Etisalat, BT and Khalifa University to launch joint Emirates Research and Innovation Centre

A memorandum of understanding, signed this week, will create a jointly-funded international centre at Khalifa University, focussing on innovation within the Information and Communication Technology sector.

The centre is expected to be a driving force for innovation in the United Arab Emirates and beyond, creating one of the largest research and innovation labs in the Middle East. Through collaboration with industry, universities and governmental organisations, the centre will encourage international collaboration, research and innovation in the fields of Next Generation Networks, Systems and Services.

Hussain Al-Hammadi, member of the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Chairman of the Institute of Applied Technology said: "This centre will be established at Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research and it will engage the staff and students of the university in research and development activities that are relevant to industry and of international standing".

Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar, Chief Operations Officer of the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation, said: "The establishment of this centre will enable Etisalat to drive its growth through innovation and to connect emerging technologies to business advantage. This will no doubt emphasize Etisalat's competitive position as one of the major telecommunication companies in the world."

Mike Carr, Chief Science Officer at BT, said: "BT has a long-standing commitment to the Middle East and is pleased to partner with Etisalat and Khalifa University in establishing this centre. It will provide a means to transfer BT's know-how to the Middle East region and at the same time expand the richness and diversity of BT's innovation by providing it with access to the wealth of intellectual capital that exists in the region".