Ranked one of the best international academies in maritime education, the Academy witnesses huge turnout from students wishing to enter the maritime field, thanks to its distinguished reputation

In line with its role as the best Arab house of expertise and the first choice for students wishing to enter the maritime field, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport Branch in Sharjah (AASTS) has opened admission for the first semester of the 2021/22 academic year. Registration is open for holders of high school certificate or equivalent. Currently, AASTS offers two disciplines; a Bachelor of Marine Engineering Technology + a 3rd Engineer Certificate of Competency, and a Bachelor of Maritime Transport Technology + 2nd Mate Certificate of Competency in Shipping and Port Operations and Offshore service technology. Both disciplines qualify graduates to work on board commercial vessels.

The Academy, which opened its doors two years ago, has attracted a large number of male and female students in the maritime sector. Students are from various nationalities, notably, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, and Iran.

AASTS has played a vital role in reinforcing maritime education and training in the GCC region and the Middle East as a whole. The Academy has been a flagbearer in terms of infusing Emirati talent into the workforce, fulfilling its mission to prepare and equip young talents in the UAE. This supports the vision of the wise leadership to enhance the UAE’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

H.E Prof Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said: “We have been impressed by the exceptional turnout to join the Academy since its inauguration, despite the fact that the Sharjah branch is less than two years old. However, the Academy’s long-standing reputation and the status of the maritime sector in the hearts of Emiratis, have created a great interest among students to consider the Academy as the preferred option for their higher education. At the Academy, we realise that the educational process is not limited to textbooks and the academic curricula. That’s why, we are keen to strengthen the leadership capabilities of our students to expand their horizons, and to employ the new capabilities made available by modern educational tools. Thus, we add new capabilities to our academic performance, and provide added value to our students to motivate them to be more creative and think outside the box.”

He added, “The Academy’s Sharjah branch provides immense opportunities for students looking for education that guarantees them jobs in domains needed in the maritime sector after graduation and that they get the highest salaries compared to other disciplines. We open up great opportunities for students as the nature of maritime education depends on combining academic teaching and practical implementation across all levels and academic years. We also offer unlimited advantages through distance education and virtual communication tools; allowing our students to take advantage of the unprecedented capabilities of these tools.

Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean, College of Maritime Transport and Technology, AASTS, said, “The UAE’s wise leadership attaches great importance to high-quality education and training. Being one of the leading maritime institutions in the region, the Academy has a mission to prepare the younger generation who will lead the maritime sector in the future. To achieve this goal, we are constantly improving our teaching techniques by embracing new technologies and raising our students’ awareness about the importance of digital transformation, considering the fast-paced world we live in. In addition to the academic curriculum, we give priority to our students’ physical and mental well-being.”

Youssef added: “The maritime industry is witnessing a great demand for graduates of Maritime Transport Technology and Marine Engineering Technology, especially from Emirati graduates. The Academy’s graduates can find quality jobs in many organisations such as the Navy, Government Sector, and police agencies across the UAE. Oil companies with offshore fields, shipping and ship management companies, local and international classification bodies, as well as other organisations and companies in the maritime sector also require the expertise of our graduates. In short, the job opportunities for our graduates are limitless.”

Jobs opportunities for the Academy graduates are not limited to onboard ships. They can work in administrative positions in shipping, ship management and logistics companies, as well as in research and development and training.

Distinguished student life

In order to motivate students to achieve more academically, AASTS provides an ideal environment for student life, through the best academic and academic facilities. The Academy provides separate dormitory for male and female students, equipped with the best recreational facilities supervised by professional teams to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for students. AASTS encourages its students to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Academy also features sports facilities such as swimming pools and training and fitness equipment.

AASTS has been spearheading women empowerment in the maritime sector. With enrolled female students accounting for 40% of the total number of students, the Academy has the highest percentage of females compared to other maritime academies. The Academy is keen to connect its students with leaders in the local and regional maritime industry, organise field and virtual participation in all trade and professional maritime events, and host experts to speak to the students and inform them about job opportunities in the maritime sector.