Etisalat University College and Nokia organize free training course for the 2nd National Mobile Phone Application Contest

The training was held at the Etisalat University College premises, Sharjah. The program will include workshops on Java2 ME/Symbian, and other programs used in mobile application programming.

The session comes as a preparation for the 2nd Mobile Competition which will take place on 12th May, 2007 under the patronage of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Nokia, and Etisalat, and organized by the Engineering Department at the Etisalat University College. The aim of the workshop is to enhance the participants experience in services provided by telephone networks currently, and with services that may be applied in the future.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Manager of Etisalat University College, said: "This session provides an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their computing and mobile programming skills, which will guide them to deliver better quality projects in the contest and further enable in bringing advanced mobile phones applications to meet the growing demands of business and individual mobile phone users."

Mohammed Essawi, Head of Technology Marketing and Business Development, Nokia Middle East and Africa, said: "Nokia is always keen on supporting the skills of students to get them involved in scientific competitions like this, because such competitions contributes in creating a community that can develop unique mobile applications that enrich mobile devices platforms with content relevant to the regional and local culture."

The group of participants expressed their happiness for participating in such a competitive event where they gained great experience through the training offered.

Issa Abdullah, student, Etisalat University College and participant in the competition, said: "My participation in this competition is to enhance my academic studies and I found that this training proved most valuable as it provided me with valuable information in mobile application programming. I intend to present a project of a robot that can be remotely controlled. I hope I win this competition for the most innovative and environmental friendly project."

Fatima Al Kaydi, participant from Faculty of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates Univeristy, said: "Participating in this competition is a rare opportunity for students to be associated with the latest techniques in mobile application programming. I hope that the special project I will present will help me win the competition.

"The the deadline for submitting the projects for the competition is 5th May, 2007. Then it will be forwarded to the Steering Committee and the judges for choosing the best project. The judges decisions will be based on, quality, applicability to the UAE, Islamic and Arabic culture, usability, and support for multiple devices.'