The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTS) – Sharjah Branch, celebrated the 48th UAE National Day on site at their campus, in the presence of students, faculty and administrative members, the Khor Fakkan Municipality, the Khor Fakkan Police & Traffic Department, the Planning & Survey Department, and the Sharjah Investment Authority (Shurooq). Following choreographed military formation, students marched in celebration along the main street of the beach in the city to proudly celebrate the UAE, its rich cultural heritage, and the ones who walked before them. The importance of conducting such activities and celebrations on an ongoing basis comes from the responsibility of the Academy to establish national belonging and a sense of responsibility of students towards the state permanently. This will be pivotal in navigating the future of the maritime sector, as it will build the capacity of a sustainable economy for future generations. The Academy includes the latest simulators and advanced educational systems amounting to more than one billion dirhams, on a vast area of land exceeding 200 thousand square meters to match the size of the headquarters of the Academy in Alexandria. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, also included the sponsorship of the education of 100 students from the Emirate of Sharjah. The academy offers two specializations in the first phase: maritime transport technology, which contains two specializations, being port operations and maritime operations. Thus, graduates will qualify for a bachelor's degree, in addition to granting certificates to a second officer. The second section, the Department of Marine Engineering also includes two specializations: marine mechanics or marine electricity, in addition to the certificate of a third marine engineer. Both disciplines qualify students to work on merchant ships and petroleum service vessels. The Academy also seeks to attract professional cadres working in maritime institutions in the country, who want to receive specialized training programs within the professional development and continuing education services provided by the Academy. This is in addition to offering the service of renewing the passport of marine officers and engineers and sailors, and cooperating with training departments in companies to design special training programs in various technical and marine management fields, and reviewing the advanced simulators owned by the Academy. The college will play a central role in bridging the shortage of Emirati cadres needed by the local and regional market in general, in addition to contributing to the enhancement of the UAE's position as one of the most important international maritime centers, not only in terms of infrastructure and maritime facilities, but also as a scientific centre for the latest in research, development and innovation. — SG
