental 

activities and experiences, after which 

H.E. addressed questions from the 

audience. 

H.E. Sheikh Al Nuaimi’s passion and 

concern for the environment began 

as early as six years of age, when he 

accompanied his father on hunting 

trips in which they used trained falcons 

instead of guns. His short stint in the 

petroleum industry opened his eyes 

to the destructive impact of human 

activities on the environment and 

convinced him to take up a career 

in environmental engineering. H.E. 

Sheikh Al Nuaimi has a Masters Degree 

in Environmental Science and a PhD 

in Industrial Ecosystems. His official 

roles include Environmental Adviser to 

the Government of Ajman, Chairman 

of Ajman’s Green Base Environmental 

Services, and Founder of the Majlis for 

Holistic Knowledge and Holistic Health. 

The Green Club at ALHOSN University 

is a student-run organization which 

encourages students to be more actively 

involved in environmental protection. Its 

eco-initiatives range from interschool 

competitions to environmentallythemed 

trips. The club supports national 

campaigns such as ‘Heroes of the UAE’ 

to help spread more environmental 

awareness among UAE residents. 

30


Reading Club visits Abu Dhabi 

International Book Fair 

inception. He considered Dr. 

Al Sayegh’s presentation as 

a highly valuable event for 

the university as she touched 

on the historical and political 

growth of the UAE, a topic 

of substantial educational 

importance. 


ALHOSN University’s Reading Club held its 6th meeting 

during its visit to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 

where the club met many Arabian publishing houses at 

the fair’s various pavilions. 

Dr. Mohamed Hasab El Naby, Chair of ALHOSN’s Education 

Department and the Club’s supervisor, honored the Arab Reader 

Center at its pavilion for its continuous efforts to organize 

the national reading campaign sponsored by the Ministry of 

Culture, Youth and Community Development. The Reading 

Club also participated in the campaign by giving lectures and 

seminars to raise more awareness on the importance of reading 

among youths as well as planning its own book fairs. The Club 

honored the director of ‘Safsafa’ Publishing House who donated 

15 books as a token of support to the Reading Club. 

The fair exemplified the skillful balance between professional 

development and rich discussions on cultural themes and the 

publishing industry. 

Historian & Archeologist 

Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh discusses 

UAE’s historical & political 

evolution at AHU 

The Reading Club of 


hosted a lecture by Dr. 

Fatima Al Sayegh during its 

Reading Club 4th meeting 

at the ALHOSN Women’s 

Campus on February 13, 2011. 

Dr. Al Sayegh, an Associate 

Professor at the United 

Arab Emirates University’s 

Department of History and 

Archaeology, delivered a 

speech entitled ‘United 

Arab Emirates: Its Historical 

and Political Development’ 

before ALHOSN students 

in the presence of the Vice 

Chancellor Prof. Abdul Rahim 

Sabouni and a number of 

faculty members. 

In an interview with Abu 

Dhabi Emirates Channel, the 

TV station which covered the 

major event, Prof. Sabouni 

explained that such nonclassroom 

activities are vital 

to enriching the academic 

experience and promoting 

cultural awareness among 

students, a cause that he 

noted has been among 

ALHOSN’s priorities since its 

ALHOSN’s Reading Club 

holds 5th meeting at Emirati 

calligrapher Mohammed Mandi’s 

Free Arts Studio 

The Reading Club at ALHOSN University recently held 

its 5th meeting at the Free Arts Studio of renowned 

Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi at the Abu Dhabi 

National Theatre. The activity reflected ALHOSN’s commitment 

to generating greater awareness on the importance of Arabic 

heritage and language. 

The event was attended by female students from ALHOSN 

University and Al Manhal International School, with Dr. 

Mohamed Hasab El Naby, Supervisor of the Reading Club, 

in attendance. Mandi warmly welcomed club members and 

commended them for their support of Arabic calligraphy. He 

spoke of his achievements and fascination with calligraphy, 

which he said began as a childhood hobby and evolved into a 30- 

year profession. The celebrated calligrapher noted that his craft 

requires a combination of passion, patience and constancy. 

