The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Academy, in line with its vision of developing human capital as well as the skills required for the future, has joined forces with EdAid, a London-based FinTech company, to launch the Future Campus. The platform aims to provide UAE nationals and residents with online education opportunities from top global academic institutions.
The partnership aims to provide a physical space for co-working and co-study to students enrolled in top online education courses.
- The strategic partnership opens a door of employment opportunities in major global, regional, or local economies for the next generation of talent.
- There are more than 400 online programmes offered by world-class non-profit universities. Students are encouraged to apply to these programmes and if accepted, will get access to Future Campus.
- Future Campus is a part of the recently-launched DIFC Innovation Hub.
- DIFC aims to fast-track the development and availability of the workforce required to mould the future of finance and provide support for the key industries driving economic advancement.
Alya Al Zarouni, the Head of DIFC Academy and Executive Vice President of Operations, DIFC Authority said: “DIFC is committed to shaping the future of finance through collaboration, innovation, and technology. The Future Campus will become part of the DIFC Academy and will accelerate the country’s economic growth by developing much-needed local talent. In time, they will lead the transformation of the financial sector, delivering positive impact and sustained growth. Given the breadth of campus’ offering, we will also be able to supply talent that will contribute to a revolution in other industries that will contribute to economic growth in Dubai, the region, and major international economies.”
The initiative is in line with the UAE’s Vision 2021 program aimed at building a competitive knowledge-based economy through the development of local competencies propelled by continuous investment in education. It will facilitate the expansion and growth of the talent pool available to Dubai and the DIFC, whose requisite knowledge and skills will foster the development of societies and economies that are inclusive and more sustainable.
Presently the DIFC Academy features three schools dedicated to Management, Law, and Finance, thus the Future Campus will be the Academy’s fourth initiative. Also, the inauguration of the Future Campus is happening at a time when the DIFC Academy is moving into the modern hi-tech DIFC Innovation Hub, the region’s biggest innovation ecosystem with support for early and growth-stage start-ups, big tech firms, and unicorns, to fast-track success and determine the future of finance. The Future Campus will cater to as many as 25,000 students every year, offering courses with an emphasis on getting the requisite expertise and knowledge required to foster a viable and innovative future for the world’s finance industry.
The Centre will provide a vibrant and exciting ecosystem, as well as a supportive environment that encourages students to apply to more than 400 online degree programmes, vocational boot camps, skills-based training courses, and study with peers. All the eligible online courses are facilitated by 2U Inc., a foremost education technology provider, and will be based on Software Engineering, AI, FinTech, Data Analytics, and Blockchain Cybersecurity. Students will also benefit from mentoring, career guidance, and networking opportunities including employment and internship opportunities at about 3,000 companies based within the DIFC.
According to the Founder and CEO of EdAid, Tom Woolf: “Providing affordable access to high-quality online education and driving life-changing outcomes are everything to us at EdAid. Students enrolled in selected online courses will have access to co-working, co-study space within the Future Campus along with access to the DIFC’s comprehensive and vibrant ecosystem.”
