The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has recently been awarded the International Standard Organization (ISO) 22301 Business Continuity Management System certification, making it the first university in the Middle East and African region (MEA) to earn the prestigious international standard that affirms the university’s preparedness to perform and continue its operations in the event of an emergency or disruptive incident and return to normal business as quickly as possible. The university was also awarded the Record of Verification to ISO 29990 for Learner Services Providers following an external audit by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Limited.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, handed over the certifications to H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) together with the recent award received from the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Awards.

H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan commended this great achievement, affirming that HMBSU has made great strides in the field of smart education since its inception, thanks to the continuous support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and HBMSU President, in ensuring the quality of education at HBMSU. He highlighted H.H.’s quest for excellence for the education sector, to maintain an academic environment conducive to smart learning, as well as effectively create learning opportunities to help shape the future of learners. Presented were Basem Obaid, Area General Manager – LR Management Systems, South Asia & Middle East, Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Limited as well as HBMSU faculty and officials.

H.E. reiterated that the smart learning is now fundamental for our time requirements. It fits with a lot of students’ circumstances that are not available in the traditional education. He added, “HBMSU graduates do not find it difficult to get jobs after graduation, where the many opportunities are available to them and they can invest what they have learned at university in these opportunities.”

H.E. Khalfan commented: “We are honoured to present this international recognition to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and University President, as a symbol of the university’s achievements, which could only be possible through H.H.’s ongoing support to HBMSU to continue working for excellence and global leadership in smart learning. We pledge to ensure that we maintain the ISO standards and strive to even exceed expectations to achieve the objectives inspired by the wise vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who taught us that ‘the impossible cannot be where there is perseverance and faith.’

Basem Obaid said: “Lloyd's Register congratulates the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University for its latest achievement as one of the most highly qualified academic institutions in the Middle East and North Africa to meet international standards and secure these certificates. The University’s administration has rigorously prepared and implemented a comprehensive management system following the ISO 22301 requirements to ensure business continuity as well as followed the guidelines set in ISO 29990 in order to operate according to the best practices related to the design, implementation and evaluation of various education programs.”

Dr. Al Awar said: “The certifications are the latest addition to the string of awards and recognitions HBMSU continues to receive from internationally-accredited organizations. The unlimited support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and University President, given to the university assures us that we can always aim for international excellence and align university practices with global standards.”

“HBMSU is the only smart learning institution in the Arab World and among the few leading institutions worldwide to be ISO 22301 certified. We remain steadfast to offer our learners a safe learning environment by keeping the university at par with the best international practices to produce world-class learners to be our ambassadors who will make the UAE among the best countries in the world,” Dr. Al Awar added.

Both certifications attest to the highest level of operational standards being followed by HBMSU to deliver an academic setting that is at par with the best international practices. Compliance with ISO 22301 guidelines provides the following benefits: optimal quality and efficiency, flexibility during disruptions, competitive advantage, organizational improvement, strengthened management processes including client delivery, as well as enhanced international reputation. The ISO 29990 standard, on the other hand, creates a unified model for quality operations as well as a common reference point for learner providers from the conceptualization to the development and delivery of specific programs.