AUC TEAM WINS FIRST PLACE AT INTERNATIONAL ROBOT COMPETITION

October 10, 2019, Cairo – Five students at The American University in Cairo (AUC) won first place at the Student Mechanism and Robot Design Competition, held recently by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in Anaheim, California. AUC's campus practically became home this summer to Mostafa Sedky, Fares Fawzi, Sarah Elfeqy, Mohamed Samy and Mariam Hegazy, all mechanical engineering seniors at the School of Sciences and Engineering who spent countless days running between labs and workshops and late nights working on the first-place robot. Out of four selected teams from around the world, AUC was represented by two teams as finalists in this competition. The AUC teams were the only ones selected from Egypt and were the first to make it to this level of the competition in 10 years. “Our hard work paying off is an amazing feeling,” Samy said. “We’re all so happy.”

Initially creating the robot for a class, the team designed it to ascend stairs so that it could help people with physical disabilities climb stairs without the help of others. After being accepted into the competition, and under the supervision of their faculty adviser Mustafa Arafa, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the team modified the robot to be able to walk, granting it the ability to be used for a wide number of applications. The technology of the robot provides the base for extending its function to surgical robotic arms or using it as a search and rescue machine. The team focused on stability and efficiency to stand out among the other competitors.

“We shifted the whole idea from just being able to climb stairs to something we can continue to innovate,” Sedky said.

It took two months of designing, creating parts and prototyping, then one month of building before the final prototype was ready.

“The workshop for mechanical engineers had everything, and we used the Robotics Club for late-night stays. We had everything we needed on campus,” Elfeqy said.

With a fully functioning walking robot, the team headed to California in late August to compete. However, once they reached their hotel room and pulled out the machine, they found that all its parts had been fried due to scanners at the airport. In a city they were unfamiliar with, they scrambled to find parts and rebuild the prototype. They spent the whole day gathering pieces and eight hours at night rebuilding, finishing just in time for the competition the next day.

Nonetheless, they built it just as well the second time as they did the first. When they found out they won first place, the team members said it felt surreal. They expressed their gratitude to the Undergraduate Research Program for funding and to AUC for making everything they needed accessible.

"It was hard at times, but we had a lot of fun, and we're so excited," Sedky said.




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The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded in 1919 and is major contributor to the social, intellectual and cultural life of the Arab Region. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions, and study abroad programs. An independent, nonprofit, politically non-partisan, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.

Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center Launches its Second Round

For the second year in row

Cairo, Egypt: October 10, 2019 - For the second year in row, Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center is showcasing a wide variety of artistic activities for diverse musical tastes through a range of partnerships and events. The second round kicks off mid-October.




This season, Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center is collaborating with the Sultan Qa'itbay Foundation, one of the Center's initial partners, to hold periodic events including concerts and art exhibitions at Maq'ad of Sultan Qa'itbay and the hotel's headquarters. The Foundation will offer touristic tours for hotel guests characterized by a special adventure to Cairo's old architectural milestones at East of Cairo.




“Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center celebrates culture and the arts by giving Egyptian talent the opportunity to express themselves and present their musical creations in an enchanting atmosphere, whether in the hotel or at the most famous historical locations,” said Andreas Boettger, General Manager of Grand Nile Tower."Through this Center, we seek to provide a unique artistic and cultural experience not only for hotel guests, but also for all those interested in culture and arts by collaborating with distinguished local partners and a group of promising musical talents in Egypt.”





As part of the fruitful success of Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center and the first Manial Palace Classical Music Festival, the Center and the Festival are collaborating to launch the second round that will be held from October 28th-November 9th sponsored by the Grand Nile Tower. The Festival’s program ranges between classical European, East Asian and Oriental music to new musical collaborations.




This season of the Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center offers the surprise return of weekly concerts that will begin by mid-October in collaboration with the organizing partner Out Loud. The partnership aims to offer a monthly program of concerts in prime locations inside the hotel that allow attendees to enjoy the charming location and atmosphere during the concert.




The Grand Nile Tower Arts & Cultural Center was launched in 2018 as part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, offering independent artists and young talent the opportunity to perform in a reputable venue.

للعام الثاني علي التوالي

مركز جراند نايل للفنون ينطلق في دورته الثانية ويعلن عن شراكات جديدة وباقة متنوعة من الفعاليات الفنية 

القاهرة في 10 أكتوبر 2019- - للعام الثاني علي التوالي، يعود مركز الفنون بفندق جراند نايل تاور لجمهور الفن ومحبيه بمجموعة من الشراكات والفعاليات يقدم من خلالها مجموعة متنوعة من الأنشطة الفنية تهدف إلى إرضاء الأذواق الموسيقية المتنوعة والذي يبدأ منتصف أكتوبر. 

