The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC, has signed Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs, with the Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law, and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

The signing of the MoUs is within the framework of cooperation and partnership detailed in the UAE Technical Assistance Programme, UAETAP, a national project, which was launched as part of the UAE’s Foreign Aid Strategy and Policy, aiming to highlight the accumulated expertise of the Emirati authorities in various fields and to help build the capacities of the developing countries. This would further contribute to the promotion of opportunities for international co-operation.

The MoUs were signed by Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, and Dr. Issa Abdullah Mohammed bin Manea Al Humairy, CEO of Imam Malik College, while the other MoU was signed by Judy Hou, Managing Director of Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

The agreements seek to take advantage of both organisations' expertise to support the capacities of the UAE’s partner developing countries, in line with its strategy and policy of foreign aid.

Sultan Al Shamsi expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the various Emirati institutions that made efforts to promote the position of the country by joining the UAETAP, which is considered a platform to transfer the nation’s experiences to developing countries and contribute towards strengthening the bilateral ties with these countries, as well as support their development efforts.

The participation of Imam Malik College and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in the programme will add value because of their expertise and knowledge in the field of educational programmes, research, studies, and consultation and development services, he said.

Issa Al Humairy said that many institutions and departments in the UAE, including Imam Malik College, had responded to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to make 2017 the Year of Giving and had launched constructive initiatives that would benefit the people and community, in line with the civilised development taking place in the UAE.

Judy Hou said that the Emirates Academy for Hospitality Management had maintained its prominent position in the last 16 years as one of the best academies for hospitality management. She also expressed her happiness about cooperating with the ministry, as part of the UAETAP by providing educational consultations and training, as well as professional development programmes.