emirates7 - Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, a subsidiary of the Institute of Applied Technology, and CompTIA, the leading Computing Technology Industry Association, to develop Emirati students' skills in the information technology sector.

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Manan Al Awar, Director-General of the Institute of Applied Technology at the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, witnessed the signing of a new partnership agreement, between Dr. Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Director of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic of the Institute of Applied Technology, and Yasir El Kabbany, Senior Regional Director, Middle East & Africa of CompTIA.

Dr. Al Awar said, "This partnership is of great importance as it gives the graduates of the ‘Bachelor of Information Technology Systems’ from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic the opportunity to gain internationally recognised industry certifications, which makes them ready for their future IT role. The chance to obtain internationally recognized certificates in the field of information technology will encourage national students to join this important specialization at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, and once graduated, form a place in building a more specialized and highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and the country's strategic plans."

Dr. Al Naqbi explained that under this agreement, CompTIA will provide full sponsorship for one new student of People of Determination to study information technology at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic for a period of one year for the first time. This gives the student the opportunity to obtain the CompTIA certifications, in addition to providing new mechanisms for professional development, training materials and examination models, which reflects the close compatibility between industry and education. This will lead to high performance in the main roles and tasks of information technology and improve alignment with accelerating global technological skills.

Yasir El Kabbany, Senior Regional Director-Middle East and Africa, CompTIA, said, "This partnership will be the start of a new and unique way of preparing the Emirati students for the workforce market in the UAE by equipping them with International Industry recognized certifications, which will support the UAE vision.

"We are proud to sponsor an Emirati candidate (people of determination) to study IT at the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic for the first time ever. This is an important initiative to encourage the people of determination to enter this important field."