ويتعاون مركز جراند نايل للفنون مع مؤسسة السلطان قايتباي والتي تعد من أوائل شركاء المركز وتهدف الشراكة إلى إقامة فعاليات دورية تتنوع بين حفلات موسيقية ومعارض فنية في كل من مقعد السلطان قايتباي ومقر الفندق. كما تقدم المؤسسة جولات سياحية لزوار الفندق تمتاز بطابع خاص بين كنوز القاهرة المعمارية القديمة بشرق القاهرة.

وتعليقاً على ذلك، يقول السيد/ اندرياس بوتجر- مدير عام جراند نايل تاور: "يعكس مركز جراند نايل للفنون فلسفة الفندق في الاحتفاء بالثقافة والفنون، من خلال اتاحة الفرصة أمام المواهب المصرية للتعبير عن نفسها وتقديم ابداعاتهم الموسيقية في جو ساحر سواءً بالفندق أو في أشهر الأماكن الأثرية بالقاهرة. إننا نسعى من خلال هذا المركز لتقديم تجربة فنية وثقافية متكاملة ليس فقط للنزلاء والضيوف، ولكن أيضاً لكل المهتمين بالثقافة والفنون من خلال التعاون مع شركاء محليين متميزين ومجموعة من المواهب الموسيقية الواعدة في مصر."

واستكمالاً للنجاح المثمر بين مركز جراند نايل للفنون ومهرجان الموسيقى الكلاسيكية في قصر المنيل في دورته الأولي، يتعاون كلاً من المركز والمهرجان في دورته الجديدة والتي تقام في الفترة بين يومي 28 أكتوبر و9 نوفمبر تحت رعاية فندق جراند نايل تاور ويتنوع البرنامج الفني بين ألوان الموسيقى الكلاسيكية الأوروبية والشرق آسيوية والشرقية بالإضافة لتقديم تعاونات موسيقية جديدة. 

أما آخر المفاجأت التي يقدمها مركز جراند نايل للفنون في دورته الجديدة فهي عودة الحفلات الاسبوعية التي تبدأ بحلول منتصف أكتوبر بالتعاون مع الشريك المنظم للحفلات أوت لاود. وتهدف الشراكة لتقديم برنامج شهري من الحفلات الموسيقية في مواقع متميزة داخل الفندق تسمح للحضور الاستمتاع بموقع الفندق الساحر أثناء الحفل.

تجدر الإشارة أنّ مركز جراند نايل للفنون والثقافة انطلق لأول مرة في 2018، في إطار مبادرات المسئولية الاجتماعية والمؤسسية للفندق، حيث يتيح للفنانين المستقلين والمواهب الشابة فرصة ثمينة لتقديم عروضهم في مكان يتمتع بشهرة واسعة.

HYATT ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR HYATT REGENCY CAIRO WEST

The hotel will mark the return of the Hyatt brand to Egypt’s capital city of Cairo




DUBAI (October 8, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with ALDAU Development group for a Hyatt-branded hotel in Cairo. Hyatt Regency Cairo West, set to open in the last quarter of 2020, will mark the return of the Hyatt brand to the capital of Egypt. The hotel joins Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh and will further add to Hyatt’s growing brand footprint in North Africa.




Situated within the well-established Pyramids Heights Business Park, the hotel will provide the perfect setting for business and leisure travelers, as well as meetings and events. Its location will be in close proximity to diverse corporations, landmarks, malls, and popular leisure and cultural attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, and soon, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Sphinx International Airport.




“We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Hyatt brand to Cairo and are focused on the increased tourism figures and continued development in and around the capital city,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. “Hyatt Regency Cairo West will be a great addition to our growing portfolio in North Africa as we anticipate the hotel will become a destination where both business and leisure travelers can stay connected and energized throughout their stay.”




Created for a seamless and personalized guest experience, Hyatt Regency Cairo West will feature 242 contemporary guestrooms and suites, inspired by Egyptian culture; with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pyramids of Giza or the hotel’s pool and lush gardens. Room amenities offered will include the latest technology such as smart mirrors and sensor LED lighting control, as well as in-room massage and beauty facilities in a number of the suites.




