The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, Sharjah Branch (AASTS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on maritime education, training, and research.
The MoU was signed by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of DMCA, and Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the AASTS, during the UAE Maritime Week 2021, where both sides are participating.
According to the MoU, the two entities will cooperate in a variety of areas, including recognizing AASTS as an accredited body for maritime inspections and safety training, maritime education and training, and certifying seafarers to operate vessels in accordance with international conventions and treaties.
DMCA will leverage the Academy’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to build a smart and advanced system of sensors that will monitor all indicators of UAE’s marine environment. This will support efforts to develop blue economy and environmental sustainability.
Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum Executive Director DMCA
“At DMCA, we work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to improve the competitiveness, attractiveness and capacity of the maritime sector as well as enhance the global leading position of Dubai and the UAE. We cooperate with the AASTS, as a knowledge partner in education, training and research and development in the maritime sector, given its extensive expertise in this area.”
DMCA and AASTS will partner in maritime education, training and studies in maritime safety, providing research studies into marine accidents and protecting the marine environment, in addition to providing training opportunities to train staff to use advanced technologies.
Dr. Ghaffar said that “In line with our vision to prepare Emiratis to lead the UAE’s maritime sector, we cooperate with leading maritime organizations such as the DMCA. We are pleased to sign the MoU. Our cooperation in training and research and development will provide the national maritime economy with competencies and capabilities that support investments in the maritime sector.”
