Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai's School of Engineering and IT signs Agreement with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute to train future Aviation Engineers in Dubai
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute (VCATI), a KHDA-approved and GCAA CAR147-certified aviation training provider, to introduce new industry-integrated learning opportunities for engineering students focused on aviation and avionics.
Under this partnership, MAHE Dubai's School of Engineering and IT will host a fully equipped aviation and avionics laboratory on campus, providing students with access to real-world aircraft systems and simulation tools. In parallel, VCATI will offer month-long internships covering aircraft tool usage, maintenance practices, basic airframe and powerplant familiarization to prepare students for careers in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors.
The global aviation industry is poised for robust growth primarily driven by the expansion of commercial fleets and increases in air travel, with the Middle East forecast to require over 235,000 new aviation personnel by 2043, including 68,000 pilots, 63,000 technicians, and 104,000 cabin crew, according to Boeing's 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook. This partnership directly addresses the rising demand for industry-ready professionals by creating a pipeline of skilled talent equipped with both academic rigor and hands-on training.
'This partnership with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver industry-relevant, experiential education,' said Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna, Academic President, MAHE Dubai. 'By integrating specialized aviation training into our engineering curriculum, we are offering students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to aircraft systems, tools, and safety protocols. This collaboration reflects our broader vision of bridging academic learning with practical application, ensuring that our graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also equipped with the technical competencies and confidence required to meet the demands of today's aviation industry.'
Mahesh Choudhary, CEO of Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute, commented, 'At Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute, our mission has always been to prepare aspiring aviation professionals with the practical knowledge and industry-aligned skills that today's aerospace ecosystem demands. Our collaboration with MAHE Dubai is a natural extension of this mission. We are proud to work alongside a university that shares our passion for educational excellence and innovation. Together, we aim to create a training environment that merges academic learning with aviation industry standards.'
As part of the agreement, Vision Concept will provide the new lab at MAHE Dubai with a comprehensive suite of aviation-grade equipment. This includes an aircraft hydraulic trainer, avionics systems test bench, aircraft landing gear trainer system, and an electrical wiring board with fault simulation. Students will also gain access to a piston and turbine engine cutaway model, digital multimeters and test kits, and a cockpit instrument panel mock-up.
To support interactive learning, the lab will feature a computer-based training (CBT) software setup and calibrated tool cabinets, ensuring students are trained in an environment that closely mirrors real-world aircraft maintenance and avionics operations. The lab will be designed to align with Diploma-level aircraft maintenance engineering programs, exposing students to globally accepted safety standards and aviation technologies.
Each year, around 15–20 students are expected to benefit from the internship program, which culminates in a certification titled 'Introduction to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering' from VCATI. The batch size per cohort will range from five to 18 students, ensuring personalized and hands-on learning.
This MoU also paves the way for future collaborations such as faculty exchange, and student placement support, further strengthening the bridge between education and employment in the aviation sector.
The partnership underscores MAHE Dubai's commitment to meaningful industry-academia collaboration, ensuring its graduates are not just degree-holders but industry contributors from day one.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
New Dubai schools opening in 2025–26: Your admission cheat sheet
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not just growing — they're reimagining the school experience. From cutting-edge campuses to curriculum innovation, the race to expand capacity and offer diverse learning pathways is in full swing. Fuelled by government vision and rising parental expectations, the surge in new school openings is reshaping the educational landscape. In Dubai alone, more than 16,000 new seats were added in the 2024–25 academic year, pushing private school enrolment past 387,000 students and counting. This momentum is set to continue. As part of the Education 33 (E33) strategy, authorities plan to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033 across both emirates, aiming to add nearly 50,000 school seats. The focus isn't just on growth; it's also about improving access, affordability, and the overall student experience, with future-ready learning at the core. Already, four new schools are confirmed to open in Dubai in 2025 and two more in 2026, with over 20 applications currently under KHDA review. These schools will bring much-needed capacity, especially for primary-aged children, and will be located in key residential hubs such as Dubai Sports City, City of Arabia, Academic City, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Park. Whether you're a new resident or simply looking for the right fit for your child, navigating the admissions landscape can be overwhelming. This cheat sheet breaks down everything you