Department of Economic Development in Ajman Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Institute for Community Engagement at Zayed University

17 November 2015: Department of Economic Development in Ajman Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Institute for Community Engagement at Zayed University

Ajman, United Arab Emirates: The Department of Economic Development in Ajman – represented by HE Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of the department – signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute for Community Engagement (ICE) at Zayed University – represented by HE Dr. Riad Muhaideb, Vice-President of the university – at the headquarters of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman.

The MoU aims to set and activate a framework of cooperation between the two parties aimed at achieving common interests and objectives, in order to strengthen partnerships with governmental and non-governmental institutions, as well as achieve integration, enhance business relations, and improve the overall performance of their work.

The cooperation includes work and coordination to exchange experiences, information, and data, and to develop programs and action plans to provide training opportunities for staff and students. The Department of Economic Development in Ajman will provide job training opportunities for the students of Zayed University, and will also engage employees in workshops, training courses, and community service awareness programs organized by the ICE at the university as part of its course offerings during semesters. The agreement will pave the way for organizing forums and joint activities that contribute to support economic development and community service.

HE Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman, on the occasion of the signing of the agreement, said: "Through this cooperation with the Institute for Community Engagement at Zayed University, we aim to promote action to achieve sustainable economic development in the emirate of Ajman, and the United Arab Emirates in general, as well as provide social support. The cooperation with Zayed University will open the door for community service by involving young students and employees in initiatives aimed at serving the community and promoting a sense of responsibility towards society.

HE Dr. Riad Muhaideb Vice President of Zayed University, said: "We at Zayed University are proud of the partnership with the Department of Economic Development in Ajman, and we will strive, through the ICE, to provide the necessary training programs in the areas of customer service and management at different levels, as well as team management and employee evaluation skills, and other courses. He added: "This partnership will also give university students internship opportunities at the department, which will benefit their future careers."

Based on the MoU signed between the two parties, the Department of Economic Development in Ajman will offer Zayed University students lectures and seminars about the department’s work, particularly the field of entrepreneurship, and the needs and requirements for the success of business start-ups. This is a particularly important aspect of the agreement given the growing interest among graduate students to engage in private business and the entrepreneurship sector after graduation. The agreement also includes the development of research and training programs, and the provision of consulting by the ICE at Zayed University at the request of the department. Under the agreement, the department will also support graduate students at Zayed University through the provision of information and topics for research and graduation projects.

The ICE at Zayed University will also offer training courses and programs in many areas such as leadership, human resources, customer service, innovation and creativity, finance and accounting, and others, to meet the needs of the department. The institute will also provide consulting services and applied scientific research to the department according to need and agreement. The university will nominate students for career training with the department in information technology, human resources, business, public relations, media, public administration, and governance. The nomination of students will be based on competence standards followed in the department’s training program policies.