Dubai Customs and the University of Dubai (UD) have entered into a significant agreement whereby the latter will design and deliver a two-year accredited diploma in supply chain, logistics and customs leading to a bachelor’s degree.

This is the first of its kind academic degree customised to meet the needs of a single organisation, a statement said.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director of Dubai Customs, and Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, president of the University of Dubai, in presence of Buti Al Jumairi, executive director of HR, Finance and Administration Division at Dubai Customs.

Under this agreement, the University of Dubai is to design and provide a diploma and bachelor programme in supply chain, customs and logistics.

The programme of study consists of three phases, the statement said. The first is a one-year, 12-course professional certificate in supply chain and customs accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of Dubai, the second is a two-year, 24-course academic diploma in supply chain and customs accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, while the third phase of the programme includes a four-year, 48-course Bachelor’s degree in supply chain and customs accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.

“We value education as an important tool to advance innovation at the work place,” Musabih said.

“To keep pace with the daily global changes in education as well as smoothly meet the requirements of global trade, Dubai Customs has adopted the ‘Educated Organization’ approach,” he added.

Dr Al Bastaki explained that such agreements are rare between government entities and institutions of higher education. He said that University of Dubai is committed to quality education and developing smarter human resources in private and public sectors.

Al Jumairi said that this agreement opens new horizons to improve services to our stakeholders.

“The concept of ‘Training toward a University Degree’ is a unique model of how organizations can reward its human resources and improve their professional life.

“Dubai Customs has a plan to launch its own academy to deliver bachelor degrees, diploma programmes and training programmes in Customs areas for the Middle East, GCC and beyond. University of Dubai will be the co-partner in that plan.” He underscored that Dubai Customs will continue moving from one achievement to another through perseverance and dedication,” Al Jumairi added.

He pointed out that Supply Chain, Logistics and Customs Diploma and Bachelor Programme focuses mainly on building a qualified national human cadre, specialized in customs area to meet DC’s needs. Distinguished national employees will have the opportunity to complete their education to obtain a master's or doctorate degree, which will have a noticeable effect on the efficiency of human resources.

“Our choice of the University of Dubai to be our academic partner in carrying out the customized programme was carefully made based on its esteemed reputation it has earned over the years,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service