The Abu Dhabi University (ADU), together with the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG) and the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), has launched the region’s first centre of excellence for logistics and supply chain management.

Aimed at enhancing the skills and qualifications of logistics professionals and specialists in the GCC, the centre was launched on Monday on the sidelines of the first Global Logistics Forum being held in Abu Dhabi.

The centre will bring together the world’s best practices and expertise, which ADU and ADUKG believe will contribute to the further development of the skills of GCC-based logistics and supply chain professionals, to enable them to cope with the growing demand for logistics services in the region.

“The centre’s establishment is part of the strategic collaboration between ADU, ADUKG and TU Berlin to develop a long-term, high quality programme of courses, events and knowledge transfer in the field of supply chain logistics,” said Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, chairman of the ADU executive board.

'The university is committed to building national capacity and providing applied research that drives regional economic development in all sectors,' said Dr Nabil Ibrahim, chancellor of Abu Dhabi University.

The launch of this Centre of Excellence will build a body of knowledge in logistics for the region, as well as provide a forum for informed discussions and analysis of emerging national needs in this vital sector,” he added.

'The Centre aims to support organisational and individual development through the design of effective programmes and services. It also ensures that qualifications and skills are enhanced in all areas of logistics services for local organisations to strengthen and increase the region’s share in the global logistics market, ' Dr Nabil explained.

In addition, the centre will provide extensive researches to identify the needs of the UAE and the GCC including general surveys, benchmarking and case study development along with short training courses, consultancy services and networking support in collaboration with world-class partners from academic and professional institutions.

“A full range of courses will be developed in the next six months including a complete set of qualifications ranging from simple introductory programmes to Masters Level accredited by various leading organisations in the field,” said Rachid Benchekroun, acting CEO of ADUKG.

Through this centre, Benchekroun said, ADUKG will work with world class partners to provide management training seminars on the best practice application within the global supply chain management field to improve the financial performance of organizations.

“We aim to support academic and curriculum development in the area of global supply chain management at ADU, and engage in advanced research on application tools in the supply chain management field. Our partners include universities such as TU Berlin, and business schools, professional associations and networks and specialist organizations providing expert advice and guidance” he added.-TradeArabia News Service