The announcement comes as part of the Academy’s plan to participate in designing the next 50 years, and to reinforce the position of the blue economy in accordance with the UAE Centennial Vision

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 05 November 2020: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport – Sharjah ( AASTS) recently organized a ceremony to appreciate the work of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. Held at the Sharjah branch and organized by the Academy’s team, the event honored his efforts in serving the academic maritime sector for the last 48 years. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag announced the Academy’s strategic objectives for the next five years during the ceremony.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag said: “I am proud to stand in front of this honorable gathering, which leads the most reputed maritime academy in the Arab world. For more than four decades, the academy played a pivotal role in the development of the maritime economy in all Arab countries, through teaching and qualifying thousands of maritime cadres and professionals, who became captains of commercial ships and giant carriers, or professionals at leading shipping companies, ports and maritime facilities.”

Abdul Ghaffar added: “Our academy is distinguished from other institutions by its long-term goals. Today, I take this opportunity to announce our goal for the next five years. The first goal is empowering the blue economy in the UAE, in particular, and the Arab region, in general. Second is intensifying the research and development efforts. And the third is enabling women to work in the maritime sector, so that the industry can benefit from their creative competencies. These goals will ensure that we will be a driving force for the sustainability of the Arab maritime sector. They will also contribute to our participation in the design of the next 50 years, adhering to the strategic vision of the UAE’s leaders”.

On this occasion, Yousif Yacoub Al Mansouri, Director, Office of the Chairman for the Board of Trustees, AASTS said: “We continually strive to be the “number one” institution in the UAE. We are working hard to become a unique model in sustainable development and help the future generation to achieve prosperity. The maritime economy is one of the most important pillars and hence we hope our vision comes to fruition. Our values are also at the core of the UAE’s strategy to prepare for the next fifty years. Taking into consideration our common goals, the UAE government supported throughout to building the AASTS branch, as part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Today, we are proud to have worked on this project with Dr. Ismail Abdul Ghaffar Ismail Farag, who deserves all the appreciation for his efforts to establish the branch. We will continue to strive to achieve the strategic goals of the Academy and transform them into practical and applied programs.”

Prof. Dr. Hussam Shawky, Acting Director of AASTS said: “Establishing the Academy’s branch in Sharjah has been a landmark achievement, especially with the size of the facilities and the quality capabilities of this branch, which are comparable to the Academy’s headquarters in Alexandria. We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Dr Ismail Abdul Ghaffar Ismail Farag for all the efforts he has taken to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The Academy will empower marine cadres in the UAE and the region and be the flagbearer of development in this vital economic sector.”

It is worth noting that at the end of 2018, the size of the maritime economy in the UAE alone exceeded AED 282 billion. This was an ideal opportunity for the development of the UAE, through efforts such as localizing the maritime competencies and the development of partnership between the maritime business sector and academic institutions, and empowerment of women in the sector.

The Blue Economy

Dr. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of Maritime Transport and Technology College, AASTS said:

“Research and development represent the starting point towards improving the blue economy. We are pleased to say that to enhance these strengths, the Academy has strategic partnerships with many major academic and research institutions in the European Union. Additionally, we also have a strategic alliance with the UAE’s Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime (FTA), to collaborate with the maritime sector in the UAE. In light of these crucial associations, we are looking forward to being a part of the UAE blue economy consortium.”

Youssef added: “At AASTS, our goals and mission complement the vision of the UAE. We believe in empowering the maritime sector by graduating and qualifying the largest possible number of competent national cadres who will take the initiative in leading this vital sector and reinforcing its position. This sector also needs the power and capabilities of women to give a new perspective to the industry, hence we are focusing on female cadres too. This will only help to accelerate development in the blue economy.”

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport has the highest rate of female students enrolled in a maritime academy in the Middle East and North Africa, with a rate of more than 43 per cent of the total number of its students. This also aligns with the UAE’s strategy to empower women in the maritime sector, and benefit from their capabilities.