University wins top honours at Dubai Customs IPR Awards

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, recently won the first place in the Dubai Customs IPR Award competition. The award was presented during a ceremony hosted by Dubai Customs to commemorate World International Property Day, in the presence of several prominent personalities and officials from local, federal and GCC government authorities, as well as representatives of diplomatic and consular delegations in the UAE. HBMeU was awarded the first place in recognition of its project titled "Intellectual Property, a Nation's Fortune and Minds' Wealth", which focuses on launching a new website for intellectual property rights and also covers the inclusion of articles by IPR specialists, brochures, and illustrations about IPR issues. The project also includes organising of educational and promotional tours targeting IPR protection, awareness-raising campaigns, and internal and external educational workshops in coordination with concerned corporations. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, expressed his pleasure on receiving this award, which reflects the constant efforts and the common goal of HBMeU and Dubai Customs of creating a safe, innovation-oriented community. "We would like to reaffirm our commitment to work with different competent authorities to encourage innovation and ensure protection of intellectual property within the scientific research and academic communities, in line with the directions of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, to reach leadership and excellence, and complementing His Highness’ saying ‘We always strive to be number one’,” said Dr. Al Awar. "Intellectual property has become one of the most important issues today as it represents human creativity. There is a pressing need to protect intellectual property rights given its vital role in supporting our knowledge-based economy and enhancing economic, social, technological, and cultural development. As part of our vision to promote a culture of creativity and innovation within the education sector, we were keen to participate in this contest by offering a creative project that introduced a complete mechanism covering all educational, legal, and proactive measures needed to combat piracy and IPR infringement in the Arab world. The project also features many proposals including the launch of a new independent TV channel dedicated to IPR issues and innovation, as well as organising world-class conferences and presenting awards to creative Arab minds for their hard work," Dr. Al Awar concluded