WAM Abu Dhabi, May 9th, 2012 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Tawazun Holding (Tawazun) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for launching an innovative Masters program in Manufacturing Leadership Development in the Faculty of Business and Economics of UAEU to enable UAE nationals complete their Masters program while on job.

Initially, the program will cater mainly to the needs of Tawazun and its subsidiary companies in developing future leaders who could drive the ambitious plans and projects of the group.

Dr Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor, UAEU and Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun signed the MoU during a ceremony held today.

The six-year MoU will be implemented in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates University. Under the MoU, Tawazun will enroll its future leaders into the Tawazun-UAEU joint MBA program to provide them the all round training and exposure in manufacturing leadership.

The Faculty of Business and Economics of the UAE University will develop bespoke curricula for the course which will be aligned not only with the vision, mission and strategies of Tawazun, but also with the vision of the country's leadership. After successfully completing the course, the participants will be given the opportunity to lead the various manufacturing projects of Tawazun and its subsidiaries.

Following the signing ceremony, Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri said the Program is inspired by the vision of the UAE leadership for diversifying the economy by developing the manufacturing sector in the country and for enhancing capabilities and skills of UAE citizens. Tawazun aims to achieve excellence in fulfilling its vision for building capabilities towards a balanced future.

"The signing of this agreement strengthens the ongoing partnership between Tawazun, and UAE University and it represents the spirit of collaboration between industry, and academic institutions," he said.

"It also shows Tawazun's long term commitment to support the vision and plans of UAE as envisaged by our prudent leadership." Dr Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor, UAEU welcomed the collaboration with Tawazun and highlighted its importance in developing the new generations of industry leaders and equipping them with the right knowledge, skills and know-how in delivering the intended outcome.

"Such programs, which are designed to meet the needs of the local industry, will enable the UAE nationals to actively and significantly contribute to the economic development of the country," added Al-Khanbashi.

Developing human capital is the cornerstone for achieving our ambitious vision, mission and strategic plans, Hamad Khalifa Al Neyadi, Tawazun's Chief Strategy Officer, pointed out.

"This collaboration with UAEU builds on our successful previous experience with UAEU in developing the UAE nationals through innovative programs." He indicated that Tawazun would focus primarily on equipping its future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for leading the various industrial manufacturing businesses that Tawazun is pursuing.

The program combines the academic and classroom teaching as well as real work assignment through various projects. The industry related case studies will be utilized to address real life situations and to provide suitable solutions to them.

WAM/AM