Presidential visit strengthens bonds with organisations in the UAE

Institution President Richard Folkson met with members and strengthened ties in the United Arab Emirates during a recent visit.

President Richard Folkson CEng FIMechE visited the United Arab Emirates, in January, to strengthen relationships with a growing number of companies in the region. The Institution is working with these organisations and supporting their engineering teams as they work towards achieving membership and registration. He also engaged with local members.

Richard, accompanied by Tom Owen International Business Development Manager, visited the Petrofac operation in Sharjah and gave an introductory presentation outlining his career in the automotive industry and how the Institution has played an important role. He also had the great pleasure to present certificates to over 40 new Associate members who are starting their journey to professional registration at Petrofac.

During his trip Richard met with a number of companies in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi including ENOC (Emirati National Oil Company), ADCO Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations), Strata, Weir and Proserv. Discussions centred on the role the Institution can play to support engineers and employing organisations to develop engineering excellence through membership and professional registration.

One of Richard’s objectives as President is to promote the Institution and engineering to the next generation, a way to achieve this is through engaging with university students. It was a great pleasure consequently for Richard to launch the first student chapter in the UAE at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai campus. Richard was given a tour of the campus by Academic Liaison Officer, Dr Mehdi Nazariniaa and Associate Head of School, Dr Peter Kew.

Vice principal, Professor Ammar Kaka opened the meeting with the student chapter committee and Richard presented the certificate as part of the inauguration of the student chapter. Richard delivered an inspirational talk to the students on the value of professional development throughout his career. Richard’s career in the automotive industry stimulated many questions from the students on the future direction and challenges for the engineering industry.

Launch of the Heriot Watt Student Chapter, the first Institution Student Chapter in the UAE

The Institution is represented in the UAE by the joint group of the PCE-UAE, our country representative, Mr Mohammed Al Nakhi and Young Member’s representative, Aqib Raza.

To engage with the local membership, Richard delivered his George Stephenson Lecture – Inspirational Engineering from Steam Engines to Self-Driving Cars, in Abu Dhabi. The lecture was well received and the networking session provided a great opportunity for the local members to meet the president and discuss.

President Richard Folkson gives his Presidential Address to UAE members

If you’d like to find out more about the Institution in the United Arab Emirates, visit the UAE Joint Group's Near You site.

For more information on developing your membership or professional registration please contact Tom Owen – International Business Development Manager.