Linking Theory to Practice: Chemical Engineering Students at Emirates International University Explore the Latest Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies at ShifaCo Factory

University Media

In a practical demonstration of its vision to align educational outcomes with labor market demands, Emirates International University organized a field trip for second- and third-year chemical engineering students to ShifaCo Pharmaceutical Industries. The trip was led by the Head of Department, Professor Dr. Hani Damaj, and accompanied by Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hashdi, as part of the university's efforts to prepare engineers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The visit aimed to familiarize students with the precise industrial processes involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing and to observe the practical application of chemical engineering concepts, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer within a comprehensive industrial environment. This will enhance their professional readiness and deepen their understanding of the requirements of modern industrial work.

 The student delegation was received by Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Shahari, Director of Training and Quality and Management Expert, and Dr. Sawsan Al-Amri. Dr. Al-Shahari began the visit with a comprehensive presentation about ShifaCo, showcasing its product portfolio of over 120 pharmaceutical products. He highlighted the international accreditations the company has obtained, most notably the Gulf Registration Certificate, making it the only Yemeni company to achieve this prestigious regional recognition.

Following an orientation session on Occupational Health and Safety (HSE) standards, presented by Engineer Al-Kabsi, which covered safety and prevention procedures within pharmaceutical facilities, and a visit through the designated sterilization chambers, the students embarked on a field tour that took them on a comprehensive journey through the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.

 The tour included a visit to the raw materials warehouses, where students learned about storage and calibration methods and initial conformity testing procedures. They then proceeded to the Solid Dosage Forms production lines, where they observed dry and wet granulation techniques, pressing and encapsulating machines, and received a detailed explanation of the equipment used and the critical operating conditions at each stage, from initial assembly to final packaging.

The tour also included the liquid and semi-solid production lines, where students inspected the production lines for ointments, creams, and syrups. They learned about the giant mixing tanks, the mixing and agitation control systems, and the high-precision automated filling processes. The delegation also visited the antibiotic production line, where they were briefed on the specific engineering requirements and the stringent environmental regulations implemented to ensure complete isolation and prevent cross-contamination.

 The visit concluded with a tour of the factory's hub, the Quality Control (QC) department. Students explored the physical, chemical, and biological laboratories, witnessing firsthand the latest advanced analytical instruments such as HPLC, IR Spectroscopy, and UV Spectroscopy, along with Karl Fischer calibration equipment and dissolution and disintegration testing. They also visited the Research and Development (R&D) department, described as the heart of the factory, where they learned about pharmaceutical development processes and the two types of stability chambers, both real and accelerated, which ensure drug quality and stability throughout their shelf life.

At the end of the visit, the students received a comprehensive explanation of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that ShafaCo adheres to in order to guarantee world-class quality according to the highest standards. The students expressed their deep appreciation for this unique experience, which bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice, broadened their practical horizons, and enhanced their readiness to confidently and effectively enter the industrial job market.

 Through these field visits, the Emirates International University reaffirms its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, applied education that keeps pace with industrial advancements and cultivates qualified engineers capable of actively contributing to national development and industry.

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