Dubai Internet City Applauds Efforts of Homegrown IT Talents

As part of an initiative to empower UAE national youth and prepare them for a successful IT career, Dubai Internet City applauded the efforts of aspiring professionals through a special recognition award during a high-profile ceremony at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai on 22 and 23 April.

Dubai Internet City presented the award to the "Best UAE National Student Project", to recognize the innovative use of technology by creative and dedicated national students who would make a significant difference to the lives of people and businesses in this region via information technology and help bridge the digital divide.

The award winners were honored during a ceremony with diplomats, top designation executives, eminent professionals and managers from the regional government, business and IT organizations in attendance

Speaking about the award, Mr. Jamal Abdul Salam, Executive Director of DIC, said 'We live in a region where information technology has revolutionized many aspects of our industries and society in general by bringing tremendous efficiency, productivity and transparency. The purpose of this award is to nurture the spirit of the indigenous population and provide them with the recognition to enable them to establish themselves as trained professionals actively participating in this rapidly evolving industry and benefit from the economic gain".

"IT has played a pivotal role in the development of the Middle East 's business and economy and forms a strong part of the robust UAE economy. The IT industry in the Middle East has been responsible for more jobs, regional growth and a high quality of life throughout the region and the UAE IT Challenge is an attempt to recognize the individuals who possess the learning's to make an impact on the IT industry of the region', said Nic Gara, Chairman , Executive Committee of the UAE Educational IT.

The UAE IT Challenge is an initiative of the Higher Colleges of Technology, in collaboration with the Zayed University , UAE University and the Ministry of Education. The unique national challenge is an awards and exhibition program designed to recognise and harness the best IT based ideas and practices from the classrooms of secondary schools, colleges and universities of the UAE and the GCC. Modelled on the successful global Stockholm and Rome challenges, the IT challenge invited projects from teachers and students from across the GCC. The challenge was first held in 2002 and was an international success with many finalists making it to global challenges of Stockholm and Rome .

'The IT Challenge recognizes the vision and fortitude of UAE nationals in using IT solutions to achieve their goals and commitment to leveraging technology for improving efficiency and productivity. It is the efforts of individuals like them that has made the region a technological powerhouse in the world', concluded Mr. Abdul Salam from DIC.