AED100 million invested in Emirates Simulation Academy

Abu Dhabi, January 14, 2009: Al Qudra Holding inaugurated today the region's first academy providing realistic and accurate real time simulation of industrial facilities in the UAE and MENA region. The launch was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The ceremony was attended by senior management from Al Qudra Holding, CERT, and GSE Systems (USA), as well as other prominent UAE business representatives.

Emirates Simulation Academy, a joint venture among the three companies- Al Qudra Holding (UAE), CERT (UAE) and GSE Systems (USA) - has invested AED100 million to set up a high-tech Simulation centre in Abu Dhabi. It boasts five simulation classrooms which are all designed to address the operational needs for the region's main industries including power generation, water desalination, petroleum refinery and offshore oil and gas platform. Through their custom-designed-systems approach training simulation exercises, trainees are taught how to respond to emergencies and are provided with situations that mirror those they would normally encounter in a plant or facility.

Commenting on the success of the opening, Mahmood Ebraheem Al Mahmood, CEO of Al Qudra Holding said: "ESA is the unique in MENA region and we are honoured to have joined forces with our affiliates to promote industrial excellence and become the educational partner of choice."

Khalid Al Marri, Alternative Chairman of ESA added: "With such a strong reliance in the region on the oil, gas and other energy sectors, it is critical to have a well-trained workforce that is expertly equipped with the necessary operational and emergency skills. On-the-job training in the past has proven to be impractical or very expensive to undertake, so students at ESA will be able to develop these skills in a simulated environment. This not only prepares the industry's workforce with experience that they may not gain in years of working on-site in a plant, but also ensures optimum levels of knowledge, ability and safety." 

ESA is operational as of today, and offers five programs offering systematic and in-depth coverage of operator fundamentals and unit-specific systems as well as practical hands-on simulator exercises.

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About Emirates Simulation Academy (ESA):
ESA Abu Dhabi, UAE as a joint venture between Al Qudra Holding (UAE), CERT (UAE) and GSE Systems (USA). ESA started its operation with a strong capital of AED 100 Million.

ESA aims to bring the revolutionary simulation-based approach to training to the Middle East for the benefit of organizations. ESA is a technical Academy that provides realistic and accurate real time simulation of industrial facilities in the UAE and MENA region, and is set up to equip professionals with the necessary skills to ensure safe, efficient and productive operation.

For media inquires, please contact:
Noura Sarraj
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +9712 4494457
Fax: +9712 4494833
Noura.sarraj@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2009