BMW Group Middle East’s newly opened and state-of-the-art training centre in Dubai South has been welcomed as a ground-breaking development that will allow the company to master the changes posed by the full electrification of transport in the region.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), led the inauguration of the BMW Group Training Centre today (February 27).

Up to 2,000 members of staff will soon be enrolled on different courses at the new 5,300-sq-m centre in Dubai South as part of extensive training that will focus on BMW’s new generation of electrified vehicles.

It also hosts a BMW Group Brand and Customer Institute which will promote brand orientation amongst staff even further.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said: “BMW has only three centres of this kind in the world and this is what makes the hosting of this training centre a coveted distinction for Dubai South.”

“This move is testament to Dubai South’s global reputation as a preferred free zone destination for leading global investors to set up their business. Our strengths and capabilities continue to serve their future growth targets through a range of efficient, fast, and flexible solutions and we will continue to enhance our strategies in this way to further enhance our relationship and partnerships with various government and private entities, be in the local, regional and international level,” he said.

“The launch of the new facility is set to strengthen the UAE’s aspirations to become a leading logistics hub in the region and the world by adding a boost to the segment,” he added.

Dr Haqparwar, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, said: “This February is the UAE Innovation Month and we think this is the perfect opportunity for the official opening of our brand new and state-of-the-art training centre - the first of its kind in the Middle East and a major milestone for the BMW Group.”

“This project shows that our vision towards a smarter future is also fully aligned with UAE’s aim to become a strong global hub for innovation,” he said.

“The centre will be an important hub where staff from our group’s regional network will be fully trained in BMW’s range of electric and hybrid vehicles, including the BMW i3s which will make its UAE debut in the near future,” he continued.

Dr Haqparwar added: “We live in a region where customers are very service-oriented. They expect a bespoke service across all sectors, especially in a competitive automotive marketplace. And our new Training Centre provides the perfect answer to this ever-growing demand.”

Being based in Dubai South, a free-zone that forms part of a rapidly evolving 145-sq-km flagship urban project, means the BMW Group Training Centre is conveniently located next to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and the Expo 2020 site.

Dubai South continues to attract global companies to set their operations in its strategic location. As the fastest growing free zone in the region, its state-of-the-art infrastructure and innovative approaches facilitate business setup for both local and international companies, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service