CNBC Arabiya signs agreement with Microsoft for Imagine Cup 2009

The Imagine Cup is Microsoft's initiative to encourage young people and students to apply their imagination and creativity to technological innovations that can make a difference in people's lives and address real-world issues.

The Imagine Cup complements Microsoft's Unlimited Potential commitment to create social and economic opportunity through programs and products that transform education, foster local innovation and enable jobs and opportunities worldwide.

Being the recognized world leader in business news that reaches over 340 million homes worldwide, CNBC Arabiya will provide in-depth coverage of the Imagine Cup in special segments and shows starting from the launch and team selection process to the worldwide finals that are being held in Egypt in 2009. The agreement was signed between Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf and Steven Hall, CEO, CNBC Arabiya.

Commenting on the partnership, Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf said,

"The Imagine Cup provides a forum for students around the world to explore new ways to use the power of software to help address some of the world's toughest challenges. These participants represent the next generation of business and technology leaders and their creativity and passion are reasons for us all to be optimistic about the future. Their creativity and innovation speak volumes about the promise of technology to make a difference in peoples' lives and the way we think, work and communicate. We are pleased to be associated with CNBC Arabiya and together, we look forward to providing viewers with exciting shows and events on this year's Imagine Cup."

Steven Hall, CEO, CNBC Arabiya said, "Being part of the Microsoft Imagine Cup is a great way for us to move beyond the world of business by producing and showcasing innovative programming featuring students who truly want to make a difference in people's lives. The competition also gives students opportunities, separate from their academic work, to test and develop a wide range of skills. CNBC Arabiya is pleased to be associated with Microsoft in creating more awareness through the competition by encouraging students to harness the power of technology to develop innovative projects."

Now in its 7th year, the theme of this year's Imagine Cup 2009 is to "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems facing us today".