DIFC Academy, the educational arm of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a prominent financial hub in the MEASA region, has announced a partnership with Cisco to provide access to the Cisco Networking Academy. This collaboration aims to offer DIFC employees and the broader community access to the Cisco Networking Academy, renowned globally for its skills-to-jobs programs.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between DIFC Academy and Cisco sets the stage for a comprehensive talent development initiative focused on cultivating a digitally adept workforce in the UAE. This partnership marks a milestone in the region, providing the DIFC community with unprecedented opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement in vital areas of the digital economy such as cybersecurity, programming, data science, networking, and AI. Cisco Networking Academy's blended learning approach ensures tailored educational experiences that cater to the diverse needs of the DIFC community.
Alya Al Zarouni, COO at DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of mastering various technological domains in the finance sector. The collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy equips professionals with a diverse skill set, empowering them to navigate the dynamic technological landscape in financial services. By incorporating Cisco Networking Academy courses, DIFC strengthens its position as a global financial hub and contributes to career progression while enhancing Dubai's stature as a premier business destination.
DIFC Academy has been instrumental in addressing the learning requirements of the financial services industry by offering a platform for renowned educational institutions to deliver professional development certifications and higher education courses. Since its inception, DIFC Academy has served 32,000 graduates.
Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf region at Cisco, highlighted the transformative potential of Cisco Networking Academy. The collaboration with DIFC Academy aims to provide high-quality training across multiple technology domains, positioning learners at the forefront of innovation and equipping them with sought-after skills. By leveraging Cisco's expertise alongside DIFC Academy's dedication to talent development, the partnership aims to drive digital transformation and contribute to the UAE's vision for a digitized future.