The hotel will have additional features including five distinct restaurants, bar and lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor heated swimming pool and casino adjacent to the building.




Set to become a go-to gathering place for meetings, elaborate social events and weddings, the hotel will feature seven meeting rooms, a Grand Ballroom providing 4,628 square feet (430 square meters) of banquet space accommodating up to 500 guests, outdoor function areas, and the latest 360-degree digital projector technology.




For more information about Hyatt Regency hotels, please visit hyattregency.com




The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.




About Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency brand prides itself on making travel free from stress and filled with success. More than 190 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in more than 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion – from efficient personalized, high-touch business meetings to energizing family vacations. The brand offers stress-free environments for seamless gatherings and empathetic service that anticipates guests’ needs. Designed for productivity and peace of mind, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including the space to work, engage or relax; notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; and expert meeting and event planners who can take care of every detail. For more information, please visit hyattregency.com. Follow @HyattRegency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattRegency.




About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of June 30, 2019, the Company's portfolio included more than 875 properties in over 60 countries across six continents. The Company's purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.




Forward-Looking Statement

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the rate and the pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; the timing of acquisitions and dispositions, and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; our ability to successfully execute on our strategy to expand our management and franchising business while at the same time reducing our real estate asset base within targeted timeframes and at expected values; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.







# # #

Mentally healthy adults have been given the right tools and coping mechanisms as children, which is why it is important to help your child today

Focus on Mental Health

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 October 2019: October 10th is observed as World Mental Health Day, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Mental Health issues “still don’t not receive enough attention”, says Dr Hibah Shata, Founder and CEO of Child Early Intervention Medical Center, Child Learning and Enrichment Medical Center and Maharat Learning Center.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises, and depression and anxiety costs the world economy an estimated US$ 1 trillion a year in lost productivity.

Some of the main reasons why people are at risk for mental health issues are:


childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect


social isolation or loneliness


experiencing discrimination and stigma


social disadvantage, poverty or debt


bereavement (losing someone close to you)


severe or long-term stress


having a long-term physical health condition

Mentally healthy people know how to deal with issues in their life in a positive and healthy manner. As a parent, it is important that you promote positive mental health, and some ways in which you can build positive mental health habits include:

1. Encourage your child to talk openly about their feelings and thoughts, and build positive relationships with others

2. When your child is worried, listen to them and help them solve the problem effectively

3. Encourage your child to take care of their physical health (exercise, food, sleep)

4. Help your child stay focused on the current moment using mindfulness

5. Be a role model for mental health - demonstrate positive behaviour

6. Praise, support, and motivate your child regularly to build self-esteem

7. Work together to learn coping skills

8. Encourage autonomy as your child grows to help them become independent

Dr. Hibah’s Medical and Learning Centers offer a combination of specialised programmes for children with additional needs, in co-operation with many community service centres and schools. They aim to provide the highest possible care, support and education to children and families in the surrounding community.

Child Early Intervention Medical Center and Child Learning and Enrichment Medical Center focus on aspects of child development from birth to 18 years, providing psychological assessments, diagnostic assessments and therapeutic intervention services for children with learning, developmental, and behavioral challenges with a view to prepare children with special educational needs for successful inclusion into nursery and school.



Maharat Learning Center, provides a variety of specialized programs for children and young adults with learning difficulties and special educational needs. Here they provide behavioral assessments, behavioral therapy, tutoring for specific learning difficulties, school shadowing, school supervision and inclusion support services, and professional development and training.

الصحة النفسية لطفلك 

د.هبــــه شــطـا 

مؤسسة و المديرة العامة لمركز الطفل للتدخل الطبي المبكر و مركز مهارات التعليمي

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، 9 أكتوبر 2019: يحتفل العالم باليوم العالمي للصحة النفسية في 10 أكتوبر من كل عام الذي أطلقته 

منظمة الصحة العالمية لرفع الوعي باهمية الصحة النفسية.

