The Arab Academy for Science,Technology and Maritime Transport in Sharjah (AASTS) has concluded a distinguished participation in the Breakbulk Middle East 2022, which was held inDubai under the patronage of the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. TheAcademy was the Knowledge Partner of the most significant breakbulk even in theMiddle East. The Academy’s pavilion attracted a large number of students and parents, as well as maritime organisations. They learned about AASTS’ advanced capabilities in maritime education and training. AASTS also took part in the Education Day during the conference, where it highlighted the opportunities it offers, especially ineducating and empowering women in the maritime sector.

H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said, "The UAE is ranked as one of the best global maritime hubs according to many international reports, and hosts many international maritime companies. That’s why, the maritime sector needs a lot of support from maritime academic institutions to supply the market with qualified Emirati professionals. The Arab Academy forScience, Technology and Maritime Transport in Sharjah aims to support the UAE’s maritime sector, which is central to its sustainable economy.”

Farag added, “Through our participation in the Breakbulk Middle East 2022, whichis one of the key international events in the breakbulk sector, we created awareness about the educational services and the benefits the Academy inSharjah provides to students who are looking for highly competitive pioneering educational opportunities in the maritime sector as there has been a strong demand for qualified professionals, especially in this part of the world.”

Attracting talent

Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of the College of Maritime Transport and Technology, said, “At AASTS, we look forward to building a true partnership between the National academic sector and the maritime industry by bridging the shortage of Emirati professionals in the local and regional markets, contributing to research and development and preparing technical and administrative studies to help companies achieve further growth and expansion in product quality and business profitability. AASTS also cooperates with the training departments of shipping companies to design specialised training programmes in various maritime technical and administrative areas. This is part of our professional development and continuing education programmes benefitting from the Academy’s state-of-the-art technologies and advanced simulators. AASTS also provides renewal service of maritime passports for seafarers.”

The College of Maritime Transport and Technology offers two specialisations: port operations and maritime operations. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Maritime Transport Technology + 2nd MateCertificate of Competency; or aBachelor of Marine EngineeringTechnology in marine mechanics or marine electricity + a 3rd EngineerCertificate of Competency. Both disciplines qualify graduates to work onboard commercial and offshore service vessels. AASTS also seeks to attract professionals working in maritime companies in the UAE who wish to take specialised training courses as part of its professional development and continuing education programmes. AASTS provides maritime passport renewal for marine officers, engineers and seafarers, and cooperates with the training departments of shipping companies to design specialised training programmes in various maritime technical and administrative areas, using the Academy’s latest technologies and state-of-the-art simulators.

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