BAE Systems and Khalifa University drive Emirati students' interest in engineering through technology expo

The three day event opened, Sunday 11 November, at the Abu Dhabi Campus of Khalifa University with a closed door session for industry. Showcasing the latest technology, the event is aimed at encouraging students to consider careers in engineering and features talks by experts from Khalifa University, as well as engineering and Cyber Security experts from BAE Systems.

Speaking about the event, Ben Bridge, Regional Vice President, Middle East, BAE Systems, said; "BAE Systems is committed to supporting the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision through working with UAE industry and academia to help young people develop an interest in engineering and new technologies."

"This event allows us to directly connect with students in the UAE, give them hands-on interaction with the latest technology, find out what they are interested in, and steer them towards an exciting future in engineering."

"We are pleased to host this exciting event by BAE Systems," said Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Khalifa University.

"Our students greatly enjoy events like this one, where they get to see and experiment with the results of engineering, science and technology. It helps them envision their future careers and inspires them to be creative and industrious in their studies. Part of Khalifa University's mission is to ensure that its graduates are capable of making major contributions to the current and future sectors of UAE industry and society as leaders and innovators. Partnerships with companies like BAE Systems help us achieve this mission. The event is also an opportunity for Khalifa University to showcase its research results and to engage its faculty and students in collaborative works with industry."

BAE Systems is a world leader in developing future technologies for both the civil and defence markets. Several technologies designed and manufactured by the company were on show including, nano technologies, a state of the art helmet for fighter pilots, the cockpit of a Typhoon fighter jet, a flapless unmanned air vehicle and Inviso, a visual aid device designed and built by BAE Systems Electronic Systems apprentices to boost morale for wounded servicemen and women in rehabilitation. Khalifa University students also had projects on display showcasing the results of their Master and Doctorate research.

A highlight of the Expo is the Cyber Challenge, an interactive game designed to raise awareness of the four pillars of effective Cyber Security: Prepare, Protect, Monitor and Respond. Students from both Khalifa University and UAE schools took part in this exciting game to understand what Cyber Security really means.

The event continues on 13 November with the theme of Women in Industry. The day will see talks by senior female engineers from BAE Systems, including award winning BAE Systems apprentices, and Assistant Professor at Khalifa University, Dr. Habiba Alsafar, who will present the key note address on "Women in Engineering in the UAE Contributing to the Knowledge-Based Economy".