logo
Rabdan Academy first higher education institution in UAE to earn Validated by EFQM Certificate

Rabdan Academy first higher education institution in UAE to earn Validated by EFQM Certificate

Al Etihad17-03-2025
17 Mar 2025 17:08
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Rabdan Academy has been awarded the Institutional Excellence Certificate by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), becoming the first higher education institution in the UAE to achieve this distinguished recognition.This milestone reflects the academy's deep commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and global best practices. By implementing the EFQM Excellence Model, Rabdan Academy has strengthened its approach to institutional development, ensuring long-term impact and sustainable progress.His Excellency James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, said: 'The academy's receipt of this prestigious certificate reflects its unwavering commitment to institutional excellence across all its operations. It highlights the tireless efforts made to achieve its strategic aspirations as a leading educational, training and research institution, providing an integrated academic and professional environment for individuals and organisations, and delivering added value to its students and partners.'Rabdan Academy is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience through its dual learning system, which seamlessly integrates academic and professional components within a dynamic, interactive environment. This approach spans key areas such as safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management, all in alignment with the highest standards of quality and institutional excellence. It not only enhances the academy's reputation locally and internationally but also solidifies its position as a trusted partner in its fields of expertise.'Earning the EFQM certification reinforces Rabdan Academy's role in supporting the UAE's national strategies by preparing highly skilled professionals for future challenges. It also reflects the academy's commitment to building sustainable partnerships that enhance education, training and research—contributing to the UAE Vision 2071 for a safer and more resilient future.The evaluation report commended the academy for achieving advanced levels in various areas, including institutional innovation, partnership development, operational process improvement and efficiency enhancement. It also praised the academy's ability to implement continuous improvement using the RADAR methodology, ensuring sustainable and tangible long-term results.With the Validated by EFQM certification, Rabdan Academy is poised to continue its journey towards achieving the highest standards of institutional excellence. The academy plans to enhance its use of digital analytics, develop performance indicators, and expand the application of best global practices. Rabdan Academy aims to focus on innovation and increase its investments in scientific research and development to ensure sustained excellence and strengthen its position as a leading Emirati educational institution both locally and globally.
This achievement follows Rabdan Academy's recent success in the QS Stars global university rating, where it received the highest 5-star rating in six main categories: education, facilities, employability, global engagement, academic development, and governance. This marks a significant improvement in four new categories compared to the 2022 evaluation results.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi reports 3.4% growth in emirate's GDP in Q1 2025
Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi reports 3.4% growth in emirate's GDP in Q1 2025

Al Etihad

time4 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi reports 3.4% growth in emirate's GDP in Q1 2025

