Microsoft recognizes Middle East's dedicated technology community experts

The MVP program recognizes outstanding individuals in technical communities who share a passion for technology and spirit of community. The new MVPs have appointed in Kuwait, Pakistan and the UAE.

The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award program began over 10 years ago, to recognized individuals both for their demonstrated practical expertise and for their willingness to share their experience with others. MVPs are active in online and offline technical communities, including Microsoft or third party public newsgroups, independent websites on IT, as well as Microsoft User Groups. Each MVP has a certain area of a Microsoft product that they are recognized for, and that they can share useful experiences and advice about.

As outstanding members of the IT community, MVPs have the opportunity to receive product betas, are occasionally invited to Microsoft events, and have access to select Microsoft technical resources. MVPs are also often involved in the development of future Microsoft products, where their feedback from user groups proves invaluable.

"Sharing experiences and helping other users to develop their skills is a very rewarding part of taking an active role in an online community, but it is also good to get the recognition of your participation and expertise from Microsoft," said Haider Alogaily, an MVP specializing in Visual Developer XML Web Services, working for Mercator, the IT division of the Dubai based Emirates group.

User Groups, such as Ineta (www.ineta.org/mea), are associations of people with an interest in technology, based on voluntary participation. User groups are developing fast in the region, and play an active role in organizing events, and building ways for technical experts to share ideas and experiences.

"The nomination of these individuals illustrates the growth and passion of the IT Profession and skill in the UAE," said Abdullatif Al Mulla, General Manager of Microsoft South Gulf. "MVPs are incredibly important to Microsoft and the software community as a whole, because they can inspire their peers, and provide invaluable feedback to Microsoft that helps us build better products. I am pleased to welcome them to the program, and to see this region playing a growing international role."