Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University wins bid to host SCOP 2012 meeting

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, announced that it has been unanimously voted as the next host of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Standing Conference of Presidents (SCOP) during the SCOP 2011 meeting that was recently held at the State University of New York Empire State College in New York, USA. HBMeU’s winning bid over five other contending proposals from Asia, Europe and Africa marks the first time that the prestigious annual SCOP meeting will be held in an Asian country. 

HBMeU’s commitment to host the annual SCOP meeting is in line with the university’s continuing thrust to promote and help stimulate the growth of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in the UAE and across the Middle East region. The SCOP meeting provides a unique opportunity for Rectors, Presidents, and Chief Executive Officers of open and distance education universities from around the globe to exchange information, share expertise, establish benchmarks and determine advocacy directions. 

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, said: “Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University's rich experience and expertise in hosting world-class conferences and forums in the recent past has been a very important factor that has convinced the ICDE executive committee to award the hosting rights of the SCOP meeting for the first time to an Arab country. This new milestone certainly underlines the reputation of HBMeU as one of the recognised global leaders in open and distance education and a pioneering institution in e-learning in the Middle East.” 

“Moreover, with advanced infrastructure and modern amenities for travel and transportation, easy connectivity and accessibility, world-class hospitality facilities, tax benefits and a wide range of leisure and shopping choices, we are confident that participants of SCOP 2012 can look forward to a truly memorable stay in Dubai. Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University is now closely coordinating with the ICDE executive committee as we begin serious preparations to ensure the success of SCOP 2012. By bringing together the most respected leaders in education from all over the world, we hope to help re-define quality learning and establish a new era of excellence in education in the UAE,” he added. 

ICDE SCOP is an international meeting of executive heads from open and distance teaching universities. During the ICDE SCOP 2011 meeting in New York, leaders representing institutions from 30 countries on every continent held discussions on why universities have not advanced political and societal acceptance for the open and online delivery of education. 

ICDE is a network of 100 educational institutions worldwide working to promote open and distance learning, and provide opportunities for exchange of educational best practices between countries and regions. SCOP is an annual event organised by ICDE for high-level, confidential exchange of information, quality enhancement strategies and policy directions.