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Access to quality learning The Gulf region is the second fastest growing international schools market globally he expansion of international schools in the Gulf region continues, registering the second fastest growth rate in the world. There are now 982 international schools in the region with a million students collectively paying $6 billion in fees. The data was released as part of the latest research conducted by the International School Consultancy Group (ISC), a leader in delivering market intelligence on the global international schools market, with the full report to be presented at the forthcoming International Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in Dubai. ISC’s data shows the UAE ranked first as the country with the highest number of international schools, dominating the region with 439, up from 433 in the first quarter of this year. Saudi Arabia has 195 international schools and Qatar 130.
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“I-UP” Forum Meanwhile, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) have announced the first Industry and University Partnerships Forum, to be hosted in Dubai Knowledge Village on December 10, 2014.
The “I-UP” Forum brings together professionals from universities, industry and government departments to discuss potential collaborations, partnerships, research and business development opportunities. The forum, hosted by TECOM’s Education Cluster, including DIAC and DKV, will feature a series of workshops with representatives from universities in Dubai, as well as leaders from industry sectors including Hospitality and Tourism, Islamic Finance, Education, Transport and Logistics, Media/ICT, Healthcare, Energy and Construction and Real Estate. Participants will be able to
network and discuss potential partnerships, information exchange, sharing best practices as well as identify research areas that are vital to local and regional economies. “At this event, we will bridge the gap between academia and industry in order for universities to understand the requirements of the workforce. Universities will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals to guide them to develop new programmes that will cater to industry requirements needed to sustain their growth,” said Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of DIAC and DKV.
Defining better business with CIMA CIMA focuses on business, giving professionals more than just accounting knowledge The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, is the world’s leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants with operations in 177 countries. CIMA provides finance professionals with skill sets needed to develop into all-round strategic managers as it offers the most relevant finance qualification for business combining accounting, finance and management skills. In the Middle East, CIMAtrained professionals work across varied industries including oil and gas, retail, aviation, commerce, management consultancies and banks. In fact, today most of the top CFOs, CEOs and management consultants are qualified chartered management accountants. According to Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC, CIMA, “CIMA focuses on business, giving professionals more than just accounting knowledge. Our members are qualified to work across all departments in an organisation, not just in finance. CIMA teaches strategic business and management skills allowing you to not only be financially qualified but also professionally trained in business management, capable of advising on business strategy and risk management.” For students keen on building
Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC a career in business and finance, CIMA has teamed up with select universities across the GCC to offer an opportunity to gain a CIMA professional qualification while studying towards their degree. These universities include Canadian University of Dubai, BITS CORE, University of Wollongong in Dubai, Manipal University, American University in Dubai and Ahlia University in Bahrain. By studying for the CIMA qualification and a degree at the same time, students are
able to progress faster in their careers, showcasing their motivation levels to the employers. CIMA is also the first global accountancy body to have pioneered the computerised assessment of candidates. Taking advantage of improvements in technology and its role in educating the younger generation, CIMA will allow students in 2015 to take their objective type questions on demand for the respective modules, allowing them flexibility to choose the pace at which they want to progress towards their full CIMA qualification. The availability of the objective type question for the modules on demand means students are no longer tied to exam diets. These assessments are written by an expert panel of questionwriters and are computer marked. Results are available shortly after the exam with each student receiving feedback on their performance. In the Middle East, the prospect for a dynamic and rewarding career remains upbeat for CIMA members and students. This potential has been further enhanced following the launch of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the result of a joint venture between CIMA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and reflects the global prestige of two of the world’s leading accountancy bodies. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting. The designation recognises the most talented and committed management accountants with the discipline and skill to drive strong business performance.
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khaleej times / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT THURSday, August 28, 2014
Preparing for a brighter future
Creating leaders
ing long before it finds its way into the PBMOK as new practices.
Programmes at BUiD enable students to think strategically Excerpts from an interview with Dr Paul Gardiner, Head of Programme, MSc/ PhD Project Management, The British University in Dubai (BUiD):
enables graduates to think strategically and practically to achieve business and personal results. It recognises that effective project management is sensitive to the culture and context of its stakeholders and facilitates the complete integration of tools, techniques, methods and approaches that are suited to a wide range of industries, sectors and geo-political contexts.
