UAE's e-Learning market grows by 26% to reach $72.6m by 2010

Eye of Dubai, the premier comprehensive tourism and investment guidebook and online portal for Dubai residents and visitors, has announced that it is leveraging the popularity and reach of its web portal www.eyeofdubai.com to promote 'e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East 2008', the four-day forum being held in Dubai aimed at bringing together leaders and decision-makers to create an action agenda focused on e-Learning quality throughout the region.

Being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the forum is organised by the e-TQM College in partnership with Microsoft and Visionaire, and is being held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai from January 15 to 18, 2008.

"As media partners of this forum we are keen on ensuring maximum publicity for the event, especially since the pace of growth and adoption of e-Learning in the Middle East is a fair reflection of the overall progress and advancement of the region," said Abdullah Al Harbi, CEO, Eye of Dubai.

"With the modern-day focus on lifelong learning and the demand for continuous professional development, an increasing number of individuals and corporations across the Middle East are turning towards e-Learning, and this forum will serve as a perfect platform for participants to stay abreast of latest developments in the realm of electronic education."

e-Learning is fast gaining momentum in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE where the total spending on e-Learning is expected to achieve a compounded average growth rate of 26% to reach $72.6m by the end of 2010, according to statistics provided by Madar Research Group.

"The steady growth in infrastructure across the region has boosted the overall readiness of GCC countries with regard to adoption of an electronic approach to education," said Al Harbi.

Eye of Dubai has been a recipient of several awards, including 'Best Website of the Year,' 'Gold Award for Best Travel and Tourism Website' and 'Gold Award for Directories and Info Services' at the 2007 UAE Web Wards. It also won 'Best Strategic Website for Travel and Tourism,' 'International Standards Web technology Award' and 'Gold Award for Best Travel and Tourism Website' during the Pan Arab Web Awards 2007.

The 'e-Learning Excellence in the Middle East' Forum will be followed by eight post-forum workshops, offering direct knowledge and skills development in areas related to: Instructional Design, Faculty Development, the use of Reusable Learning Objects, e-Portfolio, e-Learning Solutions and Innovations and other relevant topics related to quality assurance in e-Learning. The forum will be attended by leaders and administrators who select and support e-Learning; business enterprises and academics who are involved in research in the areas of e-Learning, ICT applications and e-Training; and teachers.