As part of its continuous effort to support the needs of developing the practical parts of its courses, Ajman University for Science and Technology (AUST) has announced that it has joined SAP's University Alliances Programme (UAP). Supporting existing business, engineering and IT programmes, the globally acclaimed UAP provides students with hands-on experience of key technology solutions. UAP member institutions of higher education gain access to the SAP Business Suite family of solutions enabling students to put classroom theory into practice through demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, case studies, and research programmes. Students at AUST will gain more practical insight into how technology can empower businesses to optimise key processes such as accounting and controlling, human capital management, project planning, plant and materials management, and sales and distribution. "This is a partnership that gives AUST students the knowledge and skills necessary to stand out in the job market, and also works in line with the university's efforts to support the U.A.E.'s knowledge-based economy" said Osama Saeed Salman, Vice-President of the Ajman University of Science and Technology. He added, "In particular, the partnership will bridge the divide between industry and academia. Together, we can prepare students for the future in a direct and extremely impactful way." SAP's UAP currently counts 52 members across the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region, incorporating thousands of students and 250 trained lecturers. As part of SAP's regional growth for the region the company plans to significantly increase alliances with the universities and higher education institutions over the next three years. "At SAP we are committed to helping students in the U.A.E. gain a competitive edge, and our University Alliances programme is a great example of how we provide students with the necessary skills, enabling them to add immediate value to the local job market," said Qais Gharaibeh, Managing Director - U.A.E., SAP MENA. "Our UAP will also provide faculty members with the tools and resources to illustrate how state of the art technologies can enable integrated business processes and strategic thinking", concluded Gharaibeh.