need to know about the new schools opening in 2025–26: from curricula and location to tuition fees, helping you make informed choices during this period of rapid expansion. Summary table: New schools opening in 2025–26 Dubai British School Mira to open in August 2025, expanding Taaleem's DBS network Opening: August 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 initially, expanding to Year 13 Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Fees: Dh51,477–Dh58,836 annually Location: Reem and Mira communities Operator: Taaleem Highlights: Inclusive ethos, strong academics, and part of the 'Outstanding'-rated DBS Emirates Hills network Victory Heights Primary School to open new campus in City of Arabia Opening: August 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 Curriculum: British Fees: Dh40,000–Dh57,000 annually Capacity: 850 students Location: City of Arabia, Dubailand Operator: Interstar Advisory Services Highlights: Outstanding KHDA rating, play-based learning, focus on oracy Images: Supplied by Interstar Education (VHPS) Dubai English Speaking School to open new campus in Academic City in 2025 Opening: September 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Fees: Dh51,477–Dh77,217 annually Capacity: 1,250 students (six to seven classes per year group) Location: Academic City, opposite DESSC Operator: Not-for-profit (DESS) Highlights: Capped class sizes (20 in FS, 23 in Years 1–6), forest school, swimming pool, and adventure playground Images: From DESS website GEMS School of Research and Innovation set to become a premium educational institution in Dubai Sports City Opening: TBC (expected 2025) Grades: Initially up to Year 6 Curriculum: English National Curriculum Fees: Starting at Dh152,000; upper years exceed Dh200,000 Location: Dubai Sports City Operator: GEMS Education Highlights: Innovation labs, AI-focused curriculum, Olympic pool, 200-seat basketball arena, fencing, and martial arts dojo Class Size: Max 16 in early years, 20 by Year 6 Incentive: 20% founding discount for FS1–Year 6 Harrow International School Dubai to open in 2026 Opening: 2026 Grades: Early Years to Year 6 (initially) Curriculum: British (Harrow approach) Fees: Dh80,000–Dh100,000 for primary years Location: Along Hessa Street, near Emirates Hills Operator: Taaleem Capacity: Up to 2,000 students Highlights: STEAM labs, Centre for Performing Arts, neuroarchitectural design, values-based leadership programme Ash Mount School set to bring full IB curriculum to Dubai's Mudon in 2026
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Ministry fines 40 domestic worker recruitment agencies across UAE for 140 legal violations in first half of 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that 40 Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices in the UAE were penalised during the first half of 2025, with administrative and financial legal measures taken against them after confirming approximately 140 violations of the Labour Law concerning domestic workers and its Implementing regulations. The Ministry asserted that it would show no leniency with any Domestic Worker Recruitment Office proven to have committed legal or administrative violations and transgressions. It clarified that repeated violations by said offices and non-compliance with the legal regulations governing their operations expose them to strict and more severe penalties, which may include cancellation of their licences. Picture used for illustrative purposes. In a press statement, MoHRE explained that continuous monitoring of Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices' operations in the UAE forms part of its efforts to sustain labour market regulations, enhance these offices' competitiveness and leadership, and respond promptly to employer and family complaints regarding their work. These objectives are achieved through the efficient application of field-based and digital monitoring systems to flag and contain violations, while ensuring strict compliance among these offices with the legislation regulating their work. The Ministry indicated that the majority of recorded violations consisted of failure to refund all or part of the recruitment fees to employers dealing with them within the specified period of two weeks from the date the domestic worker was brought back to the recruitment office, or from the date the domestic worker was reported to have stopped working. Infringements also included non-compliance with displaying Ministry-approved service package prices clearly to clients. Moreover, MoHRE affirmed that its inspection and monitoring system was fully prepared to deal with transgressions and violations seriously, firmly, and transparently, noting its commitment to listening to feedback and complaints from employers regarding Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices. It urged customers to communicate with the Ministry and report any negative practices by these offices through the dedicated digital channels and platforms, or by calling the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084. The Ministry also urged customers to ensure they deal only with licensed Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices in the UAE to avoid exposure to any negative practices. It commended the majority of these offices for their commitment to providing pioneering and competitive services to their customers, and offering diverse options and packages that meet their various needs and requirements at reasonable prices, and in accordance with the governing laws and regulations. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing their competitiveness and growth, while ensuring the leadership of the Domestic Worker services sector in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation highlighted that customers can view the list of licensed Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices on its official website: to ensure their rights are protected and to benefit from the advantages these offices provide.
