Inspiring the Gulf youth

The fifth and final day of the Dubai Airshow was a day that saw the first-ever ‘Futures Day’ — an event aimed at the UAE’s potential aviation professionals of tomorrow’s world. Nearly 700 senior-level students from key UAE colleges and universities attended.

Companies including Rolls-Royce, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Air Navigations Services (DANS), Strata Manufacturing PJSC and Mubadala Aerospace, put on seminars and workshops to introduce the students to the wide range of career possibilities in the aerospace 
sector.

Futures Day was opened with a keynote speech by Dr Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

“I’m delighted to be here to witness this wonderful day and wonderful initiative,” he said. “And I am particularly delighted to see so many students here from all over the education system. I can think of nothing more important for a society than the promotion of education, whatever sector we are in.

“Futures Day is a very important initiative which will hopefully open your eyes to the many horizons of possibility that are out there in the aerospace industry.

“It has been an incredible week at the Dubai Airshow — what a wonderful event it has been.”

The students had the opportunity to interact with the many exhibitors at the airshow to gain greater insight into the more specific and intricate details of the aviation industry. They also got to walk around the static aircraft display to view the aircrafts exhibited at the 2011 Dubai Airshow.

Badr Al Olama, deputy CEO Strata Manufacturing PJSC, said: “Futures Day is providing future generations with an opportunity to get involved in the big picture.”

In another significant development for the Gulf’s future aviators this week Jeppesen, Boeing’s flight services unit, announcing a new contract agreement with Emirates Aviation College. The deal will hereafter see Jeppesen’s ‘ab initio’ pilot training courses provided at the Dubai-based institute.

“It is a strategic collaboration between Emirates Aviation College and Jeppesen to offer the region’s first of its kind JAA ‘ab initio’ pilot training program,” said Dr. Ahmad Al Ali, Senior Vice President Emirates Aviation College.

Alison Weller, F&E Managing Director, said: “The introduction of ‘Futures Day’ to the Dubai Airshow aims to inspire the Gulf’s future generations to become the aviation elite of tomorrow.

“And as we have learned from the inaugural Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE) conference and memorandum this week, efficient aviation training is vital for the prospective success of the burgeoning aerospace industry in the region.

“As the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East, the Dubai Airshow provides an inspirational environment for the UAE’s students to engage with influential figures already operating in the industry.

“And today’s event is not only an important statement of intent; it has been a fun learning-curve for everyone involved.”

The Dubai Airshow is organised under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in co-operation with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.

business@khaleejtimes.com