The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport branch in Sharjah (AASTS) has opened admissions for their Spring semester that is scheduled to begin in February 2021.

The academy’s College of Maritime Transport and Technology is offering Bachelor of Marine Engineering Technology +3rd Engineer Certificate of Competency and Bachelor of Maritime Transport Technology +2nd Mate Certificate of Competency courses, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

With this announcement, the Academy has reaffirmed its leading status in the region, providing a robust foundation to young cadres through hybrid learning tools and an advanced distance educational system, in addition to in-person attendance for practical applications.

The safety and wellbeing of their students and the faculty is the top priority and the Academy has emphasised its commitment to this cause by taking all the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. While safeguarding the interests of its students and staff is integral, the Academy, since its inception, has given utmost importance to providing the highest degree of scientific and academic qualification.

Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of AASTS said: "The Middle East is one of the most important regions in the maritime industry globally. Its strategic location through which the most important global trade routes pass, the unparalleled environmental diversity and the abundance of natural resources are reasons for it being a front-runner. In addition, the human element is the key to making use of all of these capabilities to ensure the evolution and consistent development of the industry in the country and the region. As an institution that is affiliated with the League of Arab States, our vision is to empower the maritime sector in the region, enabling its growth."

Yousef Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Office Director of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AASTS, said: "The maritime economy is one of the most important pillars of a sustainable and alternative economy to oil in the UAE. More than 20,000 maritime organisations and companies operate in the UAE and more than 12 million containers are received by ports in the country, annually. This movement contributes greatly to the economic growth of the UAE and Middle East region.

“Additionally, each year, UAE ports receive over 21,000 ships. Therefore, it is essential to empower and inspire highly qualified Emirati youth to work in the maritime sector and enhance its status. The generous grant by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi to provide scholarships to students from Sharjah, female citizens’ children in Sharjah and expatriate Sharjah government employees to study at the Academy is a heartwarming gesture. This scholarship allows talented students to get a golden opportunity to build a career in one of the most sought-after fields, while availing financial benefits."