infoTECH Feature

October 17, 2014

Center of Excellence in Dubai to help ICT Sector in Middle East

In order to meet the emerging and ever evolving demands of the ICT sector and streamline efficient and effective regulation in the Middle East and North Africa, GSMA (News - Alert) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority  (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates are collaborating to launch a Center of Excellence in Dubai.

“We have collaborated with the GSMA to establish a capacity building center of excellence that will facilitate the development of skills and will enhance the knowledge base of industry and regulatory professionals,” said H.E. Mohamad Al Ghanim, director general of the TRA.

Anne Bouverot, director general, GSMA was equally excited at the prospect of collaborating with the TRA to launch the Center of Excellence here in Dubai.

The center is to play an important role in creating an environment that is conducive for competition and investment in telecoms in the UAE and across the Middle East. It will provide regulators and policymakers across the region with practical tools and best practices. The GSMA and TRA expect to begin offering courses in the first quarter of 2015, and these will be delivered either onsite or online.

Initially, the curriculum is expected to comprise 10 courses on fundamental policy topics and later on it will offer additional modules to address emerging issues such as courses on the Internet of Things, mobile identity and more.

“Together, we will leverage insights and knowledge of the market to develop a structured and scalable capacity building programme that will help inform regulatory decision making,” added Bouverot.

These courses are aimed at helping regulators and policymakers understand the regulation theories in existence, emerging regulatory practice models as well as business and technology trends insofar as they are relevant to the mobile communications sector in the region.

“Mobile is one of the most dynamic sectors in technology and regulatory authorities face a growing skills and knowledge gap as they work to keep pace with new developments in the industry,” observed Bouverot.

In the future, the partnership is expected to extend to the creation of a one-year Masters course with an UAE academic institution, accredited by UAE academic authorities. 




Edited by Maurice Nagle
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