UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport branch in Sharjah (AASTS) have discussed areas of cooperation to enhance the growth of the maritime economy in the country.
Earlier this year, both entities have signed a partnership agreement to support the maritime sector in the UAE. Under the agreement, the academy intends to utilize its enhanced capabilities and the expertise of its staff to serve and develop the maritime sector.
AASTS also aims to harness the power of technology while also providing research and development facilities to help the UAE retain its leadership role as a global maritime center.
During the discussion, the two parties have emphasized the value of transforming local talent into industry professionals capable of bringing the industry to new heights.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei Minister of Energy & Infrastructure UAE
“The UAE has always been at the forefront of the global maritime industry. In the recently published annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, the UAE ranked No. 1 overall as the most competitive emerging GCC market and fourth globally. The Index evaluated 50 countries by factors that make them appealing to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers, and distributors. In this regard, the maritime sector has contributed greatly to the UAE’s economy. The maritime sector accounts for 30 to 35 percent of the total regional maritime sector investment. Through our collaboration with AASTS, we are looking forward to shaping the minds of young Emirati talent to boost the economy. Additionally, in today’s competitive and fast-paced world, the role of technology is critical.”
Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the AASTS said, “The academy has received unlimited support from the UAE’s leadership to empower and develop the maritime sector, therefore making it one of the best maritime academies in the world. This has been evident since the establishment of the branch in Sharjah, which is the largest of all our branches and is comparable in size and capabilities to our headquarters in Alexandria. Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we look forward to serving the maritime sector by making use of the expertise of our staff, our state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the competencies of our students.”
“At AASTS, we strive to provide a comprehensive education that will qualify aspiring maritime professionals to serve the maritime industry in the UAE and the Middle East. The education we provide is different from any other theoretical specializations provided to students around the world. We give preference for providing hands-on practical experiences to our students and are dedicating utmost priority to conducting research that will help to boost the country’s blue economy,” commented Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean at AASTS.
