Emal and University of Sharjah join forces to develop expertise for the aluminium industry

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) and the University of Sharjah have signed a collaboration agreement to promote initiatives in the field of training and research for the aluminium industry. The agreement was signed by Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and CEO, EMAL, and Professor Samy A. Mahmoud, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah.

Under the terms of the agreement, EMAL and the University of Sharjah will work together to promote education, training, research and the advancement of science and technology in the United Arab Emirates. This will include: strengthening collaboration between EMAL’s Center of Excellence and University of Sharjah to develop specialized training programs in science and metallurgy materials, and identify research projects in primary and downstream aluminium industries.

As a result of the agreement, EMAL will be recognized as one of the funding members of the University of Sharjah, which will in turn support EMAL through further focused education and training.

Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and CEO, EMAL, commented that: “There is a need to strengthen the links between educational institutions and industry in order to support the development of technology in the UAE. We must also provide opportunities to UAE Nationals to embark on educational programs that will lead, upon graduation, to employment and career growth. This partnership will enable us to empower graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence so they can contribute effectively to the challenges we will face in the future.”

Professor Samy A. Mahmoud, Chancellor of the University added: “This agreement will enhance the efforts to meet the need for highly qualified professionals in industry and the growing aluminium sector.”

EMAL and the University of Sharjah will also examine the possibility of:

Establishing and funding an Academic chair in a relevant specialized field;

Sponsoring research projects relevant to the aluminium industry;

Conducting specialized training and technical courses for EMAL employees;

Providing  English language courses to UAE Nationals;

Launching  specialized  programs to fulfill the requirements of the Aluminium industry; and Providing accreditation of EMAL training courses at the national and international levels by recognized authorities.

The agreement is part of a series of engagements taken by EMAL to build close relationships with higher educational institutions in the UAE to develop a strong human resource base and promote research and development, following the setting up in 2007 of the aluminium smelter complex in Taweelah (Abu Dhabi). The plant will produce 1.3 million tons of aluminium per year by 2014 and employ 3,000 people.