The University of South Wales has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, for the establishment of the region’s first specialist campus facility offering advanced aerospace engineering education.

Central to the agreement that was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and the Pro Chancellor Professor John Andrews of the University of South Wales, is the delivery of the build-to-suit campus facility by Dubai South to USW over a two-phase period.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham, and Consul General Paul Fox.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Zaffin said: “We are witnessing the start of a critical chapter in Dubai’s journey to become the aviation capital of the world. A fundamental part of the aerospace super system that we building is the gathering of several leading, international institutions at Dubai South – organizations that can offer specialised vocational education. Thereby, we also are grooming and supplying talent to the region’s fast expanding aerospace industry. Today’s memorandum of understanding with University of South Wales – an established leader in the world of aerospace education – is a vital step towards achieving that essential dimension.

“The presence of USW at Dubai South brings a world of exciting career options right to the doorstep of our region’s youth. The timing of the memorandum of understanding is also opportune, as its implementation will meet the growing demand for talent as the Al Maktoum International Airport expands to welcome more airlines in the coming years.”

He added: “We gratefully acknowledge the strategic role the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) department based at the British Embassy in Dubai has played in the facilitating of this agreement. It represents as a solid testimonial to Dubai South’s gathering prominence as a global investment destination par excellence.”

Scheduled to launch its first class in 2017, the academy will subsequently expand its facilities to include offices, classrooms, laboratories, workshops and aircraft hangar, as well as access to social and residential amenities at Dubai South.

The vice chancellor of the University of South Wales, Professor Julie Lydon OBE, said: “This is an important step in developing the long term relationship between the University of South Wales, one of Britain’s major higher education institutions, and the growing economic force of Dubai. Drawing on our experience with some of the world’s leading aerospace engineering companies, we look forward to a future of successful cooperation and mutual value with the support of HM Government.”

The under-graduate and post-graduate courses to be introduced by the USW Aviation Academy at Dubai South will feature European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified training programmes, including degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Management, as well as other unique and specialised aviation curriculum. - TradeArabia News Service