A major educational initiative, which will enable every employee of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to train for CPR First Aid Certification, was unveiled today by DWTC and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), the leading technology and research organization of the United Arab Emirates.
Through the partnership, CERT has trained three key DWTC team members to lead courses in CPR First Aid, and will supervise these classes to enable every employee of DWTC to achieve certification to the standard laid down by the American Heart Foundation.
In practice, this will mean that DWTC will be the first exhibition organization in the world to have every employee capable and qualified to assist members of the public in the event of a heart attack or other medical emergency.
DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri, emphasised the importance of the partnership within the group’s larger corporate strategy: “Dubai World Trade Centre strives for excellence in every area of our operations, and there is no issue we take more seriously than health and safety. Through this partnership, we will increase the safety and peace of mind of every visitor to our facilities.”
At the heart of the project is the concept of “Training the Trainer,” an innovative style of workplace development where key team members are provided with the right skills to train their colleagues, who in turn can pass on their skills, in a supervised environment with CERT support.
“This shared initiative underlines the UAE’s commitment to the health and safety of both residents and visitors, and we congratulate all those who have already contributed to the program. The drive to train every member of staff in vital first aid skills is an exceptional step by DWTC and we are proud that CERT is able to play such a decisive role in this project,” said Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali, Vice Chairman of CERT and Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.
DWTC continues to make major strides in the fields of human resource development and is currently in discussion with CERT about other potential areas of cooperation.
“We recognise that our people are our most important resource at DWTC and will continue to invest in developing their skills and enriching their experience, so that we are providing a secure, professional environment for visitors and exhibitors,” said Abdul Rahman Obaid, Director of Protocol, Security, Health and Safety, Dubai World Trade Centre.
The first three team members to be accredited through the course received certificates of qualification in a ceremony at DWTC earlier this week. UAE national Saif Ahli, Emergency Medical Services Officer, Dubai World Trade Centre, was the first team member to receive the certification.
“I am proud to be part of this initiative, which will help me to equip all my colleagues with the skills and knowledge necessary to keep visitors safe during their time at DWTC properties,” said Ahli.
CERT is the commercial arm of the Higher Colleges and provides a vital link to industry for the HCT. CERT is in the business of developing and providing education, training and technology solutions for public and private sector clients. It is involved in strategic alliances with a number of large multinational organizations that are partners in developing a diverse range of business and technology solutions.
