Dubai: A major aviation hub

Evidence is abundant: The emirate is building what will become the world's largest airport - Dubai World Central; Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has been active in acquiring capacity in leasing, maintenance and repair, and airline technologies; Emirates continues to expand rapidly and has just announced that it will launch a low cost carrier.

Throughout the region people are anticipating an enormous growth in jobs - an obvious result of a sector that is geared up for increased activity. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise University (DAE University), the education and training arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, is witnessing this rising interest as it continues to meet parents and prospective students across the region.

His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Managing Director, DAE Group, said: "Dubai is well on its way to consolidating its global standing as a hub for aviation and aerospace related activities. A well-prepared and readily available professional workforce is key to Dubai's continued development as an aviation and aerospace industry centre. World-class aviation education is a crucial factor in building such a workforce. DAE University will play a leading role in helping to develop a talented pool of professionals trained in industry best practices."

Already, over 3,000 students have asked to learn more about careers in aviation and aerospace. In fact, nearly 1,000 inquiries and applicants were received at the recently-concluded Gulf Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX). At the show, faculty members and current DAE University students met with visitors to give them an insight into the growing opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry within the GCC and the sub-continent, which is growing at an annual seven percent and expected to double 2015.

GETEX has three distinct focuses: Student recruitment, education equipment and technology, and careers & training. The 60 sq m pavilion of DAE University highlighted these three aspects, with the current intake of students - of various nationalities - sharing their expertise and experience gained over the past one year.
Bob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, said: "Events like our information sessions and GETEX, present an ideal platform for students, teachers and DAE University faculty to meet and interact. Such participation enables us to highlight the growing demand for aviation and aerospace professionals globally, and how our programs are tailored to meet the industry's needs across various sectors. At the same time, it allows us to meet with prospective employers for them to evaluate the high standards of education offered by DAE University."

Added Dr. George Ebbs, President of DAE University: "Our participation at GETEX followed the immensely successful road show series we undertook in the Middle East and Gulf region as well as select cities in India and China. The overwhelming response to these Knowledge Sessions signals the growing interest among students to pursue promising careers in the aviation and aerospace industry."

Continuing this momentum, DAE University will host its Open Day on April 26 at its campus in Academic City to provide more opportunities for interested students, parents and industry leaders. The website www.daeuniversity.com offers more information.

DAE University currently offers Bachelors programs in Flight and Aviation Management and Business Administration. Two additional bachelors programs in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, and four newly accredited Masters degrees in Airport Management and Operations, Global Logistics, Air Transport Management and an MBA in Aerospace Management for the September 2008 term were announced at GETEX 2008.