29 Mar 2011 , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
In line with the UAE government’s strategy aimed at establishing active partnerships between government and non-government entities in order to achieve the country’s main objectives, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) signed yesterday (28 March) a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) with the aim of developing specialized civil aviation human resources through the provision of specialized scientific, technical and administrative training courses.

This agreement falls under the GCAA’s efforts to contribute to the development of the civil aviation sector so that it meets world standards through the establishment of frameworks for mutual cooperation with local and federal training centers in order to develop human resources and enable them to keep abreast of the latest developments in the civil aviation sector and enhance safety and security in the sector.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Omar bin Ghalib, Deputy Director General of GCAA, and Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Bulooki, General Manager of the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) on behalf of ADAC and in the presence of official from both sides.

Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate through all means to support initiatives and programs proposed and provided by either of them in order to achieve the goals of the agreement. The agreement allows the GCAA to use the free seats allocated to it for non-profit purposes under the terms of the agreement and to send lists of candidates for the training courses. On the other hand, GCAS will provide the GCAA with experienced trainers as and when needed, subject to availability.

“Through various mechanisms and agreements, the GCAA aims at promoting specialized human resources, particularly UAE nationals, in the civil aviation sector. There is a remarkable shortage of UAE nationals who are qualified to work in this sector, and one of the priorities of the GCAA is to enhance safety in this sector, which is strongly connected with the safety and security of the civil aviation staff and customers.” said bin Ghalib.

“This agreement with the GCAS is part of the GCAA’s efforts in this respect. It also highlights the recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the significant role played the GCAA in providing specialized training courses, conducting and publishing research, hosting conferences and organizing forum for the Middle East aviation sector. This shows the leading position of the GCAA in this regard.” He added.

On his side, H.E. Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said that “the GCAS was able to occupy a leading position in the field of civil aviation training through an international network of training centers and specialized world class trainers. This agreement will enable us to have more contribution to the development of specialized UAE cadres in this vital sector which is a key component of the economic development of the UAE."

The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies is a leading and specialized training center for the aviation sector. It has contracted with global and regional specialized providers of training courses, and employs many qualified trainers in various fields. It aims at enhancing the level of safety and security in the aviation sector.