Abu Dhabi: In an attempt to introduce internationally-accredited programmes, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world's largest securities and investment industry.

ADU signed a MoU with the UK-based company, Securities and Investment Institute (SII), to meet the professional training and development needs of the UAE.

The SII is the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry and was formed as the securities institute in 1992 by the members of the London Stock Exchange.

As the main examining body for the industry, the institute provides a range of relevant vocational qualifications attracting over 37,000 candidates a year.

In their hope to attract further students from the UAE, George Littlejohn, the Director of Global Business Development of SII signed a MoU with Dr Nabeel Ebrahim, ADU Chancellor, on Sunday.

"The primary objective for this collaboration is to make available, to the UAE finance and investment industry, a number of internationally recognised qualifications and accredited programmes. The Investment Administration Qualifications (IAQTM); the International Certificate in Investment Management (ICertIM); the Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ); the International Certificate in Financial Advice (ICFA) and the Advanced Certificate and Diploma qualifications as appropriate are some of the qualifications that will be offered by Abu Dhabi University," said Ebrahim.

ADU's current strategy is to partner with various institutions across the globe on academic as well as vocational programmes that help graduates become successful professionals in the marketplace.

"Our partnership with SII is a manifestation of such strategy. This partnership offers our students an opportunity to gain excellent knowledge and acquire professional certification in a broad range of internationally recognised Securities and Investment certificates, including Islamic Banking,'' said Ebrahim.

According to the SII Director of Global Business Development, ADU has laid out impressive targets in terms of vocational education and the Emiratisation programme. "The SII is honoured to be playing in integral part in helping to develop the industry leaders of the future," he said.