University of Arizona and Emirates Group Security Sign Microcampus Network Agreement
Tucson, AZ, December 16, 2021 – The University of Arizona has signed an agreement with Emirates Group Security (EGS), Dubai, UAE, one of the leading aviation security practitioners and learning and development providers in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement both renews a 2016 IMOA with EGS to provide seminars and training to EGS employees, and opens a new University of Arizona Microcampus network location that offers access to online degree programs to citizens of the UAE.
The agreement will promote collaboration and research on general and security-specific subjects from certificates to postgraduate courses delivered online by University of Arizona faculty, with supplemental on-site services and courses provided by EGS at their headquarters and training facilities.
“In signing this agreement, the University of Arizona renews our commitment to the original IMOA of 2016 that focused on the master’s program in International security, joint training, seminars, conferences, and curriculum development,” said University of Arizona’s Liesl Folks, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
Through this agreement, the University of Arizona and EGS will jointly offer 60 degree programs delivered entirely online in English by UArizona faculty. Students will be facilitated through the EGS ‘Centre of Aviation Security Studies' (CASS) campus in Garhoud, Dubai (UAE). Students will earn up to two years of direct, undergraduate credits from the University of Arizona through a mix of in-person and online courses offered through EGS on the EGS campus. These courses will satisfy University of Arizona degree requirements or transfer to other U.S. universities.
“This new agreement creates a University of Arizona global location that will provide opportunities for EGS employees and citizens of the UAE to pursue higher education,” said Folks, “and we are pleased to be a part of this initiative.”
Well-established in the aviation security industry for over three decades, EGS provides a comprehensive curriculum of aviation and security-related programs affiliated with leading local and international certification bodies. The organization delivers over 30 courses and two diploma programs in its training institute and is a leader of security studies and education in the region.
Representing Emirates Group Security at the signing was Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, divisional senior vice president at EGS. "We are delighted to partner with one of the top 100 global universities that is repeatedly recognized for its outstanding academic programs and exceptional value, the University of Arizona,” said Al Hashimi.
“We look forward to continuing the collaboration we began with EGS in 2016 as we develop these new customized degree programs that will benefit students in the UAE and positively impact industry standards,” said JP Jones, dean of the college of social and behavioral sciences at the University of Arizona.
Arizona’s Hassan Hijazi, assistant vice president, MENA region, remarked that he is “equally pleased to see the continuation of a strong relationship with EGS,” that he has helped to build and that he has been facilitating since its inception.
“This agreement,” said Al Hashimi, “marks another step forward towards our vision of strengthening the global aviation community by providing AVSEC industry professionals with comprehensive, cutting-edge education and training."
The agreement between UArizona and EGS aligns with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 'Year of Security Culture' initiative that encourages industry stakeholders to support and promote a security-conscious environment. By working together and sharing best practices, this collaboration creates a robust international partnership that will benefit many aviation professionals.
“Through this agreement with EGS we continue to build our worldwide network, and to prepare graduates to excel globally and provide strong leadership in the 21st century,” said Arizona’s Daniel Palm, associate vice president for global affairs.
About University of Arizona
The University of Arizona, a land-grant university with two independently accredited medical schools, is one of the nation's top 50 public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1885, the university is widely recognized as a student-centric university and has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The university ranked in the top 20 in 2019 in research expenditures among all public universities, according to the National Science Foundation, and is a leading Research 1 institution with $734 million in annual research expenditures. The university advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships as a member of the Association of American Universities, the 66 leading public and private research universities in the U.S. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually. For the latest on the University of Arizona response to the novel coronavirus, visit the university's COVID-19 webpage.
For more information: www.arizona.edu
About Emirates Group Security
Emirates Group Security is a multi-faceted organization that develops and implements security strategies and measures across the Emirates network. It offers a comprehensive range of aviation security services internationally and in the UAE, and helps safeguard customers, employees and company assets against acts of unlawful interference. Through continuous review and workforce training, Emirates Group Security implements international industry protocols to the highest standards, ensuring a safe and secure environment for Emirates airline and other operators. Emirates Group Security is a leader in aviation security products, including aviation security education and training.
For more information: www.emiratesgroupsecurity.com or follow on https://www.linkedin.com/company/emiratesgroup-security/