Dubai

For the first time, vocational educational qualifications earned internationally are now being recognised in the UAE by the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).

More than 70 individuals received their certificates on Wednesday at an awarding ceremony hosted by NQA in partnership with Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Emirates Aviation University was acknowledged as the first recognised vocational education provider in the UAE at the ceremony.

At the event, Saqr Ghobash, UAE Minister of Labour and Chairman of NQA Board said the recognition of international qualifications in Dubai in partnership with the KHDA is a positive starting point.

“These opportunities help keep pace with the needs and requirements of different sectors of work at the national level, which enhances UAE’s position as a training and professional development destination,” he said.

The National Qualifications Framework consists of nine levels. In Dubai, the qualifications are awarded by Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD) — an awarding body recognised by the NQA.

QAD works together with Vocational Education and Training Awards Council of the UAE, to compare qualifications and align it in accordance with the national framework.

“Together with the NQA, we have developed this new service for recognising professional and applied education across different levels. The recognition provides validation for both employers and graduates. This service will further develop the UAE’s status as an international centre for education and vocational training,” said Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA.

The recognition service will help in the development of a nationally qualified workforce with a view to meet the growing demand for skilled labour, in line with the expectations of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards in Dubai at KHDA said the service will address challenges faced by young men and women by providing them with a recognition for their qualifications.

“There is an increasing demand for qualified and competent individuals and the recognition of international qualifications will help support the continuous growth of Dubai. It will help acknowledge the competencies of employees who contribute to the economic and social development of the country.”

Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, said NQA’s recognition is a great milestone in the history of the University.

“This will be highly perceived by our students and graduates who can now continue their education knowing that their bachelor or masters degrees will be fully attested and recognised across the UAE. The NQA accreditation will enable us to expand our national reach and meet the changing needs of the aviation and education industries at a time when the demand for both is expanding globally.”

The second phase of recognition service will allow individuals with credentials received from countries without a qualification framework to receive statements of recognition — aligning their credentials with UAE’s National Qualifications Framework.

Gulf News spoke to some of the some who received their certificates on Wednesday, and they all agreed that receiving the recognition will help better their career.

Anika Palikker, 23, an Indian national who completed her vocational education to become a chef at the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Dubai said having her qualifications recognised will help advance her career.

“It makes my qualifications more valuable, it gives me more credibility and will provide me with better job opportunities,” she said.

Emirati Air Craft Engineer Ahmad Al Qaydi, who received his vocational training from Emirates Aviation University and is currently working with Emirates airline said having his certificate officially recognised gives him a big advantage.

“This recognition will open doors for me when it comes to my career. It will also help me continue my master’s degree.”