AASTS successfully participates at the International Education Show 2021 showcasing excellence in maritime education

With the aim of training and inspiring a new generation of maritime leaders, the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport, Sharjah Branch (AASTS) have successfully participated in the 17th International Education Show 2021 scheduled from 19-21 October 2021 at the Expo Centre in Sharjah. Several hundred visitors including students, parents and professionals from government and private entities have visited the AASTS pavilion that showcased the Academy’s advanced capabilities.

Since the Academy’s official inauguration in 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, AASTS has worked tirelessly to gain the reputation of being the region’s leading maritime academy. It further aims to contribute to the social and economic development of the region by educating distinguished calibres about Maritime Transport Technology and Marine Engineering Technology. Their highly qualified and experienced and comprehensive educational programs have ensured the highest levels of academic excellence.

Offering world-class maritime education

AASTS is focused on enhancing investments in the region’s maritime sector by providing continuous training for aspiring maritime professionals and enabling academic partnerships with the maritime sector through its specialised staff. This will support the Arab maritime economy and provide it with advanced research and development capabilities. As of now, out of more than 500 applicants, 130 students have been accepted for the fifth batch at the Academy after passing the medical fitness tests. This brings the total number of the Academy’s students at the Maritime Transport Technology to 293, which is the largest number in the GCC.

H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport said: “Over the years, we have observed that there has been a huge demand for trained local cadres, especially in this part of the world. Hence, it is our constant endeavour at AASTS to create awareness firstly about the importance of the maritime industry and then about our specialised programs. We aim to reach out to students who are looking for a competitive, international curriculum in maritime studies. We, therefore, wish to educate, train, and provide the required skills to individuals who are looking to enhance their skills in the sector that has interesting opportunities and is a significant part of the global logistics industry. We are certain that our efforts will take the UAE’s maritime industry to new heights, even beyond global standards. To achieve this, we are working on increasing awareness of the sector among young people, and therefore events like the International Education Show are important. We are delighted to participate in the Show for the second year in a row.”

Nurturing future maritime leaders

Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean, College of Maritime Transport and Technology, AASTS highlighted: “The International Education Show in Sharjah provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a large number of students from the region. It helps us spot the brightest talents who are willing to pursue higher studies in a variety of maritime specialisations. This is especially important in the UAE as the country is a key maritime hub that hosts dozens of global maritime companies. Currently, the sector is estimated at around AED 91 billion annually. To ensure that the industry continues this upward progression, academic institutions must produce competent cadres who can work collectively for the benefit of the sector. While working to fulfil this demand, we are also working on increasing the participation of skilled Emirati cadres in the local and regional market, further strengthening the UAE’s position.”
Built on an area of more than 200 thousand square meters, and equipped with the latest educational tools like state-of-the-art simulators and several excellent academic facilities, the Academy offers two specialisations at the College of Maritime Transport and Technology: port operations and maritime operations. Graduates can pursue a Bachelor of Maritime Transport Technology + 2nd Mate Certificate of Competency, or a Bachelor of Marine Engineering Technology in marine mechanics or marine electricity + a 3rd Engineer Certificate of Competency. Both disciplines qualify graduates to work onboard commercial and offshore service vessels.

Apart from encouraging the younger generation, AASTS also seeks to attract professionals working in maritime companies in the UAE who wish to receive specialised training as part of its professional development and continuing education programmes. AASTS also provides maritime passport renewal for marine officers, engineers, and seafarers, and cooperates with the training departments of shipping companies to design specialised training programmes in various maritime technical and administrative areas.
Source: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport