ABU DHABI, 28th October, 2013 (WAM) -- The Department of Finance - General Directorate of Customs in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), has enrolled its first batch of candidates on a new Diploma in Customs Sciences course, which included 21 customs officers. The candidates have been selected following specific criteria and tests set by the General Directorate of Customs - Abu Dhabi.

Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, accompanied by Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology, went on a field visit to the HCT headquarters to check the curriculum of the study programme for the candidates, look at the classrooms and check the students? performance.

The diploma falls in line with the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Customs and the Higher Colleges of Technologies, which stipulates joint co-operation between the two parties to set up a Diploma and Bachelors of Applied Sciences (BAS) programme specifically designed to meet the requirements of the General Directorate of Customs.

The General Directorate of Customs ? Abu Dhabi was responsible for nominating U.A.E. nationals from the General Certificate of Secondary Education to join the Higher College of Technology for the Diploma. Eligible candidates should have had no less than five years of experience in Abu Dhabi Customs and must have passed the CEBA tests scoring a minimum of 180 (band 5) in English and 170 in mathematics.

HCT provides a core curriculum, training materials, experts and lecturers to cover the scientific aspects when training students, while Abu Dhabi Customs is responsible for covering the financial and customs aspects. The course is based on theoretical and practical work to guide young citizens towards a promising career in customs.

Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said, "By working to shape U.A.E. citizens with the adoption of the latest scientific and practical methods, we?re helping to create new opportunities for young citizens and provide them with the most advanced training methods. Gaining these practical skills will allow qualified and trained citizens of various competencies to meet the needs of today?s labour market and requirements. Sustainable development requires graduates to have more advanced skills which then qualifies them to actively contribute to the development and growth of the community based on a scientific approach."He added, "This diploma, which has been established by Abu Dhabi Customs, is considered to be one of our most important developments and Abu Dhabi Customs depends on it to meet the needs of the customs labour market. The General Directorate of Customs in Abu Dhabi sets a number of specific qualifications and experience requirements for the diploma. The diploma also features a specific curriculum to ensure that graduates of the Diploma in Customs Sciences course engage in customs work, which will in turn achieve the sustainable development of experienced, qualified staff.

For his part, Dr. Tayeb Kamali, HCT Vice Chancellor, highlighted his appreciation of Abu Dhabi Customs? co-operation with HCT, stressing their commitment to provide the highest quality of training and deliver a successful programme, saying, "A diploma and Bachelor of Applied Sciences in customs is an important step in the education sector and is not only unique in its kind in the region and the Middle East, but also on a global level."Kamali added," Following the significant role played by Abu Dhabi Customs in maintaining national security, facilitating trade and enhancing the U.A.E.?s economy, the Department needs to adopt highly qualified staff members with a high level of experience in customs work. This can be guaranteed by the specialised academic programmes being used to enhance the expertise of national workers, which in turn enables them to qualify for a role at Abu Dhabi Customs.

Abu Dhabi Customs has made great strides in the development of academic customs programmes, making it the first entity in the Middle East to support academic training and a scientific certification diploma and Bachelor's degree in Customs Applied Sciences. A major achievement in academic training has been the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Customs Academy, where terms of a Memorandum of Understanding have been signed between the Abu Dhabi Customs Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to contribute to sharing experience and capabilities by giving technical advice and expertise through a specialised Customs Academy in Abu Dhabi.

The Training and Capacity Building Department is also responsible for customs training activities across several courses, ranging from local courses held at Customs? premises or courses at private institutions in various areas inside and outside of the country. The department also participates in external courses for the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in order to create a good understanding of customs concepts and modern techniques for trainees.

The new Customs Training Centre, located next to the Al Ain Customs Operations building, was built and set up according to the latest models and has been designed to form an integrated centre with an appropriate work environment. In time, it is hoped that the centre will become a global training institute specialising in customs studies, in line with modern requirements for the training and development of customs staff meeting the vision of senior management who have stressed the importance of training as part of the administration?s development strategy.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.