The University of Manchester Middle East Centre in Dubai and the Society of Engineers UAE have signed partnership to promote professional education in the field of engineering, research, practice development and professional networking across the Middle East.

The new Strategic Talent Partnership includes activities such as joint marketing and events for members, affiliates, students and alumni; professional networking events, executive education and professional development programmes; and both communities will benefit from priority application and access to programmes and courses, on special terms.

The first joint events have already started with information sessions and Masterclasses hosted by the programme leader of the university’s new MSc Reliability Engineering & Asset Management, in the UAE.

The Society of Engineers-UAE has over 49,000 members and provides more than100 engineering courses, 20 IT courses and 80 Technical and Management courses, as part of its services. The University has supported students from the Middle East with business engineering backgrounds on its Global Part-time MBA programme, since opening the Middle East Centre in Dubai in 2006; it has recently launched a new MSc Reliability Engineering & Asset Management (REAM) as part of a series of new industry-led Masters programmes and executive education short courses in the region. The centre currently supports more than 2,200 part-time students– all working professionals – across the Middle East.

The MSc REAM programme focuses on the practical application of theory to real-world industry needs, while students continue to work and apply their new knowledge in the workplace. It covers various aspects of applied management and technology in the field of REAM, and aims to enhance the capabilities of existing managers in the field through the programme structure and content, as well as new graduates entering the field or those with limited industry experience.

The programme’s teaching staff comprises internationally recognised professionals with years of experience working in industry and academic institutions. The course is fully accredited by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers.  

Randa Bessiso, director-Middle East, The University of Manchester, said: “We are delighted to sign this new Strategic Talent Partnership with the Society of Engineers – UAE, which is one of the pre-eminent professional bodies in the region.

“Engineers enjoy a special status as highly respected professionals and there are unique opportunities here as the regional economy grows, digitally transforms and diversifies rapidly - from smart cities to new industries and technologies - while optimising existing infrastructure. Developing our professional engineering skills and capacity will help meet the region’s evolving engineering demands.” – TradeArabia News Service