و يعد الاكتئاب السبب الرئيسي للإعاقة في جميع أنحاء العالم 

و يكلف الاكتئاب والقلق الاقتصاد العالمي بما يقدر بنحو 1 تريليون دولار في السنة

في الإنتاجية المفقودة

ومن الأسباب التي تعرض الأفراد لخطر مشاكل الصحة العقلية و النفسية:

عدم وجود سياسات للصحة والسلامة أو أنها غير الكافية

عدم وجود دعم للطلاب أو الموظفين في المدارس و المؤسسات

العنف والتحرش النفسي

ساعات العمل الغير مرنة

ضعف التواصل وعدم وجود ممارسات الإدارة الجيدة

المشاركة المحدودة في صنع القرار

المهام الغير واضحة أو عدم وضوح الأهداف التنظيمية

طبيعة الوظيفة أو المهام الموكلة إليها

10 نصائح للآباء والأمهات يمكن أن تدعم أطفالهم لبناء عادات الصحة النفسية الإيجابية

1. شجع طفلك على التحدث بصراحة عن مشاعره وأفكاره

2. عندما يقلق طفلك ، ساعده في حل المشكلة بفعالية

3. دعمهم للتواصل وبناء علاقات إيجابية مع الآخرين

4. شجعهم على الاعتناء بصحتهم الجسدية (التمارين ، الطعام ، النوم)

5. ساعدهم على الاستمرار في التركيز على اللحظة الحالية باستخدام اليقظه

6. تسليط الضوء على أهمية رعاية كل من الصحة البدنية والعقلية

7. كن نموذجا لدور الصحة العقلية. إظهار السلوكيات الإيجابية

8. مدح ودعم وتحفيز طفلك بانتظام لبناء احترام الذات

9. العمل معا لتعلم مهارات التأقلم

10. شجع الاستقلال الذاتي مع نمو طفلك لمساعدته على الاستقلال

مركز مهارات التعليمي هو فرع لمجموعة مراكز طبية وتعليمية تأسست في إمارة دبي منذ 2008 و تهدف إلى تمكين الطلاب من ذوي الاحتياجات التعليمية المختلفة و تأهيلهم للدمج في المدارس الأهلية باستخدام مناهج متخصصة تعتمد مبادىء تحليل السلوك التطبيقي و هي برامج فردية مصممة لتواكب الاحتياجات الفردية لكل طفل في مجال التعلم و التطور النمائي و التواصل اللغوي و الاجتماعي و القدرة على التكيف و الاستقلالية. 

لدى مركز مهارات التعليمي مزيج من البرامج المتخصصة للأطفال ذوى الإحتياجات الخاصة، بالتعاون مع العديد من مراكز خدمة المجتمع، خدماتنا تلبي حاجة الأطفال الذين يعانون من كافة أنواع تأخر النمو المعرفي من سن يوم حتى 18 سنة. لتوفير أعلى قدر ممكن من الرعاية والدعم والتعليم، ستكون هناك مجموعة متنوعة من الخدمات المتاحة لتلبية احتياجات الأطفال والأسر في المجتمع المحيط.

AUC RANKS AMONG WORLD'S TOP 200 IN QS GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY RANKINGS

October 8, 2019, Cairo – Out of 500 of the world’s top-ranked universities in the annual QS Graduate Employability Rankings, The American University in Cairo (AUC) ranked in the top 200 and the highest in Egypt, with a graduate employment rate of 86% within one year after graduation. AUC ranked in the 191 - 200 range, moving up from its 201-250 range last year.


QS compares employability among universities by looking at five indicators: reputation of institutions among employers, alumni outcomes, university partnerships with employers, employer-student connections and graduate employment rate.

AUC scored the highest in employer-student connections. This indicator looks at the presence of employers on university campuses, whether it is through career fairs, company presentations, or other methods that increase the opportunities for students to network and get internships or jobs.

“AUC partners with employers on several fronts. Apart from on-campus recruitment, the Career Center engages employers in the career education of AUC students,” said Maha Guindi, executive director of AUC's Career Center. “Employers participate in AUC’s job shadowing program; professionals from various industries are invited to represent career fields at career exploration events; and organizations offer internship opportunities year-round to help create career awareness among students and enhance their experiential learning process.”

The University’s second highest score is in alumni outcomes, which analyzes innovative, entrepreneurial, creative and philanthropic individuals to assess which universities are producing high-achieving and world-changing graduates.

Additionally, AUC scored higher in almost all indicators in comparison to the African average.

The QS employability ranking helps prospective students decide which universities will provide them with opportunities and access to employers. While employment opportunities are also highly dependent on students themselves, proactive efforts by universities play a significant role in nurturing high-achieving and motivated students and giving them the proper tools to succeed.

AUC's Career Center is the first university career center in the Middle East, opening in 1991 and serving more than 6,000 students and alumni annually. The Career Center also holds employment fairs each semester, allowing students to meet with possible employers and learn about their fields of interest. It also provides a platform, CareerWEB, for employers to share their internship/job opportunities with students and alumni throughout the year.

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