Mandi was trained by several renowned artists such as 

the Egyptian calligrapher Said Ibrahim. He also received a 

calligrapher certificate in the Thuluth and Naskh (Al Hulya Al 

Sharifa) scripts which he earned through the help of his teacher 

Sheikh Hasan Jalabi in Istanbul. 

The Emirati calligrapher’s creations can be found on 

currencies of the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain and the 

passports of the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. He is 

also the calligraphy designer of the Islamic Forum in Penzberg, 

Germany and Allah’s 99 names written on the Qibla wall of the 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. 

31



Emphasis on respect for the national identity at 

the 5 th International Day 

The importance of fostering respect 

and harmony across all cultures 

and nationalities was emphasized 

during ALHOSN’s 5th International Day 

at the University’s Male and Female 

Campuses. 

University faculty, staff, and 

students delivered presentations 

and showcased exhibitions, artefacts 

and traditional dishes from several 

countries and cultures. Among the 

countries represented were UAE, Egypt, 

India, Iran, Iraq, North America, Japan, 

Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, 

Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and the 

Algeria. The activities took place on 

March 2 nd , from 5 p.m to 7 p.m and were 

open to the general public. ALHOSN’s 5th 

International Day reflects the institution’s 

support for the UAE’s openness to world 

cultures and the country’s commitment 

to upholding progressive and forwardthinking 

national development. 

“It is very inspiring to see our 

students, faculty and staff come together 

and celebrate in unison the diverse 

backgrounds of ALHOSN’s community 

members. Many of the world’s problems 

can be easily addressed via a more 

tolerant and supportive attitude from 

its inhabitants. ALHOSN’s International 

Day serves as a reminder that we must 

learn to live and work cohesively if we 

want to achieve our individual and shared 

goals,” said Ms. Ghada Qabha, Director 

of Student Affairs, ALHOSN University. 

32

العدد | 10 يونيو 2011 

األنشطة الطالبية 

الجامعة توؤكد على احترام الهوية الوطنية خالل تنظيمها 

اليوم الدولي الخامس 

اأكدت جامعة احلصن على اأهمية تعزيز االنسجام واالحرتام بني الثقافات 

واجلنسيات املختلفة خالل تنظيمها اليوم الدويل اخلامس الذي عقدته باحلرم 

اجلامعي يف الثاين من مارس.‏ 

وقام اأعضاء الهيئة التدريسية واملوظفون والطلبة يف اجلامعة بتقدمي العديد 

من االأنشطة التي تضمنت العروض التقدميية واملعارض واملصنوعات اليدوية 

واملاأكوالت التقليدية والشعبية من خمتلف الدول والثقافات.‏ وكان من بني الدول 

املشاركة دولة االإمارات العربية املتحدة ومصر والهند واإيران والعراق واليابان 

واالأردن وكوريا ولبنان وليبيا واملغرب وفلسطني والسودان وسوريا وتونس واأمريكا 

الشمالية واجلزائر.‏ واأقيمت الفعاليات من الساعة 5 وحتى 7 مساء.‏ ويعكس اليوم 

الدويل اخلامس دعم جامعة احلصن النفتاح دولة االإمارات العربية املتحدة 

على احلضارات العاملية والثقافات املتنوعة والتزامها بدعم التطور والتفكري 

املستقبلي على املستوى الوطني.‏ 

واأشارت غادة قبهة،‏ مديرة ‏سوؤون الطلبة بجامعة احلصن بقولها ‏»من الرائع 

اأن نرى طلبتنا واأعضاء الهيئة التدريسية واملوظفني وهم يجتمعون ويحتفلون 

بانسجام على الرغم من اختالف ثقافاتهم التي درجوا عليها،‏ ومن املوؤكد اأن 

كثرياً‏ من املشكالت ميكن اأن حتل اإذا ما استوعبنا ذلك التعدد الثقايف بروح 

عصرية،‏ ويعد اليوم الدويل الذي نقوم بتنظيمه مبثابة مناسبة تذكرنا بضرورة 

التعايش والتعاون معاً‏ اإذا ما اأردنا حتقيق اأهدافنا الشخصية واملجتمعية«.‏ 

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