AN institute described as the UAE’s first IT-specific education and development entity will be set up at the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the DSO Authority (DSOA), who announced the project, said the institute, spearheaded by SAP Mena, a subsidiary of SAP AG, would benefit the entire Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, giving the burgeoning IT sector a boost and enhancing job prospects.

He made the announcement in the presence of Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, DSOA vice chairman and CEO, and SAP officials Dr Werner Brandt, chief financial officer and executive board member, Sam Alkharrat, Mena managing director, and Qais Gharaibeh, UAE managing director. 

“The UAE’s Vision 2021 continues to serve as the fundamental framework for all Dubai-based entities. Dubai’s strategy is underpinned by technology, which is supported by innovation, research and science as key pillars for the development of a knowledge-based economy,” said Sheikh Ahmed, adding that with the signing of the agreement for creating the institute, Dubai’s 2021 Vision had made further progress into moving to an economy that is based on the creation and development of Emirati skills.

Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products. Easily accessible from both a Mena and global perspective, the complex spans 7.2 sq km of state-of-the-art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels and healthcare units among other lifestyle facilities.

“Since inception, DSO has attracted some of the world’s most dynamic and innovative companies. Following our recent success with the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, we are pleased to announce yet another strategic partnership that will positively impact professionals not just in the UAE but also across the Mena region,” said Al Zarooni. “Our collaboration with a like-minded partner will definitely support our mission of further creating and developing a technology-based industry in the UAE. We are confident that working hand-in-hand with SAP to establish its training institute at DSO will ensure the effective fulfilment of their ambitious growth objectives in the Mena region.”

Plans for the training and development institute were initially discussed in March as a key part of a four-year additional investment plan by SAP to raise local skills and drive sustainable innovation and growth in the Mena region.

“The institute is the direct result of addressing our market, customer and ecosystem needs, and will serve as a powerful engine to yield vital jobs, knowledge, innovation and infrastructure capable of progressively shaping Mena’s business future,” said Brandt.

The training and development institute aims to certify 2,000 new consultants within the next four years, tripling the company’s existing consulting capabilities in the region, as well as accelerating and extending the localisation and Arabisation of SAP solutions to meet fast-growing regional industry needs.