ADEC, Masdar sign agreement to boost knowledge economy efforts

Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) on Tuesday, to provide streamlined procedures for the establishment of schools and institutes of higher education at Masdar City.

Under the agreement, Masdar will work closely with ADEC and third-party partners to develop areas of Masdar City that have the potential to be turned into schools. Meanwhile, ADEC will advise companies registered at Masdar City on the requirements that need to be met under Abu Dhabi’s private schools regulations and policy manual, including licensing requirements and conditions.

During the signing agreement, Dr. Ali Rashed Al Nuaimi, ADEC’s Director-General, praised the initiative which he said "comes in line with the Education Council’s aim to provide the support mechanisms necessary to build a modern and innovative education system in Abu Dhabi."

He added, "This MoU supports the establishment of educational institutions that meet the high standards set forth by our nation to graduate a competent, reliable, and competitive workforce of youth. Introducing new schools and higher education institutes represents the growing need for a diversified world class economy that encourages young people to experiment, create and lead."

Commenting on the MoU, Mohamed Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, "The agreement provides a framework that will support Masdar City’s efforts to build an environment that promotes knowledge exchange and learning at all levels. By partnering with ADEC, we are sending a clear message that educational institutions at Masdar City will be required to meet the highest international standards, as set forth in Abu Dhabi’s education codes. In this way, Masdar City can advance one of our core aims of helping to cultivate the next-generation of leaders."

The new MoU provides multiple advantages for all parties that are involved in the establishment of an educational institution. Under the agreement, ADEC representatives will visit the City and inspect institutions to ensure that they are in line with Abu Dhabi’s educational guidelines and policy.

Moreover, it provides a platform whereby Masdar and ADEC representatives can engage in discussions around Masdar City’s master plan and future potential locations for knowledge centres.

As part of its commitment to delivering a modern knowledge economy, Masdar City will host a new campus of Emirates College of Technology, the Abu Dhabi-based private higher education institution. A new GEMS Education school is also among the third-party projects planned, which will complement the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology located at the heart of the City.

The Masdar Institute has graduated 447 students since 2011 and honoured its first PhD graduates last year. The Institute is undertaking industry- and government-sponsored research contracts and conducts its own community outreach programme, the Young Future Energy Leaders, engaging the brightest Arab youth in the subjects of alternative energy and clean technology.

Source:WAM