Tell us about the Project Management Programme offered at BUiD, and is it limited to specific fields? Project management is the science of getting things done. Whether you want to develop a new product or service, introduce a major change, host a mega event or build something extraordinary, project management is your answer to make it happen and satisfy stakeholders by achieving best value from differing perspectives. Our degree
Is BUiD’s Project Management Programme accredited by any international professional body? BUiD’s programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and is also compliant with several international project management professional bodies, including the PMI, the IPMA and the APM of the UK. We have accreditation from the APM. We are also in the process of becoming
GAC-accredited and have IPMA academic programme registration. These associations demonstrate practical relevance and best practice contents of our programme. Our programme encapsulates the skills and practices collected here. All of our modules are mapped against this guide, which forms part of the GAC accreditation that we are confident of getting this year. Of course, our programme contains much more than the PMBOK. We are a research-led university and all our modules benefit from the latest research in the fields related to project management giving our students exposure to new ideas and advanced project management think-
Raising the bar for quality education The Institute of Management Technology helps students strike a balance between personal and professional commitments The Institute of Management Technology (IMT) set its roots in the fastest growing education hub in the Middle East in 2006 with an aim to provide a platform where students can realise their full potential in a multinational business environment. Eight years on, the success of IMT Dubai and its students is testament to the demand for quality business education in the region. IMT Dubai carries for-
What is the impact of Project Management Programme for the country’s economic development? The history of Dubai is a testament to what strategic thinking and project management can achieve together. Linking strategy with project management is the right way to make a sustainable future for society. The rulers of Dubai have shown this to be true for many years, with landmark projects such as Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. As Dubai moves ahead with a great many new projects in transport, energy, social development, tourism, entertainment, infrastructure, city life and international projects, such as Dubai World Central, Burj Khalifa, Expo 2020, City Trams, Dubai Smart City and many more, we expect the international community to increasingly see Dubai as a world leader in the application of project management to achieve economic and sustainable development that will protect people and the planet for future generations to come.
S P Jain’s BBA graduates off to a flying start with global careers
Money magazine says it takes most college graduates between three and nine months to land their first job. So it’s fantastic news that just three months after graduating, half of the pioneer batch of S P Jain’s BBA programme have already found jobs, assisted by the school’s career services group. Around 80 per cent of these are full-time. The remainder are internships, which are expected to convert to full-time employment. But that doesn’t mean that only half are working. According to Nitish Jain, President of S P Jain, these figures do not include students who may have found jobs on their own and have not notified the school, or are taking some time off before starting a job hunt or graduate school. So real figures are probably actually much higher. “What is noteworthy is that students have gotten jobs across the world, and are thus fulfilling our promise of training global business leaders,” said Jain. “Though I am very pleased at the role that our career services group has played in placements, I’m actually most proud of the students who have found their own leads. They are proving that they have initiative, and can manage on their own.” Some leading companies that have hired S P Jain BBA graduates full-time include Samsung, Citibank, Heinz, Bayt, Dunia Finance (Temasek subsidiary), Macquarie Group and Pear Capital. Of these jobs, 41 per cent were in Australia, 18.5 per cent in Dubai, 11 per cent in Singapore, 18.5 per
(For more information on BUiD’s Project management readers can get in touch with Dr Paul Gardiner at paul. gardiner@buid.ac.ae.)
ward the legacy of IMT Ghaziabad, which is ranked among the top 10 business schools in India. IMT Dubai, the international arm of the IMT Group, is a true testament to its high standards of business education. Students are trained by accomplished faculty and exposed to a dynamic global environment through internships, company projects and the international exchange programme. IMT Dubai is the only business school of Indian origin to be accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. IMT Dubai currently offers two-year MBA programme, one-year Executive MBA (EMBA) for working professionals, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Its BSBA programme aims to enhance the capabilities of young students with
cent in India, and 13 per cent in other countries such as the US, Philippines, Vietnam and Brazil. S P Jain’s three country BBA programme is specially designed for the students to get prepared with the right set of skills by networking with corporations in three global financial hubs — Dubai, Singapore and Sydney — through its unique tri-city model. The idea is to prepare students for the real corporate-world experience when they graduate from the BBA programme. The programme is made up of general business, specialist business and liberal arts subjects. In addition to academic learning, the course emphasises the development of key real-world business attributes like global intelligence and personal effectiveness, giving students the confidence, knowledge and expertise required to function in a global setting. Jain adds, “Knowledge-based curricula is now out-of-date. Modern business education must prepare you to think, explore, create and impress. Our global model is hugely beneficial when it comes to helping you achieve these goals.” S P Jain’s career advancement offices, located in Sydney, Singapore, Dubai and Mumbai, assist graduates find employment with companies across the region. Given the excellent network and reputation of the school, graduates are likely to get jobs within three months of graduation.
