HBMeU partners up with Flagship Projects to offer e-content on its bookstore app as it moves toward the content experience

In a step toward “paperless university”, 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 booked an entire store on Rufoof, a revolutionary bookstore application developed by Flagship Projects, a leading Dubai-based hi-tech mobile and web applications provider.

This announcement was made at the HBMeU Annual Congress 2011, being held until February 3, 2011, at Atlantis Hotel under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University and which was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, said: "We are delighted to partner up with Flagship Projects to have a complete HBMeU store on Rufoof mobile app on iPad. This shelf store will constitute 10 % - 15 % of study at the university and gradually cover all aspects of study, so that students can take part from their iPad or iPhone instead of physically coming to the university. The move is in line with HBMeU commitment to boost personal and professional skills of not only our students but hundreds of professionals from different organisations in the UAE and across the region. “

“HBMeU's move to use our Rufoof store reflects the university’s unwavering desire to adopt online resources that enhance professionals’ skills in total quality management,” said Shadi Hasan, Managing Director, Flagship Projects. “We launched this world-class mobile application just a few months ago and it is proving to be one of the most sought-after Arabic apps on the app store. It provides an amazing reading experience for Arabic Content.”

Users of HBMeU Rufoof store can go to the application and view a wide range of book titles in different categories including articles and e-journals as well as download a sample to have the content available even when the device is offline.

Hasan added: “Another feature of the application is reading through bookmark pages, search and change the font size as well as change the colour of the shelves. This represents a huge advancement in the world of reading from iPhone, iPad or other smart phone devices.”

Hasan added: “It is time universities starts considering digital versions of their content in a more dynamic way than any conventional digital channel and start thing of how the content can be simpler to interact with and benefit from. Universities need to go paperless, thus providing the students with convenience and efficiency.”

With Rufoof, authors' and publishers' books are more piracy-protected, compared to many online libraries, due to the high security features deployed by the Flagship team of software developers.

Hasan added: “We pride ourselves on our smart mobile phone applications and we motivate businesses, governments and end users to embrace this new technology that has not been fully exploited in the Arab world.”

Through Rufoof, Flagship is showcasing its best expertise and the ability to develop creative professional content for the local and regional market. Rufoof provides a user friendly experience adopting the latest platforms at the best cost effective price.

Hasan added: “Hamdan e-University Rufoof store will have large variety of books, articles and e-journals. The Hamdan e-University Rufoof Store is the first Rufoof store where visitors can only view items related to the university store, and the store is designed to fit Hamdan e-university brand and style”.

HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World established with a 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. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.

Hasan added: “Flagship is one of the earliest providers of solutions for this rapidly expanding smart phone market. We provide high-end smart phone platforms and develop applications for organisations seeking to execute products on mobile devices. Our applications target iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile 7and other devices available in the market.”