ARY sets up Dubai's first dedicated Gems & Jewellery Academy

The ARY Academy of Gems & Jewellery, which will be located at Jewel Plaza Building in the heart of Gold Souq, will provide world class education and training in all aspects of gold and precious metal trade.

The institute will offer various certificate and diploma courses in the design, manufacture, assaying and management of gems and jewellery. It is recognized by the Knowledge Village in Dubai.

An initiative by the UAE-based ARY Group, a leader in the region's jewellery trade with a tradition of over 50 years, the Academy aims to mould true professionals to facilitate the growth and transformation of the gold and jewellery trade in the region.

"The region has been witnessing tremendous growth in per capita consumption of gold and jewellery, increase in the number jewellery retail outlets, and employment opportunities in this sector. It is imperative that such a growing industry gets the support of qualified and trained personnel in all aspects of the trade," said Sarwat Abdul Razzak, CEO of ARY Academy of Gems & Jewellery.

"Today, the jewellery industry requires not mere traders but knowledgeable workers and entrepreneurs. This focus on knowledge and skills is the thrust of the knowledge economy that UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has envisioned for the region. The ARY Academy of Gems & Jewellery is a significant step in the direction shown by His Highness."

"As a business leader, we want the society to benefit from our heritage and we believe grooming a generation capable of maintaining quality and excellence in the industry is the best we could do. The ARY group has always drawn its strength from the reputation of the UAE, especially Dubai, as a major hub of gold trade. Hence we consider Dubai as the ideal choice for this Academy," added Ms. Razzak.

The Academy will open its doors on the 5th of January 2008 and admissions have already started.

The programmes offered at the Academy will cover various aspects of Gemology; Jewellery Designing; Gems & Jewellery Management; and Business Administration. The faculty comprises professional designers, technicians, craftsmen and educationists drawn from various parts of the world including Belgium, China, Thailand, Pakistan and India, said Naheed Anees, President of the Academy.

"Through this venture we wish to provide a quality education programme that delivers the best mix of both business and academic knowledge, specifically targeted for the trade. The course content will be updated regularly so that our students remain abreast of industry developments," added Ms Anees.

To assist those students who are eager to launch their career in the gems & jewellery industry, the Academy will have a Placement Cell that along with conducting campus recruitments and interviews will also maintain regular interaction with the trade and global business hubs.