Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has announced that it has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IRCA Middle East, a member of IRCA Global Group, the international risk management solution provider in the areas of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ), to explore ways of jointly offering corporate training programs to SHEQ practitioners and to executives with a broader interest in enterprise risk management. Prof. Nabil Baydoun, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at HBMeU, and Mr. Thian Combrinck, Head of Operations at IRCA Global, signed the MoU during a recent ceremony held at the HBMeU Grand Meeting Room. Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Nabil Baydoun said: "We will build on this strategic partnership with IRCA Middle East to further expand the learning programs of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. Risk management is a very important area of concern that has a direct impact on the social and economic progress of our society. HBMeU is therefore strongly committed to leverage our alliances with distinguished institutions such as IRCA Middle East to develop programs that specifically address risk management issues in the UAE and the Middle East, particularly those related to safety, health, environment and quality." HBMeU and IRCA Middle East will launch short courses and certificate programs and will collaborate on the design and delivery of customised learning programs in a commercially feasible model. Both parties will also ensure that the customised modules of learning and training methodology, and packaging of the said modules, will meet local, international, academic and professional standards. Under the terms of the MoU, HBMeU will be the sole authority to conduct course accreditation, faculty assessment and certification. HBMeU may also incorporate the jointly developed course in its existing courses. HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning