01 May 2008

Dubai Maritime City establishes Emirates International Maritime Academy

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Dubai Maritime City, the world’s first purpose-built maritime centre and a member of the Dubai World Group of companies, has announced today (1st may 2008) the establishment of Emirates International Maritime Academy, in a move lauded by key players of the country's maritime sector as an important initiative to help the growing regional maritime sector augment its pool of experienced and skilled professionals.

The Academy will be based within Dubai Maritime City Campus (DMCC), serving as the gateway for citizens and residents in the region to enter the maritime field. Collaborating with leading international universities and colleges from all over the world, the Academy will provide maritime-oriented programs offering industry courses as well as diplomas, and future undergraduate programmes in different maritime studies. The Academy will seek accreditation by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education for the academic courses and ensure that the industry courses will be in line with international maritime standards.

"One of the crucial elements that will support the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector is a world-class pool of marine professionals. Moreover, the professional expertise of the maritime workforce must be at par with international standards. Establishing a dedicated facility for maritime studies will be a significant step towards ensuring the steady supply of highly qualified maritime professionals in the region," said Amer Ali, CEO, Dubai Maritime City.

The Academy will provide people interested to work on merchant ships with opportunities to enrol in educational courses and programs that offer Certificate of Competency in marine engineering and other fields of maritime navigation. The study programs will be in accordance to International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards in both theoretical and practical training.

The Academy will start operation in its temporary location at Dubai Maritime City while awaiting the completion of DMCC. It will inaugurate its programs during the next few months; one of the initial courses to be offered is a safety course for yachts and boats of different sizes, which has been widely in demand across the region, particularly in Dubai. The Academy is also finalising other specialised courses in environment, health, safety, and security (EHSSS) in the maritime sector, which will also be offered later this year.

"Emirates International Maritime Academy has chosen Dubai Maritime City’s educational complex as its location because it provides highly developed educational facilities that meet the highest international standards. This is crucial in creating a conducive learning environment. Many universities, institutes, research and development centres have already expressed strong interest to establish a presence within DMCC," said Ali.

"Educators in maritime studies are already very keen in creating a fully integrated learning environment involving the world's leading universities and maritime institutions. This is in line with the maritime city's objectives of cultivating diversity, quality and innovation in the courses being offered to match the needs of the region's expanding and evolving maritime sector," concluded Ali.