Apple CEO Tim Cook talks education collaboration with UAE officials — report

As part of his ongoing whistle-stop world tour, Apple CEO Tim Cook on Thursday spoke with officials from the government of the United Arab Emirates to discuss a range of topics including a possible partnership on new e-learning programs.

Cook met with UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi and a handful of other officials from both sides in Dubai, according to a report from the Khaleej Times. The group is said to have talked about the development of next-generation educational applications and the possibility of creating an all-new educational model that can be adopted by other nations.

Al Gergawi — who received his postsecondary education in the United States — praised the potential of a relationship with Apple, saying that the company's history of innovation would be an asset as the government looks to set an example of how such public-private partnerships can benefit both parties.

"The UAE leadership's directives are clearly aligned toward establishing partnerships with global organisations, and the strategic partnership with Apple is in line with the directives of Shaikh Mohammed," Al Gergawi said.

Thursday's meeting was the second publicly-acknowledged conversation between Cook and UAE officials since he has been in the Middle East. The Apple chief sat down with Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.