ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) organised a seminar and accompanying exhibition on "Future Horizon of the UAE Aviation" at the Al Ain Municipality Theatre. The event saw the participation of officials and representatives from over 18 federal and local government entities, as well as companies in the aviation sector, with more than 600 students from various educational stages in attendance.
This event is part of the GCAA's celebrations for UAE Civil Aviation Day, aimed at increasing the Emiratisation rate in the sector, raising awareness among young students, and encouraging them to pursue educational specialties related to civil aviation.
Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of the GCAA, stated: "In light of the rapid technological advancements occurring globally, significant transformations are taking place in the aviation industry, creating new growth opportunities for this vital sector."
He noted that the concept of aviation is no longer limited to connecting countries; it will soon be integrated into urban mobility within cities, with the UAE preparing for the commercial operation of Air taxis by 2026. Bin Ghaleb advised students to explore the vast opportunities presented by the future of the civil aviation sector and to be part of it, supporting the country’s efforts and future vision.
For his part, Walid Ibrahim Al Rahmani, Assistant Director General - Strategy & International Affairs at the GCAA, discussed the changes that will impact current jobs in the aviation sector as a result of the rapid adoption of modern technologies in civil aviation. He also highlighted the specialties that will play a significant role in shaping the future of the civil aviation industry.
The event also featured a discussion session titled "Developing Future Skills: The Role of Academies and Airlines in Shaping the Future of the Sector," which discussed the future of jobs in the aviation sector and the skills required in light of technological advancements and the global trend towards enhancing sustainable practices in this vital sector.
During the session, HE. Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer, HORIZON International Aviation Academy, part of the Edge Group, spoke about the current academic curricula in the aviation sector and the need to adapt them to rapid technological developments. Captain Riad Al Adayleh, Safety & Operation Manager at Fujairah Aviation Academy, also spoke about the importance of continuous learning as a prerequisite for career advancement in this vital sector.
Additionally, Hajer Al Hadrami, Senior HR Manager at Wizz Air, discussed the skills that students should acquire today to ensure their readiness for tomorrow's jobs in the aviation sector and the company’s efforts to develop national talent in this regard. Noura Mustafa, Director of Scholarship Programmes at Emirates Aviation Academy, participated in the session, discussing the scholarship programmes at the academy, the mechanisms and procedures for offering these programmes to students, as well as the requirements and criteria for applying and benefiting from these scholarships.
Emirates presented a briefing on its "Emirates Ambassadors" programme, which aims to develop Emirati talent in the aviation sector and empower them to take on leadership positions at Emirates stations abroad. Joining via screen from the Swiss capital, Geneva, was Mohammed Lootah, Emirates' Country Manager in Switzerland, who shared his experience with the students. Additionally, Mohammed Al Qasim, Emirates Country Manager in Cambodia, addressed the audience in person.
Hesham Al Tenaiji, Senior Manager - ANS Training at Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre, reviewed the role of air traffic controllers, their daily tasks, and their impact on ensuring the safety and security of all flights.
Abdulla Hamza Al Balooshi – Head of (BADER) initiative, presented a detailed overview of the Initiative that focus on innovation in the aviation sector, which was launched by the GCAA to encourage school and university students to participate with creative and innovative ideas that provide innovative solutions to some of the challenges facing the aviation industry.
Additionally, Abdulrahman Waleed Alsayed, Head of the Youth Council at the GCAA, showcased the efforts to empower youth in the aviation sector, along with the projects and initiatives that support these efforts.
The accompanying exhibition for the seminar also featured participation from the National Guard, Air Wing Department, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, The Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah, Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai Civil Aviation Security Centre, Fujairah International Airport, Emirates Group, flydubai, Air Arabia, Wizz Air, Strata Manufacturing, Horizon International Flight Academy, Fujairah Aviation Academy, Sharjah Museums Authority – Al Mahatta Museum, The Emirati Genome Programme, Mediclinic Hospitals, "BADER" Initiative for Aviation Innovation.