DEWA signs MOU with HCT for University Chair in Electrical Engineering

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Colleges of Technology. This MOU comes within the framework of promoting the relations of strategic partnership between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and various educational institutions, and supporting the efforts aiming to serve development plans in line with the UAE ambitious vision based on the economy of knowledge. Moreover, this MOU will provide valuable opportunities for colleges’ students as well as developing their skills in the sector of electrical engineering. This MOU was signed, at DEWA’s Headquarters, by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. This ceremony was attended by Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dr. Yusef Al Akraf, EVP – Business Support, as well as a number of top officials from both sides. His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: “This MOU comes in compliance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which stresses the necessity of combining efforts among different authorities, bodies and departments so that government performance can reach the highest possible levels of integration and excellence. This can be achieved through improving and developing our human resources. DEWA aims to provide the students of the Higher Colleges of Technology with educational and training opportunities with the purpose of sharpening their skills in the sector of electrical engineering.” “DEWA has set up an institutional framework for the emiratization of its technical jobs through several agreements concluded with the Higher Colleges of Technology, Emirates University, and other reputable educational institutions so as to provide UAE youth with educational and training opportunities with the purpose of developing their skills in the sector of electrical engineering and other technical sectors. This, of course, will enable youth to play their vital role in the march of national excellence. Therefore, this MOU, which includes a new academic programme – “A University Chair in Electrical engineering”, has been concluded. This programme is the first of its kind in the Emirate of Dubai, as it aims to create conscious and specialist generations of Emiratis in the engineering and technical fields,” His Excellency further added. His Excellency concluded: “This MOU with the Higher Colleges of Technology is part of the strategy of emiratizing and qualifying jobs at DEWA, as we are keen to attract UAE youth and provide them with all necessary things so as to efficiently perform their jobs.” Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, expressed his great delight for the signing of this MOU with DEWA. He added that such an MOU will achieve two positive results – the first one is setting up a university chair in electrical engineering, and the second one is offering the programme of “Electrical Engineering Bachelor” at Dubai College. “This MOU and the programme, which receive the sponsorship of such a UAE reputable organization, reflect the commitment of the Higher Colleges of Technology to set up professional partnerships with different organizations of society with the purpose of promoting the educational process as well as providing students with opportunities to optimize their utmost potential capabilities,” Dr. Kamali further added. Dr. Kamali concluded: “Constructive collaboration with DEWA will ensure the continuation of the programmes and activities of the colleges to meet the needs of society as well as meeting the requirements of academic excellence in line with the highest world levels. Further, this MOU will help the Higher Colleges of Technology achieve its objective to become an important centre for innovation, applied knowledge and transferring technology to the UAE. This will, definitely, enhance the reputable standing of the Higher Colleges of Technology as a leading institution in the field of technical and specialist higher education in the region. HCT’s graduates are highly received by different Emirati departments and authorities.” On his part, Dr. Yusef Al Akraf, EVP – Business Support, pointed out: “Cooperation with the Higher Colleges of Technology has been going on for years now. This is apparent through the programme of “Electrical Engineering Diploma”. According to this MOU, the Higher Colleges of Technology will launch a new academic programme – “A University Chair in Electrical engineering”. This new programme will be fully financed by DEWA at a total cost of AED 500,000 per year. Students will be selected in compliance with the HCT’s approved standards of admission. Graduates will be granted the middle university degree upon their completion of the basic year as well as two successful years of study. Also successful students will be granted Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree upon their successful completion of two extra years.”