Hundreds enrol for Dalma Island careers education initiative

Funded by the Abu Dhabi Government, and being operated by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), one of Abu Dhabi's leading developers and the name behind the new multi-experiential destination, the Desert Islands Education Centre (DIEC) will be the first professional education facility to open on the heritage rich Dalma Island.

'DIEC is a milestone in the development of Dalma Island as it will support the population with key skills and knowledge which will broaden their career opportunities,'

said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of both the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and TDIC.

'The centre demonstrates the Abu Dhabi Government's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its confident and secure society and our intention to manage growth and ensure that tourism not only benefits our valued visitors, but also our people and society. With a substantial number of Dalma's population already enrolled, the initiative looks set for considerable success.'

Teaching courses at the 1,000 square metre, purpose-built centre, in Dalma Mall, are due to start in August. The centre boasts three classrooms and two computer laboratories that can accommodate 80 students at any one time. It also has a large, 'walk-in' experiential centre where prospective students can learn more about the DIEC and the Desert Islands destination.

Staffed by a faculty of overseas and UAE national teaching professionals, DIEC courses range from English language, computer studies, business writing to the fundamentals of customer service. UAE Nationals can enrol free-of-charge with course fees being levied for non-national students.

'The DIEC was designed following an in-depth study of the human resource requirements to fulfil posts within the Desert Islands development and of the available resources on Dalma,'

explained Bernie Roy, General Manager, DIEC.,

'The centre will not only offer career preparation but training for personal advancement with classes being limited to a maximum of 16 students to ensure everyone receives personalised attention.'

A dedicated DIEC website has been launched in English and Arabic where prospective students can review courses and register their interest.

DIEC has already achieved a number of accreditations for its programmes with more in the pipeline. 'Development is under way to partner with a reputable college or university so that accredited programmes can be offered in areas such as travel and tourism,' explained Roy.

Accreditations will include the International Computer Driving Licence for which the DIEC offers all seven modules and international English language studies accreditation including IETLS, TOEFL and PET.

'We will also implement a pro-active workplace preparation programme which will involve DIEC staff assisting students to obtain jobs upon graduation,' explained Roy.

The Desert Islands destination, which comprises eight islands and an onshore gate offshore Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi, is expected to create around 6,500 jobs when fully operational.

The destination is being developed in phases up to 2020 with the first phase, which centres around Sir Bani Yas Island, due to open this October. This includes the five-star, 64-room boutique Desert Islands Resort and Spa operated by award-winning Thai hospitality group Anantara Hotels & Resorts, a beachfront tented camp community and a selection of outdoor activities including 4x4 tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park, snorkelling, mountain-biking, hiking and kayaking.