DUBAI, March 4, 2015: Gulf Craft, a leading UAE-based yacht and boat manufacturer, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to develop avenues for the training and education of the UAE’s future maritime professionals.
The agreement was signed at the Dubai International Boat Show by Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, and Dr Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the presence of HH Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of the Interior and Deputy Prime Minister.
Under the terms of the agreement, Gulf Craft will provide a number of scholarships for HCT students studying its federally accredited Maritime Engineering and Naval Architecture (MENA) program, while HCT will assist Gulf Craft by providing education and training programs, and applied research where deemed necessary.
Gulf Craft will also offer work placement opportunities for those students from the MENA program, and the parties will work closely to effectively manage and, where necessary, improve the program.
Gulf Craft is a prominent global manufacturer of motor yachts and leisure craft, with a history of 33 years, over 9,000 craft built, and nearly 2,000 employees. It has shipyards in Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and the Maldives, and is planning to construct a new facility in Dubai Maritime City.
Mohammed Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, said: “Gulf Craft is honored to be working with the Higher Colleges of Technology to develop a program for students wishing to work in the maritime industry. As a boat and yacht manufacturer born from the seafaring heritage of the UAE, we welcome any opportunity to contribute to the education and advancement of today’s youth in the UAE with a passion for the sea.”
“By nurturing our home-grown talent, we not only give UAE students an opportunity to pursue their career aspirations, but we also sustain the future of the UAE’s growing maritime cluster,” Mr Al Shaali added.
Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said the agreement with Gulf Craft was an important step in advancing HCT’s maritime programmes.
“The Higher Colleges of Technology is proud to be developing a broad range of courses and training initiatives for the UAE’s constantly expanding maritime industry, and we look forward to the enhancement of these with the assistance of Gulf Craft,” Dr Kamali said.
“We are dedicated to providing our students with hands-on and work relevant programs which are designed to meet the growing industry needs of our nation. As a result we ensure that our graduates have the skills, knowledge, training and confidence to make important contributions to our nation when they enter the workforce,” he added.
“We look forward to working closely with Gulf Craft to ascertain ways in which we can collaborate in the training and development of future leaders and experts in the UAE’s vital maritime industry,” Dr Kamali concluded.
