Emal agrees higher education partnership with American University of Sharjah

Taweelah based aluminium smelter, Emirates Aluminium （Emal）, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding （MoU） with the American University of Sharjah （AUS） to create an 'Industry-higher education Partnership'.

The agreement aims to narrow the gap between students' formal higher education and the expertise required to diversify industry and meet Emiratisation goals set out in Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030. Signed by senior representatives at a ceremony held at the AUS campus, the plan creates various channels of cooperation between Emal and AUS which includes applied research, technical training, and sponsorship of students, with scope to implement specific projects of interest and further agreements in the future The partnership's first initiative was announced at the signing, in the form of a new Emirati graduate scholarship program named 'Falah'.

The 'Falah' scheme consists of a financial contribution by Emal to the university whereby eligible 'Falah' participants will benefit from the backing of Emal during the course of their studies. In line with the smelter's Emiratisation strategy, the beneficiary will be offered employment by Emal upon graduation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and CEO of Emal, said, "As a leader of the UAE's diversification we have a responsibility to develop the next generation of skilled Emirati professionals. By bringing education closer to industry, this partnership is a pioneering example of the 2030 strategy, and promises one of the best employment opportunities for UAE nationals."

With a current workforce of 2,000 employees, 14 percent of which are Emirati, Emal is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's diversification and industrialisation policy. Multiple Emiratisation and educational initiatives are underway at the company, including a raft of pre-employment courses, graduate trainee and Emirati scholarship programmes.