Dubai Ports Authority launches innovative program to train employees overseas during 2005

Currently 13 UAE nationals are undergoing training in different areas of specialization, while 15 more are to join the programme in the course of the year. The selected employees will be doing Marine Pilot Course for the Chief Mate Certificate, B. Engg. Degree in Marine Engineering, ACCA Qualification in Finance and M. Sc. in Port Management.

"The Overseas Study Program is an integral part of Emiratisation process at Dubai Ports Authority," said Jamal Majid bin Thania, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Ports Authority. "We are strongly committed to developing a cadre of capable UAE nationals to drive our future growth. We have selected training organizations that have built a strong reputation to deliver training to foreign students. We are confident that at the end of their training, these young UAE nationals will add value to our organization through their enhanced skills."

The trainees are drawn from departments like Marine Pilotage, Jebel Ali, Technical Management, Finance and Marine.

The UAE nationals doing the Marine Pilot Course, B. Engg. Degree in Marine Engineering and ACCA Qualification are studying in the UK, while those doing M. Sc. in Port Management are studying in Sweden. Dubai Ports Authority will be spending a total of Dhs. 500,000 on each of the employees during the training.

"The dramatic growth of port operations in Dubai as well our ventures overseas would require a new breed of qualified professionals and experts to ensure smooth functioning at all levels. Further, the expansion plans of Dubai Ports Authority and the establishment of Dubai Maritime City would need hundreds of experts in marine development and port management," said bin Thania. "By giving these young nationals specialized technical training in prestigious foreign institutions, we are readying for a future where these employees would be in a strong position to take charge and drive the organization to new heights."