Dubai (UAE): “An international certification is a benchmark of competence and a leading credential for professionals in today’s competitive world,” said Mr. Mohammed Al Ali, Vice President, Head SME branches and liability, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Speaking at a glittering convocation ceremony at Blue Ocean Academy, Mr. Ali highlighted that professionals were increasingly safeguarding their careers. They are also validating their skills through international certifications. The glittering convocation ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency Deira and was well attended by industry experts. Professionals from the private and public sector also attended. “I am proud to grace this very important occasion and to congratulate professionals who are keen to learn and develop their skills in order to add value to their jobs. It is a very encouraging trend, to see UAE attracting the best of talent from the world over,” he said. More than 400 Blue Ocean students were felicitated during the convocation ceremony.

In the Middle East, international certifications signify an instant passport to a rewarding career. It is a premium tag that helps professionals to gain self-esteem and professional recognition. It also signals entry into an elite club of internationally certified professionals worldwide.

The growth in certification programs is a reaction to the changing employment market. International certifications are portable. They do not depend on a company's definition of a certain job. “Certification stands out from the resume and the professional reference by being an impartial, third-party endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and experience,” said Mr. Ali. Mr. John Richard Ellis highlighted that in a world of constant change and competition, continuous professional education is necessary. He is the chairman of the Blue Ocean Advisory Board. He also spoke on the occasion. “At Blue Ocean Academy, we offer professional training courses backed by international certifications, to help individuals shine at the workplace.”

“With more than 18 years of training expertise, world-class faculty and well-designed, custom-delivered training modules, Blue Ocean stands tall with an alumni of 60,000 plus successful professionals. Having taken small steps forward every year, Blue Ocean is now the leading knowledge empowerment enterprise in the Middle East. Our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar is growing everyday.”

“At Blue Ocean training creates a circle of excellence starting with knowledge, empowerment, innovation and excellence,” he added. Blue Ocean international certificates are endorsed by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and apex certifying bodies like International Quality Federation (IQF), International Purchase and Supply Chain Management Institute (IPSCMI), American Certification Institute (ACI) and the International Quality Federation. As Dubai transforms itself into a hub of human capital, exporting knowledge and manpower to other GCC and North African countries, there is an urgent need for developing human resource practices to retain and groom local talent in time for Dubai Expo 2020.