Intel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF) to establish the parameters for future collaboration on education programmes in the region.

The MoU was signed by foundation secretary general Dr Soliman Abdel Moniem and Intel vice-president, sales and marketing group, and general manager, Intel World Ahead Programme, John Davies in presence of ATF president Prince Khalid Al Faisal.

'We are always looking for partners who can add value to our efforts in the region. Through its World Ahead Programme, Intel has, over the recent years, shown a real commitment to the region. We are happy to be able to join forces with them today to pursue better education for more and more people across the Arab world,' said ATF co-founder and member of the board of trustees Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal.

Working with key local companies and governments across the Arab world, Intel aims to support effective use of technology in education and enhance the lives of millions of people.

'One of our top priorities is to support education projects and we look forward to collaborating with the Arab Thought Foundation to achieve this in the Arab World,' said  Davies.

Furthering its commitment to the Arab world, the ATF joined forces with Intel and jointly pledged to donate 9,000 units of the Intel-powered classmate PCs to selected communities in Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.

This is the first relationship of its kind in the region and comes as part of the ATF's efforts to set an example for others to follow suit.

Intel will work with these countries to establish plans that include working with local industry to provide Internet connectivity, offering professional training for teachers on how to effectively use technology to improve teaching under the Intel Teach programme and developing local content such as the science and math curriculum based on Intel's skoool.

Intel's skoool is an award-winning online digital learning tool that offers a scalable, multimedia, multi-device learning solution to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

Through the Intel World Ahead Programme, Intel aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world. Intel focuses its efforts to advance progress in four areas namely accessibility, content, education and connectivity.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the foundation's Fikr 6: Arab Strategies for the Global Era conference, which started at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bahrain yesterday (December 3).- TradeArabia News Service