a career-driven and professionally geared curriculum that will allow them to establish a firm footing in today’s challenging global environment. Incorporated with an international curriculum and concentrations in accounting, logistics and retail management, the BSBA programme opens up avenues for students to practice skills essential to real life corporate situations. The two-year MBA programme is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), US, a premier accrediting body for management education. Apart from academics, students are encouraged to develop personally and socially by actively participating in extracurricular activities. Several events, both corporate and cultural, are held on campus to encourage
students to religiously devote time to realise their personal and professional goals. Learning is a continuous process and change is the only constant especially in the business environment. The Executive MBA programme is developed keeping in mind the expectations of working professionals who are looking to expand their knowledge, hone their ability to make strategic decisions and effectively deal with crisis in their work place. The programme is offered during weekends and the duration is one year, thus ensuring a balance between personal and professional life. At IMT, students have multiple prospects for development. Students are encouraged to focus on their passions and strengths and consistently work hard to achieve their goals.
RCSI DUBAI LEADING HEALTHCARE RCSI DEVELOPING HEALTHCARE LEADERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WORLDWIDE
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Dubai is the UAE based postgraduate branch campus of the internationally renowned RCSI, which has played a major role in medical education and training in Ireland for over 200 years. Based in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City, we offer a range of UAE and internationally accredited programmes in the areas of quality, safety and healthcare management. MSc in Quality & Safety in Healthcare Management MSc in Healthcare Management MSc in Leadership in Health Professions Education › › › › › ›
Suitable for all healthcare professionals – clinical and administrative Classroom based teaching supported by Learning Portal Two-year part-time, modular programmes CAA/NUI/RCSI internationally accredited programmes Opportunity to study overseas International faculty
Continuing Professional Development Courses Please contact for further details.
For further information contact: Ms Winona D’Souza Tel +971 (0)4 375 2116 Fax +971 (0)4 429 8490 Email infouae@rcsi.ie www.rcsi.ie Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center Building 14, Office 203, P.O. Box 505095, Dubai Healthcare City, United Arab Emirates
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Dedicated to improve the healthcare sector
The RCSI Institute of Leadership places emphasis on leadership and management capabilities of health professionals in the Middle East The RCSI Institute of Leadership, located at the Dubai campus of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), is now acknowledged as a leading provider of leadership and management education in the healthcare sector in the UAE. The institute provides accredited flexible, part-time MSc degrees in Healthcare Management, Quality and Patient Safety and Leadership in Health Professions Education at its campus in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City. It also provides shorter executive development programmes in leadership and management for health professionals. Founded in 1784, the RCSI is Ireland’s leading healthcare university. The college is an independent, not-for-profit, health sciences institution with a unique international perspective from its headquarters in Dublin to its campuses on three continents. More than 70 countries are represented
in RCSI’s international student body and the college has a long and fruitful association in the Gulf region. Many of the leaders in healthcare in the Gulf states received their early medical education at the RCSI in Dublin. The College’s Institute of Leadership is Ireland’s third level institution dedicated solely to developing the leadership and management capabilities of health professionals. Based on the RCSI’s core values of respect, collegiality, scholarship and innovation, the institute is dedicated to improving human health by optimising health services. This is done by developing the leadership and management capacity of health professionals and their organisations. With over 400 postgraduate students registered each year on its MSc programmes and equal numbers taking its executive development programmes, the institute makes a major con-
tribution to improving healthcare in Ireland and in the Middle East. In the UAE, the institute is located in Dubai Healthcare City, and is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The institute’s MSc courses are officially accredited, both in the UAE and in Ireland, and are internationally recognised. Currently, three Masters degrees (Healthcare Management; Quality and Patient Safety; and Leadership in Health Professions Education) are offered together with shorter programmes in leadership, management and quality improvement. Every year, RCSI Dubai registers about 80 to 90 health professionals on its Masters programmes. “These are medical and healthcare professionals who are eager to develop their leadership and management skills,” says Prof. Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the Institute. “They take new knowledge and skills back to their hospitals and community in order to improve health services. The number of health professionals taking our courses continues to grow. RCSI’s long history and tradition, our focus on developing the individual, the international recognition of our degrees, and the flexible nature of our programmes are major attractions for busy health professionals. The proof of our impact is that most of our graduates are promoted into positions of increased responsibility soon after completing our programmes.”