The National
5 days ago
- The National
How to enrol your child at school in the UAE
The UAE is home to some of the best private school brands in the world. That will soon include two campuses of the UK's renowned Harrow School. But as the UAE experiences an influx of residents, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, securing places for children at the best schools has become competitive. Whether you're new to the Emirates' education system and don't know where to start, or looking to switch your child's school, here's everything you need to know about getting a place. How has demand changed over the past year? There has been a significant increase in enrolments, driven by the high number of families moving to the UAE, notably from the UK, said Victoria Lumby, senior vice president of growth at Gems Education. 'Year on year, our total enrolments have risen by approximately 5 per cent.' To meet this rising demand, Gems Education has expanded capacity at some of its schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It also opened Gems Education Founders School – Masdar City and Gems Education Founders School – Dubai South last year, with Gems Education School of Research and Innovation to follow next month. Nikki Holman, head of admissions of UK curriculum schools at Taaleem, reported a similar increase. 'Over the past year, we have experienced accelerating demand across our school portfolio,' she said. 'New campuses such as Dubai British School Jumeira have reached high utilisation within their first year, and DBS Mira, set to open in August 2025, is already enrolling over 700 students, a record for a premium school in Dubai.' How do I know if a school is good? In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools regularly with six rankings, from 'very weak' to 'outstanding'. The rankings are available to the public in the Education Directory on its website. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) does the same, and these ratings are also available on its website. Inspection criteria include students' achievement and progress, teaching and learning quality, curriculum and resources, leadership, management, environment, and safety. The KHDA also measures well-being and inclusion. 'We advise families to visit schools, speak with leadership teams, try to meet parents already at the school and review KHDA or Adek inspection reports to understand the unique strengths of each school,' said Ms Holman. How do I choose the right curriculum? It's important to consider your children's learning needs, said Ms Holman. 'For families who may return to their home country, choosing a familiar curriculum often supports continuity. Although the British curriculum is by far the most popular among families, the International Baccalaureate is widely recognised as a highly transportable curriculum for globally mobile families,' she added. There are several curriculum frameworks to choose from in the UAE. Taaleem schools also offer American and French curriculums, while Gems Education also offers an Indian curriculum. How much are fees? Education institutions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can vary widely when it comes to fees. In May, the KHDA announced that private schools in Dubai will be allowed to increase tuition fees by up to 2.35 per cent in the 2025-2026 academic year. The fees can be found on each school's website. For example, following the price rise, at Kings' School Al Barsha in Dubai, Foundation Stage 1 costs Dh57,999, while Year 13 is Dh105,873. Brighton College Abu Dhabi charges Dh50,830 for nursery and Dh80,780 for Year 13. When should parents start the admissions process? The earlier the better. 'Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision and one that should be made with careful consideration and time to explore all aspects of the school,' said Luke Steward, director of admissions and marketing at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. 'Our admissions for the 2026/27 academic year will open once the current school year is under way, while we continue to accept applications for the current year where space is available.' Most schools open admissions in January for the academic year beginning the following September, said Ms Holman. At Gems Education, schools accept applications a full year in advance and they are open during the summer for tours and support with applications, added Ms Lumby. What is the admissions process? The process is similar across schools. It often includes an online application form, an application fee and the submission of documents, such as passport copies, visa pages, Emirates ID and school reports, depending on the year group you're applying for. An assessment appointment will follow and, if successful, an offer letter will be issued. The place will be reserved with a signed offer and deposit. What should my child expect from the admissions test? Tests depend on the grade and curriculum. They typically cover key subjects such as science, maths and English. In Abu Dhabi, children are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and the tests are used to help determine their grade level. In Dubai, assessments are often prerequisites for elite schools and some carry a non-refundable fee of up to Dh1,000 What happens if we are put on the waiting list? For many schools, being placed on a waiting list is common because year groups fill up fast, particularly in transitional years such as Foundation Stage or Year 1. For example, Gems Education schools such as Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah College and Gems Education Wellington International School have waiting lists across all year groups. Others, such as Gems Education International School, only have them in some year groups. Finding yourself on the waiting list can be unsettling for families, said Mr Steward of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. 'While there is often movement as family plans shift, we can never guarantee when a place will become available,' he added. 'We always recommend that families check in with our admissions office as early as possible to understand current availability. Staying in regular contact ensures you're well positioned if a space becomes available.' At Gems Education, application fees need to be paid and assessments completed even if you're on the waiting list. 'Wait-listed families are then updated on a termly basis, but will need to reapply if they've been on the wait-list for over two years,' said Ms Lumby. 'When a seat becomes available, students with siblings already attending the school are given priority; otherwise, it's first come, first served.' What are common documentation issues? One of the most important documents is a transfer certificate from your child's current school. 'Depending on your country of origin, this may need to be attested,' said Mr Steward. 'If this step is missed or not completed properly, it can cause delays in final enrolment.' Beyond this, teacher recommendations are often required, which can be difficult to obtain during summer holidays. 'School reports are occasionally submitted in informal formats which can lead to delays,' added Mr Steward. 'Wherever possible, we kindly ask families to provide official, signed and dated academic records.' Remote assessments may also be required if the student cannot attend in person. 'These require appropriate invigilation to be considered valid, which can be a challenge if your current school is closed or teachers are unavailable during holidays,' said Mr Steward. Ms Holman also advised families to bring original birth certificates, immunisation records and previous school reports for the last two academic years. What support do schools offer families who are new to the UAE? Everything from personalised school tours to transition support, admissions consultations and a step-by-step onboarding process are offered, said Ms Holman. 'Our community-focused schools provide induction programmes for both students and parents, including orientation events, communication guidance and resources about life in the UAE.' What should I do if my child has additional needs? While inclusion services for children with physical or intellectual disabilities are mandatory as per the KHDA and Adek, provision widely varies, so parents should carry out detailed research to find the right fit, said Victoria McKeown, a neurodiversity specialist known as The Diverse Mind Coach. 'Try to get the school to offer a trial session. Very often, when they see what the child's needs are, they realise they can accommodate them because their needs aren't significant enough to need a huge amount of support,' she said. If a school is insisting on a learning support assistant (LSA), which comes at an extra cost, parents need to advocate for themselves, Ms McKeown added. 'Ask: what would the LSA be used for? How do you know my child will need this LSA, and also what would a phasing-out plan look like? How will we know when we don't need an LSA any more?' Above all, it's important to decide whether the school will be able to meet your children's needs, said Ms McKeown.
