ABU DHABI, October 17, 2012: The Higher Colleges of Technology's suite of Engineering Programs has been awarded international accreditation from the prestigious US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET).

As a result of the recent decision from ABET's Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission, the HCT's HD/BAS Chemical; HD/BAS Electrical; HD/BAS Electronics; HD/BAS Mechanical and HD Mechantronics programs have all been accredited to September 30, 2014. This accreditation action extends retroactively from October 1, 2010. Previously, the HCT's HD/BAS Civil Engineering program gained accredited from ABET in late 2010, meaning that all HCT engineering programs are now internationally accredited.

At the recent HCT 25th Annual Conference, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology warmly congratulated all those involved in the accreditation in his opening address, saying: "Thank you all for the blood, toil, sweat, and tears that have justified ABET accreditation."   

Dr. Tayeb Kamali Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said: "This is a very important milestone as the accreditation for our Engineering Technology programs proves that the Higher Colleges demonstrate world class standards for education and training in engineering. The whole team is to be congratulated on reaching this goal."

"We continue to focus on meeting the needs of the local economy and community by producing the next generation of highly skilled and qualified engineering experts, and at the same time meeting international benchmarks and accreditation standards for our programs," he added.

Dr. Mark Drummond HCT Provost said he was "very pleased" with the accreditation outcome.

"I am grateful for the professionalism of the HCT's accreditation team and all of the Engineering chairs and faculty who worked very hard together on the accreditation process," Dr. Drummond said.

"Their thoroughness, attention to detail and quality of their work was exemplary and they should feel justifiably proud of their efforts," he added.

Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, HCT Associate Vice-Provost of Engineering & Technical Programs said that all those concerned were "thrilled" that the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET accredited HCT's engineering programs retroactively to October 2010. 

"This is truly a major milestone towards achieving international status of our engineering programs, and a strong validation of the quality of our education at HCT.  Our graduates will be granted a degree that is recognized by the most prestigious international accreditation body in the world," Dr. Gabriel said.

"For those who choose to continue their studies towards a masters or a doctorate degree, they will be able to do so anywhere in the world based on this international accreditation.  We are extremely proud of this achievement and pledge to sustain it moving forward," Dr. Gabriel concluded.

About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 19,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.

HCT offers a wide range of English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Education, Engineering Technology, Computer & Information Sciences, General Education and Health Sciences.  These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors.  All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visit www.hct.ac.ae

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Paul Lancaster,
HCT Corporate Communications Executive,
Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Phone: 02 404 8543.
Mobile: 050 616 0964
Email: paul.lancaster@hct.ac.ae

© Press Release 2012