Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Northrop Grumman to collaborate on advancing aviation and aerospace education in Abu Dhabi

The memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed by Duke Dufresne, president of NGISSI, and Martin A. Smith, chancellor of Embry-Riddle, harnesses the expertise of each organization to further the UAE's goals of expanding aviation and aerospace education degree and certification programs in the region.

"Northrop Grumman's program management, international business and aerospace and aviation technology expertise, combined with our leading-edge and globally recognized core academic curriculum forge a powerful partnership to address the current and future aviation and aerospace needs in the Middle East,"

Chancellor Smith said.

Under the terms of the MoA, the parties intend to collaborate with Mubadala Development Company PJSC (Mubadala), a government-owned investment arm of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to potentially bring several degree programs to Abu Dhabi and support the development of a regional aerospace education campus. During the 2007 Dubai Air Show held Nov. 11-15, 2007, NGISSI also signed two MoAs with Mubadala and Injazat Data Systems, an Abu Dhabi-based provider of software and IT solutions, in support of the UAE's growth strategy.

"The collaboration between our two organizations marks a significant step in supporting the UAE's educational and economic development objectives," said NGISSI President Dufresne. "We look forward to the positive dialogue that will be derived from this agreement and believe it is the start of a very prosperous relationship for all concerned."