Cisco sets up cascade training program for Dubai's Naturalization and Residency Department

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will offer free training to DNRD trainers to become internationally recognized Cisco Certified IT Instructors. The trainers will in turn train their colleagues at DNRD from every level of operations in IT Essentials, including building a computer to network setup.

Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al-Marri, Director of Dubai Naturalization & Residency Administration, said the cascade 'Training the Trainers' program will help staff be more productive and more comfortable with technology, and equip the organization with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world.

"For individuals, companies and governments, technology is both present and future," Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al-Marri said. "We are confident that our collaboration with the Cisco NetAcad will provide our staff with hands-on, topical and timely learning that will reap long-term rewards. With this initiative, DNRD becomes one of the first government organizations to form this strategic alliance with Cisco."

The learning opportunity is open to DNRD staff across the board, he added, from senior management level to trainees. Employees will receive Cisco's internationally recognized certification for their efforts.

For Cisco, the new venture is part of its NetAcad vision, which seeks to bridge the IT skills gap in the region and around the world one person and organization at a time.

"As a responsible corporate citizen committed to the long-term wellbeing of the Gulf region, Cisco is committed to reducing the knowledge and IT skills gap. Innovative programs and collaborations like these, with government departments, schools, institutions and individuals, are part of the solution," said Samer Alkharrat, Managing Director, Cisco Gulf.

He added:

"This initiative is part of Cisco's efforts to contribute to the knowledge economy of the UAE, and part of our long-term investment in the region. Increasing the knowledge and skills of the UAE population contributes to national competitiveness and paves the way for more and enduring e-initiatives at various levels of society."

DNRD employees taking the IT Essentials I course will develop the necessary skills to build a computer, install the operating system, add peripherals, and connect the computer to a local area network and to the Internet. IT Essentials II trainees undergo an intensive introduction to multi-user and multi-tasking networking operating systems and will explore a variety of topics including installation procedures, security issues, back up procedures and remote access.