The United Arab Emirates University, UAEU, has become the centre for IELTS tests starting this July for students from UAEU and other institution in its campus in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of the UAEU, signed an agreement with the British Council for the accreditation of the Centre for Continuing Education at UAEU to hold IELTS tests, starting in July, 2015.

The agreement was signed in the administrative building in Al Ain. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi represented UAEU, while Marc Jessel, Country Director for the UAE, represented the British Council.

Dr. Al Noaimi said that the role of the university is to share knowledge and skills with the community. This role is evident in UAEU's mission and strategic objectives, where the university aims to provide services of quality, efficiency and excellence not only to students but to the wider community. The Continuing Education Centre is one of the most important aspects of this mission as it offers training courses designed to hone the skills and abilities of individuals, especially in the field of language learning.

Dr. Al Noaimi added that cooperation with the British Council, one of the most important global institutions concerned with teaching English language, is an important move for the university. This agreement gives the Continuing Education Centre an increased international reputation.

Marc Jessel, the UAE Country Director for the British Council, praised UAEU's role, adding, "The British Council is honoured to have signed this partnership with UAEU. It will provide the university's students and the wider community with an internationally recognised and accepted IELTS qualification. This partnership represents our continued commitment to supporting the leading higher education institutions in the UAE, by providing qualifications that recognise the ability to communicate in English. This is becoming an increasingly valuable 21st century skill that is sought by more and more international employers."