3 July 2025 15:24 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) has reported that the emirate's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached Dh291 billion in the first quarter of 2025, recording a 3.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This performance is driven by the strength of the non-oil economy, which expanded by 6.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching Dh163.6 billion. For the first time in Q1 period, the non-oil sector contributed 56.2 per cent of the total GDP, while the oil sector accounted for the remaining 43.8 per cent, equivalent to Dh127.4 billion. The results highlighted the effectiveness of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to diversify its economic achievements underscore the emirate's success in building a broad-based and resilient economy. With momentum driven by manufacturing, construction, financial services, real estate and trade, the Q1 results reflect strong fundamentals and well-coordinated economic Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: 'Day after day, Abu Dhabi's economy is reaffirming the success of the emirate's long-term strategy and the effectiveness of timely policies and measures to address changes and challenges in regional and global landscape. Our Falcon Economy orchestrates multi-dimensional strategies across different sectors, enabling us to build synergies and work in tandem to achieve Abu Dhabi and the UAE's strategic objectives.'The continued strong performance of non-oil sectors, accounting for 56.2 per cent of the total GDP in Q1-2025, is a testament to this vision. The manufacturing sector's steady growth reflects Abu Dhabi's Industrial Strategy's (ADIS) success in turbocharging the sector and enhancing the emirate's status as a magnet for highly skilled talent, businesses, and quality investments. We remain committed to future-proof our economy, building world-class hubs for financial services, advanced manufacturing, AI, trade and logistics, and new energy.'Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Director General of the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi, said: 'The first quarter of 2025 reaffirms the strength, adaptability, and maturity of Abu Dhabi's economic model. Our transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy continues to gain momentum, with high-growth sectors like manufacturing, construction, and financial services driving sustainable expansion.'This economic resilience is particularly vital as Abu Dhabi's population continues to grow, reaching 4.14 million residents in 2024. Sustained economic growth is not only a sign of vitality, it's essential for supporting public services, investments, and the well-being of our expanding community. SCAD remains committed to providing trusted, timely data that informs decision-making and supports inclusive, long-term development.'The manufacturing sector continued to lead the non-oil economy with a total value added of Dh28.5 billion in Q1 2025. It grew by 5 per cent compared to the same period last year and contributed 9.8 per cent to the emirate's total Q1 2025, the sector maintained its upward momentum, with the number of new industrial licences increasing by 4.7 per cent year-on-year, and the number of factories that progressed from under construction to production stage surged by 65 per cent, underscoring the industrial sector's continued vitality and operational activity experienced an expansion of 10.2 per cent in Q1 2025, reaching a total value of Dh27.5 billion and contributed 9.4 per cent in the GDP of the emirate. The performance is linked to continued investment in infrastructure, housing, and urban development. Recent initiatives such as the launch of the Binaa digital building permit platform, powered by artificial intelligence, are expected to further enhance project delivery and regulatory efficiency across the construction finance and insurance sector demonstrated robust growth, increasing by 9.1 per cent compared to Q1 2024 and generated Dh19.6 billion in value. This sector contributed 6.7 per cent to the total GDP, benefiting from Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a regional and international financial the first quarter of 2025, ADGM saw a 43 per cent rise in registered financial institutions and a 33 per cent increase in assets under management compared to the same period last year. Regulatory updates and expanded investment programmes have helped attract global financial firms to establish operations in the emirate. During the same period, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the second largest exchange in the MENA region, posted a strong performance. Its market capitalisation rose 3.2 per cent to exceed Dh2.93 trillion, and foreign net investment skyrocketed by 151 per cent to over Dh8.5 billion, showing the growing confidence of international investors in Abu Dhabi's wholesale and retail trade sector grew by 3.6 per cent in Q1 2025, with a total value of Dh16 billion and a 5.5 per cent contribution to GDP. This reflects continued consumer confidence, supported by steady population growth and tourism recovery. The sector is also benefiting from Abu Dhabi's expanding global trade relations aimed at unlocking access to broader markets and reinforcing trade scientific and technical services, including administrative support activities, stood at 10.3 per cent, supported by rising demand for business services and knowledge-based professions. The Arts and Entertainment services grew by 8.4 per cent, reinforcing the role of cultural attractions and tourism in economic growth and transportation and storage sector expanded by 7.5 per cent, reflecting Abu Dhabi's strategic logistics role and growing connectivity. Real estate activities increased by 6.7 per cent, with ongoing investment in residential and commercial development projects. The health sector grew by 5.2 per cent, aligning with broader public service enhancements and efforts to improve quality of Abu Dhabi's population reached 4.14 million residents in 2024, up from 3.8 million in 2023, its non-oil GDP continues to support the emirate's expanding population through sustained economic growth. This demographic trend reflects economic vitality and the government's long-term vision for sustainable development. Alongside this demographic momentum, Abu Dhabi's Dh13 billion Digital Strategy (2025–2027) is driving the emirate toward becoming the world's first fully AI-native government by 2027. By automating all government processes, the strategy aims to boost efficiency, enhance service delivery, and stimulate innovation-driven economic growth, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in data-driven, sustainable development.