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Study Business a Different Way. THE REAL WAY
IMT Dubai programs are taught with practical experiences in the real world with industry interaction and internships as part of the curriculum
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education Internationally Accredited International Exchange Programs in over 17 countries Executive MBA • • • •
Designed for working professionals 1 Year, part-time Classes on Thursdays and Fridays AED60,000
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration •
Masters in Business Administration
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Fresh graduates welcome 2 Years, full-time International Exchange Programs with over 25 Partner Universities AED46,000/ Year
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Specializations in Accounting, Retail Management and Supply Chain and Logistics 4 Years, full-time Scholarships from 30% up to 100% International Exchange Programs with over 25 Partner Universities Internships offered as part of the program AED33,000 / Year
Dubai International Academic City 04 422 7244
admissions@imtdubai.ac.ae
www.imtdubai.ac.ae
Licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The academic qualifications granted by this institution and certified by the KHDA shall be recognized in the Emirate of Dubai by all public and private entities for all purposes.
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Pathway to college admissions Score Plus — The Princeton Review has been helping students in the UAE to not only score higher but also secure admissions from topranked universities With US universities reporting higher average SAT / ACT / GRE/ GMAT scores and alarmingly lower acceptance rates, students aspiring to pursue their higher studies abroad are increasingly turning to experts to realise their dreams. The Princeton Review (TPR), world’s leader in test prep and admissions consulting services since 2002, has been helping students in the UAE to not only score higher but also secure admissions from top ranked universities. Score Plus offers TPR services all over the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and India and will soon begin in Oman. High school students from the UAE understand the need to put their best foot forward and submit high scores to boost their admissions chances into the highly selective US universities. There are students who take both the SAT and the ACT to identify where they can score high. Dennis Ortiz, Master Trainer, opines that, “High school students are torn between taking the SAT or the ACT. However, with us high school students have the opportunity to take the Princeton Review Assessment test which has been designed to help them identify which of the tests – SAT or ACT is ideal for them and prepare accordingly”. He further explained that The Princeton Review is the only company that offers a Dual Mastery Course in SAT and ACT
for those students who would like to give a shot at both. On the Admissions Consulting Services front, TPR’s success is boosted by the fact that it is the only company in the world that ranks around 350+ US universities year after year. Through this exercise they collate vital information viz., average scores, average GPA, scholarship opportunities, selectivity, popular majors, popular faculty, student lifestyle, safety, etc all of which indeed helps them in advising the students about the “BEST FIT” universities. The Admissions Consulting Services also include numerous brain storming ses-
We began with the vision of providing a world-class preparation platform for those who aspire for higher education abroad. We are delighted that the TPR brand and legacy are available for all the ambitious students here. Ritu Kalwani
sions to help students write the best admissions essays; comprehensive guidance towards filling the application; conducting mock interviews; visa process guidance and pre departure orientation on loans, forex, insurance, etc. “Helping students not only to bag an admission but also secure scholarships is our forte,” iterates Suresh Nathan, ACS National Head. For those aspiring to get into MS/MBA/Ph.D TPR’s strategy oriented GRE and GMAT courses come handy. The well trained and TPR certified instructors help students understand how strategy and right pacing are prerequisites towards getting higher scores on these tests, which are adaptive. TPR’s resources “The best Value Colleges”, The Best 167 Medical schools, The best 169 law schools, the best 295 business school” not only helps students in choosing the best fit school but also in maximising their admission chances. “We inspire our students to reach for the stars and get there!” adds Ritu Kalwani, Executive Director of Score Plus — Princeton Review. “We have been doing that since 2002 in Dubai when we began with the vision of providing a world-class preparation platform for those who aspire for higher education abroad. We are delighted that the TPR brand and legacy are available for all the ambitious students here.”
Aviation Academies in the UAE Soaring high Give a flying start to your career With up-to-date curriculum and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Fujairah Aviation Academy is the preferred choice of learning for students from the UAE, Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia Fujairah Aviation Academy, the first aviation academy in the UAE, has set its sights on becoming a full-fledged aviation university in the future as it looks to serve the sector’s burgeoning needs. Founded in 1986 under the patronage of Shaikh Saleh Mohammed Hamad Al Sharqi, the academy aims to become an aviation hub in the region. Based at Fujairah International Airport, Fujairah Aviation Academy (FujAA) offers a truly international training experience with modern facilities. FujAA already has a lot of courses in its portfolio with highquality training and acceptable fee structure. The academy is now looking to become an aeronautical university and an approved type-rating centre. The courses are approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and recognised by all its member states. Currently the academy offers Pilot Training in airplane and helicopter, Aircraft Maintenance engineering courses, Air Traffic Controller Training, Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Training, In-
ternational Air Transport Association’s (IATA) aviation courses and is the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority-approved examination centre for pilots and engineers. For flight training, the academy consists of a fleet of Cessna 172, Diamond 40 single engine aircraft and Diamond 42 multi-engine aircraft, including the conventional type cockpit as well as the G1000 glass cockpit. With the training area located at only five minutes’ flight time after take-off, students do not have to wait and can judiciously optimise their time. The academy operates two types of simulators – the Flight Navigation Performance Trainer (FNPT) simulator, which provides training for smaller aircraft and a fixed base generic jet simulator for multi-crew cooperation (MCC) training. The academy also offers Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) distance learning theoretical knowledge training and English Language Proficiency (ELP) training and testing. Fujairah Aviation Academy’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA). The academy also has a well-equipped state-of-the-art workshop for the students. For Air Traffic Controller (ATC) training, FujAA uses Micro Nav Best 3D 270 tower simulator, which provides a real control tower feeling to the students. As a part of the eco go-green paperless programme, Fujairah Aviation Academy provides elearning facilities for students with online study materials. The academy has the latest classroom set-up and online access for students to check the schedule and bookings. The college is a preferred destination for Emiratis and also attracts students from other Middle Eastern countries, African continent, South East Asia and Europe. FujAA has nurtured hundreds of aviation professionals globally and continues to offer innovative, excellent courses that provide lasting benefits to the students of the nation, the region and the world.
