Zayed University's Institute for Technological Innovation (ITI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with Australian-based SAE Institute to outline a unique strategic educational alliance which sets the stage for a new level of vocational technology training to be offered in the UAE. Courses offered to corporate and government clients out of the ZU-ITI campus at Dubai Internet City will include digital film making, creative multimedia, digital animation, games programming, graphic design and interactive entertainment to name a few. A proposal is also being considered to include similar courses in the undergraduate ZU curriculum.
The initial discussions on the possible academic alliance between ZU-ITI and SAE Institute were held during the recently concluded Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), which ultimately led to the signing of this MoU.
"This partnership is instrumental in meeting a strong need for quality new media training in the UAE. It will help position the country and its students for international competition and success in a highly-skilled field, and the ITI is very excited about playing a role in bringing the technology and opportunity to our students and clients," affirmed Dr. Abdullah Abonamah, Professor and Director.
SAE will outfit its new UAE-based campuses with state-of-the-art studios and classrooms equipped with all of the necessary hardware and software to support the high-end technological requirements of its programs. Zayed University and SAE will also be jointly engaged in actively recruiting clients in need of quality accredited employees in order to help secure placement of graduates at program completion. Other joint target objectives include equipping, training, qualifying and accrediting UAE government and private sector personnel already engaged in related industries and promoting the use of the new studio for tailored technical training courses and seminars, as well as for straight commercial use.
Romy Hawatt, SAE Strategic Business Development Executive, said: "The relationship with Zayed University is very innovative – many of these courses are being offered for the first time in the Middle East. SAE Institute will tailor and market specific educational programs by capitalizing on its internationally recognized profile and accreditation, and enhance current programs by delivering a range of exciting projects that have a commercial and career outcome for students.”
“For SAE International Technology Institute, the largest audio, film and multimedia college worldwide, participation at GETEX proved to be an important branding exercise, as the college administration prepared for its entry into the Middle East. We are currently working on several other academic alliances ahead of inaugurating our dedicated campus in Dubai."
With its world headquarters in Byron Bay, Australia, SAE Institute is the world's first and largest network of audio and media education and training centers. SAE is affiliated with Middlesex University (England), Southern Cross University (Australia) and Southern Institute of Technology (New Zealand). The Institute operates over 40 campuses in 22 countries on four continents. It offers diploma and full degree programs in audio technology, recording arts, film making, 3D animation and multimedia arts. The UAE-based ZU-ITI venture is the latest addition in a long list of campus development successes.
The Institute for Technological Innovation (ITI) is a Zayed University owned and operated business center located in the heart of Dubai Internet City, the knowledge and technological hub of the region. Its training programs are designed to educate business leaders and aspiring young professionals on new and emerging technologies. The ITI targets young professionals, corporate managers, educators, entrepreneurs, consultants and analysts in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region who wish to stay ahead of the curve by understanding technological innovation and managing its impact.
Al Bawaba
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