DUBAI: Dubai Customs and the University of Dubai have entered into a significant agreement on Thursday, whereby University of Dubai will design and deliver a two-year accredited Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics and Customs leading to a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Dubai. This is the first of its kind academic degree customized to meet the needs of a single organization.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, and Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, in presence of Buti Al Jumairi, Executive Director of HR, Finance and Administration Division at Dubai Customs, senior DC officials and a host of academics and professors from the University.
Under this agreement, the University of Dubai is to design and provide a diploma and bachelor program in supply chain, customs and logistics. The program of study consists of three phases: The first is a one-year, 12-course professional certificate in supply chain and customs accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of Dubai, the second is a two-year, 24-course academic diploma in supply chain and customs accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, while the third phase of the program includes a four-year, 48-course Bachelor’s degree in supply chain and customs accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Commenting on this agreement, H.E Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, said education is a priority for Dubai Customs. “We value education as an important tool to advance innovation at the work place.” He added that this agreement with the University of Dubai is an investment in our real assets, our human resources to whom this venture provides a unique opportunity to realize their dreams in pursuit of further education.
Musabih said, “Signing this agreement comes in line with the initiatives of our wise leadership in the UAE, particularly the announcement of 2015 as the Year of Innovation upon the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, followed by the launch of the National Innovation Strategy made by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in accordance with the directives of our wise leadership with regard to creating a knowledge economy as per UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021.
“To keep pace with the daily global changes in education as well as smoothly meet the requirements of global trade, Dubai Customs has adopted the ‘Educated Organization’ approach,” he added.
Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai praised the agreement with Dubai Customs and called it “Significant.” He explained that such agreements are rare between government entities and institutions of higher education. Dr Bastaki said that University of Dubai is committed to quality education and developing smarter human resources in private and public sectors. He thanked Dubai Customs for the opportunity to train its employees and prepare them educationally and professionally toward smarter Dubai.
Mr Buti Al Jumairi, Executive Director of Human Resources, Finance and Administration, Dubai Customs, said that this agreement opens new horizons to improve services to our stakeholders.
He added, “The concept of ‘Training toward a University Degree’ is a unique model of how organizations can reward its human resources and improve their professional life. Dubai Customs has a plan to launch its own academy to deliver bachelor degrees, diploma programs and training programs in Customs areas for the Middle East, GCC and beyond. University of Dubai will be the co-partner in that plan.” He underscored that Dubai Customs will continue moving from one achievement to another through perseverance and dedication.
He pointed out that Supply Chain, Logistics and Customs Diploma and Bachelor Program focuses mainly on building a qualified national human cadre, specialized in customs area to meet DC’s needs. Distinguished national employees will have the opportunity to complete their education to obtain a master’s or doctorate degree, which will have a noticeable effect on the efficiency of human resources.
“Our choice of the University of Dubai to be our academic partner in carrying out the customized program was carefully made based on its esteemed reputation it has earned over the years,” he concluded.