Airline pilot training JETSTREAM is the only organisation in Greece and the Middle East, and one of the very few in Europe, to offer combined pilot flight training and type rating programmes There are a few organisations in the aviation academy sector that can boast of credentials equivalent to the JETSTREAM Aviation Academy. Established in 2008, JETSTREAM is a well-known Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and a certified Flight and Type Rating Training Organisation (FTO/ TRTO) under European EASA and UAE GCAA regulations. Since its inception, more than 3,000 students have graduated as pilots, attendants and mechanics. The training portfolio includes Airline First Officer Course (ATPL and A320 type rating), Type Ratings on A320/ A330/ A340/ A310, B737, EMB145, AVRO RJ, ATR, Q400, and TRI/SFI courses. JETSTREAM also offers courses for helicopter pilots, and cabin crew. Interestingly, a large number of major and regional carriers have partnered with JETSTREAM. The Crew Training centres are strategically located in two key aviation markets: In Europe at the Athens International Airport in Greece, and in Dubai, UAE, at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Flying lessons are given
in Greece under the guidance of flight instructors who are mostly active airline pilots. Explains Chief Executive Officer John Diskos, “JETSTREAM is the only organisation in Greece and the Middle East, and one of the very few in Europe, to offer both flight training and type rating (programmes). We focus exclusively on preparing crew for airlines. Our training courses also prepare students with no prior flying experience to qualify as airline co-pilots.” JETSTREAM is approved by EASA and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to offer initial and type rating trainings as well as instructor courses. The flagship course, Airline First Officer, combines airline-oriented
ab initio Integrated ATPL with Airbus A320 or Boeing 737NG type rating. The full portfolio of courses covers ATPL, MPL, type rating and conversions on major types, instructor and examiner training, and other airline aviation personnel courses. State-of-the-art equipment, facilities and training processes are employed to train students. The aviation academy uses classroom and computer-based training, a paperless cockpit approach and multi-crew flight management techniques. It also uses TALON web-based training management and has Level D simulators, FNPT II/MCC flight simulators, Airbus A320 and B737 Virtual Procedures Trainers. Cadet pilots fly Diamond DA40s and 42s and Seneca V aircraft. JETSTREAM also offers pilot screening, and long-term or temporary provision of captains and first officers for a carrier outside Europe, JETSTREAM can provide simple procedures for meeting the EASA technical, legal, accounting, and AOC requirements.
Sadiq Shaban Getting a license to fly is the ultimate thrill of any youngster. These days as flying becomes easier a lot of students are queuing up to join a flight school or academy that offers quality flight and cabin crew training by the most qualified professors and instructors. A large number of flight academies have sprung up in the UAE in recent years. Most of these institutes hire instructors who are aviation experts like retired airline pilots, aviation mechan-
khaleej times / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT THURSday, August 28, 2014
ics and academics. Most academies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah and other places follow very high standards for flight instruction to meet their accreditation guidelines. Although the requirements to get a license are determined by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), the actual implementation varies widely from country to country. The UAE follows aviation licensing yardsticks, which are at par with the best globally. Aviation academies in the UAE, like the one in Fujairah, offer its own airport facilities, allowing unequalled access and operational conditions for flight
training. Apart from getting a full understanding of airplanes and simulators, students are also taught the latest on-board technologies. Upon completion, students know the entire breadth of flight routine and are in a position to apply for their licenses. Some academies offer interviews on campus for internships after imparting flight training for all levels. As aviation students explore limitless possibilities for a career in flying, aviation academies in the UAE gear up to train both international and domestic applicants under reliable specialists. —sadiq@khaleejtimes.com