AD Ports Group, Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group to establish automotive logistics ecosystem
AD Ports Group, Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group to establish automotive logistics ecosystem

Al Etihad

time5 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

AD Ports Group, Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group to establish automotive logistics ecosystem

3 July 2025 14:04 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)AD Ports Group and Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co., Ltd. (Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group), one of China's largest and most dynamic port operators, have entered into a preliminary strategic agreement to establish a comprehensive automotive logistics ecosystem connecting Chinese manufacturing capabilities with Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and African markets through integrated terminal operations, dedicated fleet services, and multimodal transport agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Tao Chengbo, Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co. Ltd, at a ceremony marking the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher, the second LNG-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a Joint Venture formed between AD Ports Group and the established automotive sourcing of Ningbo Zhoushan Port and distribution capabilities of UGR and responding to the growing demand for vehicle exports from China, the agreement outlines plans to reciprocally develop Ro-Ro and automotive terminals at Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group's hub considered under this agreement include accommodating larger vessels, increasing vehicle handling capacity and reducing turnaround times at the ports. These improvements aim to boost operational efficiency while delivering world-class performance standards and customer include using UGR as the designated Ro-Ro carrier, which has a specialised PCTC and Ro-Ro vessel fleet and operational expertise. UGR already operates Ro-Ro services connecting China with terminals in the Middle East, Asia and the Shamisi said this preliminary strategic partnership marks a defining moment in both sides' efforts to establish smart, connected automotive corridors across continents. 'With our fleet and global experience in the Ro-Ro segment complemented by UGR's operations, we offer immediate vessel availability and operational excellence,' he added, 'With the introduction of our second LNG-powered vessel in the UGR fleet, it not only increases cargo capacity for our customers but also demonstrates our commitment to investing in a fleet that supports global decarbonisation. The continued expansion of our Ro-Ro operations is a key element of our growth strategy, particularly as demand for automobile exports from China continues to rise; we are also excited at the possibility of seamless multimodal connectivity by integrating the Middle Corridor's rail and maritime routes.'Chengbo stated, 'Ningbo Zhoushan Port, a key deep-water port in China, ranks first globally in cargo throughput and serves as a vital hub for world trade. The maiden voyage of the new UGR ship, UGR Zakher, at Ningbo Zhoushan Port marks a new phase in our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group. Leveraging the cooperation in car roll-on/roll-off services, we will further expand our business areas, enhance comprehensive cooperation in logistics, warehousing, green energy, and talent exchange, and inject strong momentum into the coordinated development of the China-Arab Economic forward, Ningbo Zhoushan Port will continue to embrace the principles of openness and cooperation, continuously improve its service functions, strengthen cooperation with ports along the Belt and Road Initiative, and contribute more to building a more open and inclusive global economic landscape.'UGR Zakher, with a capacity of 7,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), mirrors the attributes of sister ship, UGR Al Samha, which was acquired earlier this year. Together, the two vessels boast the same lower greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the use of LNG, alongside improved energy and operational integration will also be considered as per the agreement, including comprehensive digital platforms providing real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and automated coordination capabilities to enhance operational performance while reducing complexity and manual intervention. In addition, the partners will explore synergies between sea and inland rail routes to create a comprehensive multimodal transport network through the Middle Corridor and offer alternative routing options for China-Central Asia-Europe trade flows. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi

Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers
Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers

Dubai Eye

time6 hours ago

  • Dubai Eye

Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers

Dubai has launched a programme for first-time home buyers, aiming to make homeownership more accessible and affordable by facilitating priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme is applicable to properties less than AED 5 million and accessible to Emirati and expatriates of all nationalities and income levels, and to applicants aged 18 and above who are residents of the UAE. Khalid Al Shaibani, Director of Rental Affairs Department at Dubai Land Department, told Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda that the programme offers a flexible payment plan, either from the developer or special interest rates through banks. He added that the 4 per cent fee charged by the mainland department could be paid in interest-free installments over two years, with the aim to attract 5,000 new buyers this year. Leading developers have reportedly already committed to the programme, promising to support first-time home buyers through priority access to units in new off-plan launches, and enhanced commercial terms, including preferential pricing. Participating banks will provide "tailored mortgage products designed specifically for eligible buyers," as the programme reportedly continues to onboard new partners to increase the choice for buyers. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the initiative marks a "significant milestone" for the real estate sector. It "represents a powerful economic lever - stimulating long-term demand, driving liquidity into the real estate ecosystem and accelerating the sector's contribution to GDP in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. By lowering entry barriers to homeownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai's global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge," Almarri said. 'In a global climate where housing accessibility is a structural challenge, Dubai is offering a model of sustainable urban development - one that supports talent retention, fosters community cohesion, and enhances the city's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and invest."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store