Dubai School of Government and Microsoft Gulf to develop technology policy framework for government elites

The Dubai School of Government is the only institution in the region and the fourth in the world, to participate in this type of partnership with Microsoft. This set of principles and guidelines will provide a foundation for technology innovation and sustainable growth that will promote improved governance in the public sector.

Moreover, DSG and Microsoft will work together on capacity building in the field of technology policies and public administration, where they will jointly develop a series of technology policy and governance workshops to be delivered to students in the academic programs, and collaborate on curricula for DSG's Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean, Dubai School of Government and Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf., in the presence of Pamela Passman, Global Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Corp., and Mr. Nabil Ali Alyousuf, Executive President and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dubai School of Government.

Mr. Nabil Ali Alyousuf, of the Dubai School of Government, said:

"This partnership with Microsoft is in line with the goals of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy. The aim of the partnership is to make it easier for regional governments to exchange knowledge, best practices and experience about effective government policies, programmes and solutions that will drive socio-economic growth in the region. In addition, this framework will educate the next generation of leaders in the Arab world by equipping them with the skills they need to address challenges of the twenty-first century."

Under the agreement, Microsoft will also review and develop relevant content for DSG's Executive Education programs with regard to latest technologies and how ICT can enhance performance management in Public Administration and Policy. The partnership with DSG will run from 2008 to 2011.


Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf, said:

"Microsoft is committed to helping governments develop strong, sustainable IT infrastructures that deliver ease of use, value through innovative technology and a clear roadmap for future development. At the core of the agreement with DSG is reform and institutional change for better governance. We are pleased to partner with the Dubai School of Government to provide the foundation and framework for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. Together, we will work closely to identify progress on technology policy issues and offer technology solutions that address the unique needs of this region."

The Dubai School of Government is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, DSG aims to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy. Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government also collaborates with regional and global institutions in delivering its research and training programs. In addition, the School organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.