UAE, Dubai, 7 July, 2008 - The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), a Dubai government initiative that aims at fostering technological advancement and inspiring scientific innovation in different fields that enhance sustainable development, recently received a delegation of 10 Zayed University IT students from the IT Student Association (ITSA) of the College of Information Technology, Abu Dhabi campus. The main aim of the visit was to provide the students a first hand insight into the intricate methods of EIAST’s expert team that is currently working on the development of the DubaiSat 1 Project in South Korea.
The students on tour were selected based on four eligibility requirements. Only students who have not had an opportunity to experience a study abroad trip were considered for selection. The students chosen were also required to be active members of the events and activities for the college’s student association (ITSA). The level of seniority at college was also a criteria for selection, while high GPAs were also mandatory to be considered in the elite ten.
South Korea was the destination of choice for Zayed University IT students due to its rapid progress in technology, which has propelled it to become a world leader in this field. It offered the ideal learning ground for IT students, giving them the perfect opportunity to enhance their study years with practical activities. The students visited many IT intensive business and technology facilities during their 10 day visit, giving them a better understanding of how technology is applied and managed in a real world scenario.
“EIAST has a mandate to develop the national workforce and prepare them for the challenges of the global workplace. We believe that such visits from local universities in the UAE will provide the students with a solid platform, which they can use as a springboard to successfully enhance the UAE’s development in the science and technology fields,” said Mr Salem Humaid Al Marri, Acting Project Manager, DubaiSat 1 Program. “Emiratisation has been one of our strategic objectives, which aims at attracting the very best talent in the UAE market. It is a priority at EIAST to provide opportunities for UAE nationals who want to develop their carrier with one of the region’s leading institutions in advanced science and technology” he added.
“We are delighted to have visited EIAST in South Korea as part of the technology trip” said Dr Anthony Rhodes, Assistant Dean, College of Information Technology, Zayed University. “The visit was an eye-opener, and witnessing such impressive young Emiratis working with advanced satellite technologies was a very motivating experience for the Zayed University students. These young Emiratis are role models for other brilliant talented young Emiratis to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the UAE’s overall technology and economic growth. Zayed University is very pleased to cooperate with EIAST on more similar study abroad trips in the future for its IT students in the UAE and abroad” he added.
The students, accompanied by chaperons, were introduced to the different departments of the company. Following this, one of the team leaders from EIAST, Amer Al Sayegh, conducted a presentation elaborating on the DubaiSat-1 development progress, followed by an informative Q&A session to provide more insights and technical details on the DS 1 project. Al Sayegh then went on to give an interactive tour of the facilities and gave them first hand looks at DubaiSat 1, the students were able to see the Emirati engineers at work on the satellite. Besides the cultural benefits and life lessons gained out of this trip, this study abroad experience allowed Zayed University students an opportunity to see how Emirati nationals are working hand in hand with people of other cultures and nationalities to support UAE’s economic and technology growth. It augurs well for the futures of the students personally, and the UAE on the whole.