Siemens, a global technology powerhouse, has signed two major agreements with key organisations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the areas of 3D printing and education.

Under first memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with UAE government-owned Mubadala Development Company, Siemens will partner with Mubadala to develop business opportunities in 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Siemens and Mubadala will also explore opportunities related to additive manufacturing to strengthen the global competitiveness of both parties.

 “With a growing manufacturing sector in the UAE and the wider region, 3D printing is a disruptive technology that is set to have a significant impact on the industry. The UAE has recognised the potential of 3D printing from industry to infrastructure, and Siemens looks forward to providing its digital expertise in the area,” said Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO of Siemens in the Middle East and UAE.

Siemens manufactures spare parts, including for industrial gas turbines and rail vehicles, using 3D printing in Germany. Additive manufacturing is revolutionising the manufacturing of components. The technology allows design improvement and rapid manufacturing of parts, enabling quick upgrades to existing assets. Its advantages include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using fewer resources in the production process, cutting development time and faster repairs, Siemens said.

Meanwhile, the company also inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education to further the country’s goal of creating a knowledge-based economy.

The agreement builds on the company’s commitment to support the UAE’s sustainable future development through the transfer of knowledge and expertise to students and young professionals in the UAE, the company said.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education, and Joe Kaeser, president and chief executive officer of Siemens AG, in Abu Dhabi.

“Siemens has been a trusted partner of the UAE for more than 40 years, pioneering innovation, technology and successful infrastructure projects in the country,” said Dr Belhoul. “Through this MoU for collaboration on higher education, I look forward to partnering with Siemens to equip university graduates with the skills and professional experience to help drive the UAE’s sustainable economic growth.”

Under the first MoU, the parties will set up a joint taskforce that includes representatives from Siemens and the ministry to achieve a number of objectives in line with the UAE National Youth Agenda, the UAE Economic Vision 2021 and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Through education and training activities, the parties will seek to enhance the future employability of UAE youth and contribute to developing a highly-skilled UAE workforce. The activities will also aim to increase Emirati nationals’ participation in the private sector and contribute to creating a sustainable knowledge economy with a strong emphasis on innovation.

These include visits to Siemens’ sites in the UAE and Germany, rolling out the Siemens Mechatronics Certification Program at selected universities, providing internships and Siemens Graduate Program opportunities to UAE students and graduates, as well as hosting academic roundtables.

“The UAE has a clear vision to diversify its economy and build up national talent. Innovation is part of our DNA and we are proud to support these ambitions through meaningful contributions to education and knowledge transfer,” said Siersdorfer.

In fiscal 2015, Siemens invested more than 500 million euros in training and development activities worldwide. This amount was divided into 242 million euros for youth training and education and 265 million euros for continuing the education of its employees.  – TradeArabia News service