• Initial phase will establish a Center for Aerospace Research and Innovation, with the next phase seeing the establishment of a world-class research consortium.
• Partnership will develop global commercial opportunities and world-class training opportunities for UAE nationals.

Khalifa University and Mubadala Aerospace today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an aerospace research and innovation centre (ARIC) at Khalifa University in its Abu Dhabi campus. The Center is the first step towards establishing an Academic Research Consortium led by Khalifa University and involving local and global academic and industrial institutions.

The Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) will establish a global collaborative research hub in the UAE - developing research opportunities, technology transfer and innovation possibilities across the aerospace sector.

Dr Jasim Al Ali, Senior Business Development Manager in Mubadala Aerospace unit, said: “We are committed to fostering greater collaboration between Abu Dhabi academic entities and the aerospace sector as research and innovation is an imperative cornerstone of building Abu Dhabi’s aerospace industry for the future”.

One of the Consortiums key objectives will be to develop innovations that have an international commercial applicability through maximizing the collaboration between academic and industrial organizations. The Consortium will also provide technology exchange and internship opportunities for UAE Nationals. Mubadala Aerospace will provide guidance on technology focus areas as well as offering exposure to its international partners such as Boeing, Airbus and GE.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University, commented: “Khalifa University is focused on building key partnerships with industry players which support our vision to become a leading international higher education centre renowned for world-class research in science and technology. Our joint partnership with Mubadala Aerospace to establish and host the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center is part of our research strategy that focuses on areas of importance for the economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre will deliver educational and research benefits to a new generation of aerospace engineers in the UAE, complementing the world-class studies available to them at Khalifa University. The Aerospace Research and Innovation Center will offer Khalifa University’s faculty and students greater opportunities to participate in and contribute to prestigious research and development projects”.

About Khalifa University

Khalifa University was established in February 2007 by a decree issued by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to complement Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision, which aims at building a knowledge-based economy that effectively contributes to the development of the UAE.

Khalifa University’s main campus is located in Abu Dhabi, while it operates with another campus in Sharjah, and presently offers bachelor degrees in Computer, Communication, Electronic, Software, Mechanical, Aerospace and BioMedical Engineering, Master’s and Doctorate degree programs in Computer, Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering, in addition to the Master’s degree in Information Security. In the future, Khalifa University will also offer degrees in other disciplines of Engineering, Logistics and Management, Life Sciences and Homeland Security.

Moreover, Khalifa University will include research centers in disciplines such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Energy, Nanotechnology, Aerospace and Health Sciences.

Khalifa University is open to men and women from all nationalities with particular emphasis being placed on educating young UAE nationals.
For more information, please visit http://www.ku.ac.ae
For media inquiries, please contact:

Momen Khaiti, Specialist/PR & Media at KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
Tel: +9712 4018066
Mobile: +971 50 5703857
momen.khaiti@kustar.ac.ae

Ghaleb Zeidan
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 50 778 2286
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833
Email: ghaleb.zeidan@ws-mena.com

Shawki Alameh
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 50 500 5824
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833
Email: shawki alameh@ws-mena.com

About Mubadala Aerospace

Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of Mubadala Development Company, is driving the development of Abu Dhabi’s aerospace industry to establish the Emirate as a global aerospace hub.

Through partnerships with world leading companies such as Boeing, EADS, Finmeccanica, GE and Sikorsky Mubadala Aerospace has combined global expertise and local resources to develop an advanced, technology-driven aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi.

Mubadala is building the industry around composite aerostructures and OEM manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and pilot training. These sectors are underpinned with education & training initiatives to create job opportunities for the local population and develop a highly skilled workforce, with research & development facilities being established to place Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global aerospace industry.

Flagship projects include Strata, the advanced composites aerostructures manufacturing plant and Sanad, the component and engine leasing company that works in partnership with Mubadala’s Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and SR Technics to deliver integrated MRO services to a global customer base and the Advanced Military Maintenance.

Repair Overhaul Center (AMMROC) the world-class aviation MRO services provider to SAMENA Armed Forces.

For media enquiries, please contact

Mubadala Aerospace:
Mrs Sara Al Shorouqi
Senior Communication Manager
Mubadala Aerospace
salshorouqi@mubadala.ae
Tel: 02 413 0006