Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research officially opened ABB’s first hub for learning, development and collaboration in the Middle East. Switzerland-based ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, established the learning zone, a flagship facility based in the iconic HQ building in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The learning zone, set over 1,000 square meters, showcases ABB’s products, services and solutions, and offers customers, engineers and students over 180 training courses on leading edge technologies in a unique environment. “This one-of-a-kind facility provides a special environment for customers and other key stakeholders from across the Middle East. They can enroll on any of the 180 professional and engaging courses led by highly knowledgeable course leaders across multiple disciplines and products”, said Frank Duggan, Head of Global Markets and Region Manager for ABB in India, Middle East and Africa. The learning zone will be used by both the Emirati community and other stakeholders across the region, bringing knowledge and expertise under one roof and further demonstrating ABB’s commitment to securing deep roots and investment in the UAE’s future. ABB collaborates with the local community and is actively building its Emirati Ambassador program. As part of this, ABB supports Emirati students by offering certified training in the professional and technically advanced environment that will help to secure their careers for the future. The learning zone will be used by both the Emirati community and other stakeholders across the region, bringing knowledge and expertise under one roof and further demonstrating ABB’s commitment to securing deep roots and investment in the UAE’s future. “On completion of their courses, engineers and operators will gain valuable knowledge which will in turn improve effectiveness and efficiency, helping ABB customers to increase productivity, efficiency and safety of their processes”, said Frank Duggan. At the core of the learning zone concept is a series of valuable lessons - essentially useful knowledge and skills attendees can expect to gain on completion of the courses and transfer back to their work place. The lessons demonstrate how a special learning experience at the technically advanced learning zone can add value to customers across different technical fields and industries. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people. The facility includes five training rooms with interactive whiteboards, an auditorium to accommodate 90 people, digital display panel zone with an interactive augmented reality pod and discrete discussion areas. A range of demonstration equipment is available for hands on experience, such as the Distributed Control System 800xA in a mock-up control room environment, which demonstrates the ‘Operator Effectiveness’ concept. Another interactive tool includes the solar augmented reality demo that allows visitors to be given a virtual tour of a solar plant via a large screen. The learning zone can be used by engineers, customers and students who would like to enhance personal development and improve their technical skills and knowledge. From Gulf Today